In this episode, we welcome Stefanie Klein, who leads the international initiative Women4Metals at Aurubis AG. With years of experience in the male-dominated metals industry, Stefanie is dedicated to making women in heavy industry more visible and empowered. Her work demonstrates that diversity is a business imperative, essential for driving cultural transformation across an entire sector.
Stefanie explains that the push for diversity at her company is not just a social good but a strategic necessity. It addresses the critical “war for talent” by widening the talent pool and brings diverse perspectives to the table, leading to more sustainable and robust business decisions. The core philosophy of her initiative is to “fix the system, not the women,” focusing on changing the corporate framework to be more inclusive rather than trying to change the women within it. This involves making female role models more visible to attract others and fostering genuine male allyship.
For individuals navigating their careers, especially in traditional industries, Stefanie offers clear, actionable advice. She stresses the importance of building a diverse professional network and seeking out sponsorship, noting that women are often “over-mentored but under-sponsored.” Her final guidance for young people is to remain curious, be proactive in connecting with companies, and stay open to all opportunities, particularly in STEM fields where there is immense potential for growth and impact.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.