What do you find particularly exciting about your job?
Anja: For me, this brings together several topics that are truly close to my heart: communication, working with people, and inclusion.
I especially love it when different perspectives come together and something shared emerges from them. When people pull together and mutual appreciation develops, it makes me truly happy.
Because I’ve had a disability since birth, some of my life experiences have been quite different from those of people without disabilities. This gives me the opportunity to bring different perspectives to discussions. The same is true for people with other life experiences. This enriches the discussions. That, too, is inclusion.
What does inclusion mean to you in your day-to-day work?
Anja: For me, inclusion means, above all, being recognized as a person with individual abilities, values, and potential, on the one hand, and being accepted unconditionally, on the other.
I think it’s important not to automatically assume that someone needs help just because they have a disability. An open dialogue is much more helpful: Have the courage to ask questions, listen, and let the person decide for themselves what they need, because that can vary greatly depending on the situation—just as every person has good days and not-so-good days.
For me, this also means that a disability should not be a barrier to professional development, because many people with disabilities are highly qualified—or even above average—motivated, and eager to contribute to our society. An environment that creates the right conditions for everyone—enabling them to work to the best of their ability, support one another, and enjoy coming to work—is essential for effectively and sustainably unlocking potential and shaping the future together.
Has this topic also been a part of your own career path?
Anja: Yes, definitely. I used to worry a lot about whether my disability might limit my career opportunities. That’s why, in a work setting, I sometimes tried to keep it in the background.
At the same time, it was always clear to me that I wanted to continue growing professionally. I’m ambitious and have career goals. That made it all the more important to me that, when I applied to EnBW, the focus was on my experience and skills.
What working conditions make a difference for you in your day-to-day work?
Anja: First and foremost, the team culture. I find my colleagues to be very helpful and supportive, and I feel like I can ask questions at any time. It’s a natural give-and-take. That’s how it should be, and it’s incredibly motivating.
On the other hand, flexibility is particularly important to me. Thanks to working from home and flexible hours, I can better decide for myself when to come into the office and when to work from home.
This helps me both with my competitive sports and in managing my disability. For example, if strong sunlight is a challenge for me, I can adjust my work location accordingly.
What other benefits do you particularly value?
Anja: In addition to flexibility, financial security is also important to me. I see good compensation and profit-sharing as a way of recognizing performance and commitment.
But the work environment is just as important to me: a team culture where everyone can address problems and work together to find solutions. This requires empathetic leaders who adopt a people-centered approach and can foster psychological safety, as well as a strong culture of learning and feedback.
What surprised you the most about EnBW?
Anja: Actually, it’s the openness in dealing with my disability. Before, I often worried that my disability might eventually become a hindrance in my career.
Here, I’ve found that I can be open about it without feeling that people have less confidence in me because of it. I find that very liberating because it allows me to focus on my work in a much more authentic way.
Why does the phrase “Our energy believes in your abilities” resonate so well with you?
Anja: Because that’s exactly what makes the difference for me. People shouldn’t be reduced to what might seem different at first glance.
What matters most are the skills and strengths, inner values, experiences, perspectives, and potential that a person brings to the table. I’ve experienced firsthand how important it is to be trusted and given the chance to grow. EnBW believed in my abilities and my potential, and I’m very fortunate to not only be able to grow professionally in this role, but above all to combine my passions and help shape the future. I’m very grateful for that.