EXPLORE PEGGY'S PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY: FROM APPRENTICE TO LEADER

Join us as Peggy recounts her inspiring journey from apprentice to leader, offering valuable lessons learned along the way.

When did you start working for Vitesco Technologies? What role do you have in the company?

I began my apprenticeship as a metal cutting mechanic in Limbach-Oberfrohna in August 2007. Since then, I have gained diverse experience across various positions in production and quality before eventually becoming a production engineer specializing in measurement processes.

As of June 1, 2022, I have had the privilege of leading a fantastic team of 40 individuals in the laboratory area of Limbach-Oberfrohna.

Looking back to your apprenticeship days, what were some key challenges you faced and how did they contribute to your development?

Navigating a male-dominated field like metal cutting mechanics presented me with unique challenges. Overcoming gender stereotypes required extra effort, but perseverance paid off: I graduated in 2011 as one of the top students, achieving 98%.

Today, finding a work-life balance is extremely important to me, which I achieve through cross-fit, speed hiking and travelling.

Do you have a specific mentor or role model who inspired your career development? If so, how did they influence your path?

My father, an automation technologist, sparked my passion for technical skills, which I developed through industry internships. My journey to group leader was significantly influenced by Andreas Jäger, who pushed me beyond my comfort zone. Additionally, my partner grounds me, encouraging growth while ensuring I don't lose myself in the work.

How do you foster a culture of learning and development within your team?

Juggling work and studies (2014-2018) to gain my degree in Technical Business Administration was a challenge that I mastered. I am the proof that studying alongside work is worthwhile on the long term. I motivate my team to follow this path as well and offer them my full support. In addition, I sometimes offer them financial investment coaching - because the best returns are achieved come from investing in ourselves.

Balancing work and studying can be demanding. How did you manage your time effectively while completing your college degree while also holding down a full-time job? 

To be honest, it was a very challenging time. I worked on a three-shift system, but fortunately, I found myself in a remarkably supportive environment. My boss allowed me to prioritize morning and night shifts, and my understanding colleagues supported me also, I was very grateful for this. Despite the hustle, I still managed to balance sport and even a relationship.

How do you define effective leadership in today's work environment? How do you implement that definition in your own leadership style?

Today's dynamic workplace demands adaptable employees. In my opinion, effective leadership means motivating employees so that they really enjoy their work. Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" resonates deeply with me: when my team  knows exactly the purpose behind their tasks, their work becomes more meaningful. Transparency creates motivation. Motivation creates efficiency.

What advice would you give to someone currently in an apprenticeship program who aspires to a leadership role?

First of all: always stay true to yourself and your values. Then focus on your own career goal and figure out how to achieve it. It is important to invest in your own skills and abilities, trust in your competencies, and always go one step further than others might expect. After all, great things rarely come from comfort zones.

One more thing: it is important to establish a healthy work-life balance that allows you to disconnect and clear your mind.

ABOUT VITESCO AUTOMOTIVE WUHU

Vitesco Automotive Wuhu Co., Ltd. was founded in 1995 as a joint venture established by German Mannesmann VDO Group and Wuhu Instrument Factory in Wuhu, China.

In 1998, the investment partner of the joint venture company was changed to the construction company of Wuhu Economic and Technological Development Zone, WEDA.

In 2020, after different ownership changes, the location became Vitesco Automotive Wuhu Co., Ltd. Now Vitesco Automotive Wuhu has more than 1,400 employees locally.

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