Have you ever heard this from someone else or even from yourself?

I? Yes, several times. Also in other dimensions of diversity. I admit that I occasionally thought that I would not be given any opportunities because of my origins.

However, this thought only occurred to me when I experienced a painful rejection.

Now to the reason for this story:

My family and I spent two weeks with my sister and her family, who live in the United States.

We experienced a lot together (yes, I’m a fan of FC Bayern, Neuer and Co.) and talked about a lot.

My sister and brother-in-law, let’s call him Leo, know my book and find it relevant in their environment.

That opened the door to talk about the diversity aspects we experience on a daily basis.

Leo told us about a woman, let’s call her Lea, who doesn’t dare to present her own ideas to her team. Instead, she asks Leo to address her issues for her, saying, “They won’t take me seriously because I’m a woman.”

Leo does not understand this reasoning. My sister, my husband and I cannot understand them either, although we know that we have heard such statements many times before.

Leo wanted to know what our experiences in Germany and Switzerland were like. We had an intensive conversation and found out that there are many reasons for such self-doubt, including:

Fear of failure

Fear of rejection

Convenience – because this explanation is often accepted

In my life, I have met many women who doubt themselves so much that these doubts ultimately fulfill themselves. In my book, I also share moments of clarity that show that it is worth drawing far-reaching conclusions, not only from a bad experience.

The stories we tell ourselves have a profound impact on us.

I also know that this attitude holds us captive. The result: There is no improvement because the practice is missing, and the negative thoughts are confirmed.

There are situations in which “being different” can actually be the reason for difficulties.

But it is worth taking a closer look, for example by asking specific questions, instead of jumping to conclusions.
It is worth taking a closer look at why success was not achieved.

Even when structures and the willingness of others are in place, self-doubt prevents us from using the full potential.

How should diversity be accepted and used when there are inner blockages?

What would you say or ask Lea?
including Karina Rey, Ruth Omondi and Harald Wolfram Klein ?