Women's Business Day 2026 Flyer web

Agenda for the Ulm Women's Business Day 2026 on October 23, 2026 at 1 p.m. in the Ulm Chamber of Skilled Crafts

13:00 p.m.

Opening address

Mayor Martin Ansbacher

13:15 p.m.

Equality!

Kathi Wolf, cabaret artist

13:30 p.m.

Strong. Self-determined. Shaping the future together.

Why diversity is becoming a competitive factor and equality a future strategy

Dr. Birgit Stelzer with Lei Shen, SAX Power GmbH

The keynote address highlights why, in light of skills shortages, transformation, and global competition, we can no longer afford to leave existing potential untapped. Using examples from entrepreneurship, innovation ecosystems, and leadership practice, it demonstrates how greater participation, diversity, and responsibility strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and future viability.

The keynote invites us to rethink equality: as a lever for innovation, value creation and a successful shaping of the future.

Content

• Three future scenarios for Germany as a business location
• How we can better utilize existing potential for innovation and value creation.
• Why economic equality strengthens innovation, competitiveness and future viability
• What successful companies, regions, and innovation ecosystems are particularly good at
• What form of leadership and collaboration will the future need?
• How more people can actively shape the future

14:30 p.m.

Networking break with coffee and snacks

15:00 p.m.

Workshop 1: Financial independence is no accident – ​​how women today build wealth, security and freedom of choice

Annette Thierer, Family Office Tagwerk Ulm 

The workshop raises awareness of the importance of financial independence and supports participants in reflecting on their own financial situation and developing concrete approaches for greater financial security and freedom of choice.

The focus is on typical financial challenges faced by women – from income and pension gaps and care work to wealth accumulation and retirement planning. Together, participants will explore what financial independence means and what factors promote it.

Short presentations, interactive exercises, self-reflection, small group discussions, and practical case studies ensure a lively workshop with a strong practical focus. Participants receive concrete suggestions for planning their personal financial future.

Workshop 2: Competence is not enough – Positioning as an economic lever for female founders and freelancers

Melanie Kamrath, Entrepreneurs Campus Ulm University

There are many personal branding workshops. This one is different: We don't talk about the perfect LinkedIn photo, but about the question before it — "What do you stand for — and who should find you for that?"

In 60 minutes, you'll work on your positioning and a realistic step you can implement that same week—no budget, no new permits required. No presentations, no pitch training. Visibility is the economic prerequisite for competence to have an impact. Those who remain invisible won't be approached, invited, or funded—this is not just a personal problem, but a business one as well.

Workshop 3: Authentic charisma through inner clarity and strength

Baha Meier Arian, MSc Psychologist London

Many women try to appear more self-confident: they work on their charisma, their communication skills, or on being more courageous. But as long as inner doubts, past experiences, or unconscious patterns hold them back, self-confidence often feels strenuous or even forced.

This presentation will explain why authentic charisma does not arise from perfection, but from inner clarity.

Using my psychological pyramid model, I illustrate the four most common inner obstacles that prevent women from truly showing themselves as free, confident, and authentic. Understanding these connections allows you to recognize not only your own patterns but also where genuine change becomes possible.

Participants receive practical psychological insights to better understand themselves, become more in tune with their inner selves, and develop self-confidence based not on appearances, but on inner strength. Because authentic self-confidence is the most beautiful accessory you can wear; you don't put it on, you radiate it.

16:00 p.m.

Closing remarks and exchange