E11: A personal leadership story: From HR employee to CEO - A coffee with Mardia Niehaus

In this episode of "A Coffee with," we explore the incredible
journey of Mardia Niehaus, currently serving as the Senior Vice
President of Human Resources Technology and Innovation at
Deutsche Telekom. Growing up in South Africa during the
tumultuous transition out of apartheid, Mardia's early exposure
to societal divides ignited her passion for positive change.
Initially trained as a clinical psychologist, she later made her
mark in the corporate world, even becoming a CEO during a pivotal
moment in South Africa's history.


Mardia's leadership style is defined by her ability to embrace
failure as a catalyst for growth and innovation. She encourages
celebrating the lessons learned from setbacks, fostering a
culture of continuous improvement within her teams. Additionally,
she underscores the importance of taking personal responsibility
and sharing success with her colleagues. However, Mardia also
candidly acknowledges the loneliness that can come with
leadership, particularly at the highest levels, where tough
decisions and immense responsibility are part of the daily
landscape.


Mardia Niehaus's journey is a testament to the transformative
power of leadership, resilience, and a commitment to inclusivity
and personal growth. Her story inspires leaders to navigate
challenges with grace and integrity, create inclusive
environments, and leave a lasting impact on organizations and
society as a whole.