Women in leadership: Shaping succession, securing the future

The 4th Westphalian Women's Business Day in Münster focused on key future issues for medium-sized and family-run businesses.

Shaping business succession, securing skilled workers, and driving digitalization: The 4th Westphalian Women's Business Day in Münster focused on key future issues for medium-sized and family-run businesses. The event was hosted by the Münsterland Women and Careers Competence Center.

The event made one thing clear: the next generation must preserve what has proven successful while simultaneously shaping change within the company – with new leadership approaches and a corporate culture that incorporates diverse perspectives. Melanie Baum, Managing Director and owner of Baum Zerspanungstechnik in Marl and Vice President of the North Westphalia Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK ), succinctly summarized the challenge of business succession: "The next generation of leaders doesn't represent a break with what has proven successful, but rather its further development. This is precisely where the great opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) lies."

Successful Leadership

LWL Director Dr. Georg Lunemann also emphasized the importance of different perspectives for successful leadership: "Diversity in leadership is not a trend, but a crucial success factor. Those who allow different perspectives create the best conditions for sustainable innovation and social progress."

More than 250 guests from business, politics, and society gathered under the motto " Female Leadership – Westphalia's Next Generation in Leadership or Succession ." Jürgen Kroos , President of the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts , which sponsors the competence center, emphasized the importance of the next generation of entrepreneurs: "Westphalia needs people who take responsibility and develop companies further. The Women's Business Day impressively demonstrates the wealth of innovative strength, courage, and leadership skills that the next generation possesses."

Background: Westphalian Women's Business Day In addition to providing insights into leadership and succession planning, the event offered opportunities for exchange and networking. The next Westphalian Women's Business Day will take place on September 8, 2027.

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