International Women’s Day reminds us that equality doesn’t happen “by itself”. It is shaped by everyday decisions — within teams, in meetings, in how we develop talent, and in who we trust with responsibility. Often, it’s not the big speeches that create the greatest change, but the many practical steps we take day by day.
In this short story, we introduce Roksana Korf, Head of Marketing & Product Management at Merete. She has been with the company for four years, is married and is a mother of two.
What sets her apart is her clear, decisive style of leadership — and the routines that enable her to combine leadership, family life and sport with ease.
Roksana, why is International Women’s Day personally important to you?
For me, International Women’s Day is a day of recognition for the courageous women who fought before us for rights, education and equality. Without their commitment, many of the opportunities we have today would not be a given.
At the same time, it also shows that the fight is not over. In many parts of the world, women are still severely disadvantaged. And here in Germany, structural barriers remain too — from the gender pay gap and the unequal distribution of care and mental load, to the underrepresentation of women in leadership roles.
So for me, this day is not only about looking back, but also a clear call to continue taking responsibility and actively shaping change.
'Action' instead of words: what is one concrete step that really makes a difference?
A truly effective step is to lead by example. Your values show up in everyday life — in decisions, in leadership style and in how we treat one another.
For me, that means taking responsibility, being visible, and intentionally creating space for others. It means not thinking in terms of competition, but building trust, supporting each other and sharing successes.
Especially as a role model — for your team, but also privately for your children — we can show that collaboration is stronger than rivalry. When women actively champion and make each other visible, real and lasting change happens.
Have you experienced a moment where you realised: as a woman in leadership, I can actively do things better?
Over the course of my career, I have seen how strongly informal “boys’ club” networks and long-established structures can influence decisions. Often this is historical rather than intentionally exclusionary — but it is not equally accessible to everyone.
Those experiences have shaped me. Today, I’m very deliberate about creating transparency, having relevant conversations openly, and enabling access proactively.
That’s also why I value our diverse and equitable team at Merete so much. To me, leadership means shaping conditions so that performance and potential matter — not whether someone happens to be part of a particular network.
You combine leadership, family life and sport — what helps you in practical terms to make that work well?
Sport is essential for me. I need movement to clear my head — it helps me switch off and sharpen my focus. When I don’t get that time, I notice it immediately, including in my performance.
My family is just as important. Having a partner who naturally shares care responsibilities and the mental load is the foundation. But you also have to seek support consciously and accept that not everything can be perfect. And if grandparents aren’t nearby, you need other solutions — for example coordinating with other parents, a babysitter, or, where possible, additional support.
In the end, it’s a constant balancing act. It’s not about doing everything at 100% all the time, but about setting priorities, sharing responsibility and allowing yourself realistic standards.
What message would you give to a young woman who would like to take on more responsibility?
Don’t wait until you feel completely ready — that moment rarely comes. Trust yourself to take on responsibility, even if not everything is perfect yet. Embrace those challenges; growth often happens outside your comfort zone.
Find people who support you, build your network, and champion others in the same way you’d like to be supported. And don’t be afraid to be visible.
Taking on responsibility doesn’t mean fitting someone else’s ideal — it means shaping your own path with intention.