Women in Leadership: Andrea Sterl

The Women In Leadership series by Bureau Veritas Certification compiles a variety of interviews from our female managers, providing a platform to speak on the challenges and opportunities they have faced throughout their careers. Join us each month to hear the stories of some of our many #WomenInLeadership.

If someone had told a young Andrea Sterl she would spend her career working in a technical industry she would not have believed them. But after 25 years in accreditation and certification of management systems, she is now passionate about her work. As Certification Managing Director, Germany, she discusses her career path, leadership, and why it is important for women to pursue science and technical study programs.

What motivated you to choose this career?

I got into certification by chance. As a young woman, I wanted to work with people. But after starting my career in adult training, I needed a change and looked for something not linked to my previous experience. That led me to a job in certification, and I quickly realized that I loved it.

I discovered that certification is a people business, which allowed me to pursue my earlier interest. But I was also surprised to learn that I loved the technical, “dry” side as well. I find it fascinating to keep up with new standards and requirements and see how businesses adapt to them.

After nearly 25 years in Certification business, I joined Bureau Veritas last year as the Certification Managing Director, Germany. We have a strong focus on QHSE and Automotive certification for large clients in Germany. I’m also the Business Unit Manager for Switzerland. In total, I oversee 60 people and have 15 direct reports.

What challenges have you had to overcome in your career?

I love to work, and at the same time, I love my children. Finding the right balance between these two parts of my life is an ongoing challenge. Sometimes I get this balance right, sometimes I don’t. But I keep striving because both are important to me.

What qualities are needed in a leader?

It doesn’t work to use a one-size-fits-all approach. If you have 60 people, you need 60 different management approaches. Some people need private conversations, while others hate them. Whether it’s an employee or a client, you need to understand their unique motivations and start from there.

Thinking specifically about women and leadership, what barriers do you still see today?

I’ve always worked in technical areas that are dominated by men. In Germany, young women don’t go into science or technical study programs at the rate men do. So, it’s difficult for employers to find women with technical training.

As a society, we need to promote STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics) education for girls better. And we need to show girls how exciting a career in a technical field can be. This is about changing everyone’s preconceptions.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career similar to yours?

The most important advice I’d give to women is: don’t be afraid to try something new. If you don’t fit a job description 100% but know you could be the right person, go for it anyway and then convince the hiring manager you’re the right one for the job.

As women, we often hold ourselves back from opportunities just because we don’t have the perfect degree or don’t speak English fluently, or whatever it is. Meanwhile, men with a similar profile go ahead with complete confidence and get the job. Have the self-confidence to go for it!