how has the first half of the year been for you so far?

Dear MAG-readers,

This time in our MAG, we talk about a word and concept you probably all find rather abstract and maybe also slightly over-used: change. It can cause frustration, feelings of being overwhelmed and even provoke some kind of inner resistance – if that’s you, I can definitely relate! However, I am convinced that there is not only incredible potential but also the opportunity to challenge ourselves, learn and grow to achieve meaningful progress. We do not always see how far we have come and are pretty good at overseeing past achievements. Thus, we wanted to make exactly this visible: where at NKG are stories to celebrate, successes and achievements which became reality due to open minds and new ideas?

And we have gathered many great articles! I especially like the ones from our group companies, as they showcase how openness to new perspectives, innovative ideas, and establishing an inclusive work environment leads to tangible progress.

One of my personal favorite milestones this year (so far) has been International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that change begins within us. Developing self-efficacy – the belief in our ability to influence either the situation around us or our own mindset and reaction – is central to navigating change effectively. It’s a skill I rely on daily in my work at the Comms department a lot, especially in moments of unpredictability. The sessions I watched on IWD also strengthened my belief that kindness is key: Though my sphere of influence might seem small at first sight, it makes a huge difference how I approach the people around me. I can choose to make colleagues feel seen by being empathetic, showing respect and listening actively – and that is something I will definitely maintain. International Women’s Day is also always a great opportunity to challenge myself and learn how to be a better ally. Though learning can sometimes also feel confronting when recognizing mistakes I made, I love to find out how to deal with these maybe uncomfortable emotions. How can I navigate them, stay with them and grow?

So, as we navigate change together, I encourage you to reflect on how you cultivate positivity and self-efficacy in your own life. What strategies have helped you stay open to growth? I would love to hear your thoughts and ideas, as they might inspire your colleagues and me, too. Please let us know in the comments or reach out to us via mail.

Have a great and insightful rest of the year – and spread some kindness whenever possible!

Warm regards,
Julia Wichert

PS: Yes, we have a brand-new team picture for you! Together with our legal department, we went to do archery. It was a very special and fun event! Any guesses on who was the best bow hunter in the team?