Womenize! – Inspiring Stories is our weekly series featuring inspirational individuals from games and tech. For this edition we talked Sonja Körfgen, Head Of DACH Retail Sales & Partner Accounts at astragon. She speaks about the value of embracing change, balancing strategic leadership, and the role of mentorship in personal and team growth. Read more about Sonja here:
Hi Sonja! From your start in banking to your current leadership role in the gaming industry, what has been the most surprising lesson you’ve learned along the way, and how did it shape the way you approach your work today?

One of the most surprising lessons I’ve learned along my journey is the power of embracing new experiences and changes. Transitioning from banking to the gaming industry was a big leap into the unknown, but it taught me that embracing change often leads to incredible opportunities. Change is the only constant in life, as Heraclitus wisely said. It’s one of my favorite reminders to be brave, to face fears and to leave the comfort zone.

This mindset transforms challenges into adventures, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally. I inspire my team to embrace innovation and take bold steps forward, knowing that each experience is a steppingstone toward our collective success and allows us to discover new facets and skills of us.

As Head of DACH Retail Sales & Partner Accounts, your role likely involves a range of responsibilities. Can you walk us through a typical day in your position and highlight the key tasks and challenges you manage? How do you prioritize your time to balance both strategic planning and hands-on leadership?

A typical day in my role starts early and I cherish those quiet morning hours in the morning to reflect and plan. After catching up on emails, I gather my team for a quick huddle to share updates and connect. After this I’m diving deeper into my different responsibilities as they vary like mentoring team members, troubleshooting challenges, attending meetings and managing key accounts. I’m also deeply involved in refining our processes, especially as we navigate the exciting merger of two areas within our company.

For me, the key to harmonizing strategic planning with hands-on leadership lies in setting clear priorities and maintaining a comprehensive overview of our operations. This approach helps me to stay informed, respond swiftly to emerging challenges and offer support to my team in their daily tasks. By keeping the bigger picture in mind, I can ensure that we’re not just moving forward but doing so in a way that aligns with our goals.

As someone who has successfully progressed through various roles at astragon, how has mentorship played a role in your development? What advice would you give to others looking to grow within their companies?
Throughout my career at astragon mentorship has been one of the biggest impacts. The difference between merely existing in a role and truly thriving often comes down to having leaders who believe in you and support you to reach your fullest potential. I’ve been lucky enough to have mentors who not only opened doors I didn’t know were there but also believed in my potential.

For those looking to grow within their companies, my advice is simple: don’t be scared to communicate your goals and admirations. Be proactive in seeking out projects that challenge you. I also recommend not only focusing on your own development but actively helping others grow as well. Sharing what you’ve learned reinforces your own knowledge while sharpening your leadership skills. It creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive together. And remember, growth is a unique journey for everyone. It takes time, and the path to your goals can be just as thrilling as reaching them.

Thanks for this interview, Sonja!

Sonja’s links: LinkedIn

Womenize! – Inspiring Stories Feature by Madeleine Egger