Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast

Viviane Sassen [https://www.vivianesassen.com/] doesn’t just take photographs, she creates entire worlds. Known for her dreamlike use of light and shadow, she moves seamlessly between fashion, fine art, and documentary photography, always pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and mortality. In this conversation, we’ll uncover the influences that shaped her artistic vision, from her childhood in Kenya to her fascination with abstraction. Whether you’re an artist, a storyteller, or simply curious about the way we see the world, this conversation will leave you looking at photography and life through a new lens. If you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to rate and review on your favorite podcast platform. I love reading your thoughts! Now, let’s dive in. Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast [https://waa.berlin/about] via waa.berlin/about Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waa.berlin/] & find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/waapodcast] Subscribe to our newsletter [https://waa.berlin/newsletter] via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://www.patreon.com/waapodcast]

I’m joined by Maria von Scheel-Plessen [https://www.mariavonscheelplessen.com/], who traveled all the way from Munich to meet me at Fotografiska’s cozy Bar Clara—bringing luxury straight to the show. As a senior marketing leader for a top luxury brand, Maria is a powerhouse in her field, blending strategy, tech, and business. But her path wasn’t conventional. Instead of stepping into her family’s 300-year-old legacy, she carved her own path—moving across the world, taking bold risks, and redefining what leadership looks like. In this episode, we get real about the highs and lows of leading—navigating self-doubt, setting boundaries, and making big career moves. Maria also shares insights on the future of luxury, from shifting consumer habits to why personalization is everything. And of course, we talk about the power of trusting yourself—because sometimes, the best strategy isn’t just knowing the market, it’s knowing you. Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast [https://waa.berlin/about] via waa.berlin/about Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waa.berlin/] & find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/waapodcast] Subscribe to our newsletter [https://waa.berlin/newsletter] via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://www.patreon.com/waapodcast]

This episode's guest is Annett Kuhlmann [http://www.annettkuhlmann.com/index.html], co-founder of Marsano [https://marsano-berlin.de/]—a brand that redefined floristry in Berlin. Annett’s journey is fascinating. With training in photography from the Ostkreuzschule and interior design at St. Martin’s, her unique eye for beauty is what sets Marsano apart. Over the past 20 years, she and her co-founders, Katrin and Andreas, have built Marsano into something extraordinary—a perfect blend of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. In this episode, we talk about her early inspirations, the challenges of running a creative flower business, and how Marsano’s distinctive aesthetic came to life. We’ll also explore her personal favorites—flowers, colors, and the joy (and challenges!) of staying creative. Sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Annett’s story and the world of Marsano. Let’s dive in! Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast [https://waa.berlin/about] via waa.berlin/about Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waa.berlin/] & find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/waapodcast] Subscribe to our newsletter [https://waa.berlin/newsletter] via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://www.patreon.com/waapodcast]

Today, I’m thrilled to sit down with someone truly inspiring—Leyla Piedayesh [https://www.instagram.com/leylapiedayesh?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==], the founder and creative heart behind Lala Berlin [https://www.lalaberlin.com/]. For over two decades, Leyla has been at the forefront of redefining contemporary fashion, blending Berlin’s cosmopolitan energy with her Persian heritage to create a brand that’s as bold as it is personal. From navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and steering through turbulent times to making powerful political statements through her iconic kufiya-inspired designs, Leyla’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Leyla opens up about the personal and professional lessons that shaped her legacy—her reflections on trust and leadership, the emotional impact of hormonal shifts, and her vision for empowering women through her work. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts.  Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast [https://waa.berlin/about] via waa.berlin/about Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waa.berlin/] & find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/waapodcast] Subscribe to our newsletter [https://waa.berlin/newsletter] via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://www.patreon.com/waapodcast]

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s not just about living longer but living better: longevity. My guest is the amazing Dr. Kati Ernst [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrs-kati-ernst/], co-founder of ooia [https://ooia.de/], a brand that has transformed the period market in Germany and she is now exploring how to have healthier, more vibrant lives at any age [https://open.spotify.com/show/5oN3i53N1AvBdfXtrmPURl?si=ed553d1c780244a8]. Kati’s journey is nothing short of inspiring—from consulting for luxury brands to building a purpose-driven company and launching a podcast about healthy aging. We’ll talk about the turning points that shaped her approach to health, how longevity influences her life and work, and what we can all learn about crafting a life full of energy and meaning. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate it on Spotify or leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Let’s get started! Read more about the Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast [https://waa.berlin/about] via waa.berlin/about Follow us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/waa.berlin/] & find us on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/waapodcast] Subscribe to our newsletter [https://waa.berlin/newsletter] via waa.berlin/newsletter ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ [https://www.patreon.com/waapodcast]