Women Authors of Achievement (WAA) Podcast

Today’s guest is Marina Paulenka [https://www.instagram.com/marinapaulenka/?hl=en], program director of Fotografiska Berlin and a fearless voice in contemporary photography. Born in Yugoslavia before the war, Marina’s story is one of resilience. From growing up during conflict to building a global platform for artists, often without institutional support. We talked about using photography as a tool for empowerment, activism, and storytelling. Marina shared what it really takes to launch a festival from scratch, the importance of making space for underrepresented voices, and how art can drive real societal change. Let’s dive in. And if you enjoy this conversation, don’t forget to rate and review us on your favorite podcast platform. 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’s episode marks an exciting milestone: it’s the official launch of our year-long partnership with flaconi [https://www.flaconi.de/], Germany’s leading online retailer for beauty and perfume. Flaconi stands for more than just beauty products, it’s a brand that celebrates diversity, mental well-being, empowerment, and culture. Values that align deeply with what we do here at WAA. And to celebrate this moment, we’ve planned this special edition of the show. Alexandra Szarmach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-szarmach-b9360a137/] is flaconi’s CHRO and Managing Director. With a background that spans sales and HR at global giants like Sephora, Alexandra brings both business savvy and a deep, human-centered leadership style. She opened up about what it means to lead through values, to support mental health in the workplace in tangible ways, and how she is creating inclusive space for women to rise across industries. This conversation goes beyond titles. It's about real leadership, the messy parts of growth, and the strength it takes to build inclusive, thriving cultures. 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]

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]