Kathrin Gielsdorf
Who are you?
My name is Kathrin. I am Head of People & Culture at Refratechnik Group, responsible for programs and initiatives across the full employee lifecycle – from Employer Branding to Development and HR Operations. In People & Culture we translate business strategy into scalable structures, operating models, and frameworks that drive accountability and performance.
With over 20 years of international experience in different industries, I love to design integrated people systems that connect talent, leadership, performance, and culture. I combine systemic thinking, agile methods, and AI with a strong coaching foundation. I believe sustainable growth comes from strong structures and responsible leadership.
How old are you and for how long do you work in the refractories industry?
I am 49 years old and have been working in the refractory industry for almost three years. Before joining the refractories industry, I worked 20 years in the biotech industry and energy sector.
Who has significantly influenced your professional life?
Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to meet inspiring people, mentors, and professional networks that have supported and shaped my development. Many of these relationships have lasted over the years and evolved into a strong network of people who continue to support and learn from one another across companies and countries.
Tell us something about your personal background. What do you burn for besides refractories?
Outside of work, I love spending time in nature. Whether it's hiking, skiing, or paragliding, I enjoy exploring new trails and landscapes—it helps me recharge and clear my mind. One of the things I appreciate most is that my children are now at an age where we can share many of these hiking adventures together. I also enjoy reading and visiting art exhibitions and museums. Discovering new ideas, cultures, and perspectives is something that inspires me both personally and professionally.
How did you get aware of Women@Refractories?
I first learned about Women@Refractories through LinkedIn. As I'm relatively new to the refractories industry and have always valued professional networks, I was immediately interested and joined one of the webinars.
Why did you join Women@Refractories?
I joined Women@Refractories because I believe in the value of professional networks and continuous learning. As someone who was new to the refractories industry, I saw it as a great opportunity to connect with experienced professionals, exchange ideas, and broaden my perspective. What I appreciate most is the open and supportive community, where people learn from one another and build meaningful connections across companies and countries.
How has the initiative impacted your professional or personal life?
Women@Refractories has expanded my professional network and connected me with inspiring people from across the industry. Through webinars and conversations, I've gained new perspectives, exchanged experiences, and learned from the diverse backgrounds of other members. It has reinforced my belief that strong networks and collaboration are essential for both personal growth and professional development.
Which specific tasks or areas do you currently support within the initiative, and/or in which areas would you like to contribute in the future to expand your professional or soft skills?
I am a member of the Leadership Board and support Women@Refractories by contributing to events whenever possible. For example, I participated in the panel discussion at the last Ceramitec and supported a webinar organized in collaboration with ECerS. Going forward, I would like to continue contributing to initiatives that bring people together, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen collaboration across the refractories community. At the same time, these activities allow me to further develop my leadership, communication, and networking skills.
How did becoming a member of Women@Refractories and its Leaderboard changed your professional network?
Joining Women@Refractories and the Leadership Board has significantly expanded my professional network. I've connected with inspiring professionals across companies and countries, building relationships based on knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual support.
If you had to describe Women@Refractories in one sentence, what would it be?
Women@Refractories is a community where people connect, learn from each other, and grow together across companies, cultures, and countries.