This International Women’s Day, colleagues across Fresenius Kabi share stories about the women who shaped their courage, direction and sense of possibility. Across continents and roles, these personal reflections highlight how female leadership, resilience and kindness continue to influence our teams every day. This collection celebrates women who inspire growth, determination and positive impact.
Passing on Inspiration
Celebrating the women who shaped our courage, our direction, and our sense of what’s possible.
- Nongnuch Phansorn
- Sarah Bennett
- Urszula Żurek-Kucharska
- Catalina Buritica
- Telmo Neves
- Jennifer Conrad
- Vacharee Duankhant
- Lindsey Thomas
Every person carries a story about a woman who inspires them: It might be someone close, like a colleague who backed you up, a friend who challenged you, or a mother or grandmother whose way of handling life left a mark. Or it might be someone you’ve never met but learned from: an author, an activist, an artist – someone whose work opened a door in your thinking.
This International Women’s Day, we want to bring those stories forward. We’re honoring the women who influenced us in big and small ways, across roles, cultures, and generations. Therefore, we asked employees across locations which woman inspires them and how they carry this into daily life.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
The woman who has influenced me the most is my aunt. She is a highly successful business leader and a true role model in my life. She began her career in an ordinary office position, but through her passion and dedication to work, she rose to become a Vice President at a top multinational company in Thailand. Her journey from an entry-level employee to an executive leader has deeply inspired me.
What do you especially admire about her?
What I admire most about her is her passion for her work. She always works with determination and gives her best in everything she does. Since I was young, she has shared stories about her work and taught me what it means to work professionally and responsibly. She believes that success comes from loving what you do and committing yourself fully to it. Her mindset and discipline are qualities I truly respect.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
I have considered her an inspiring person since I was a child. I grew up watching her while she was still building her career. Seeing her growth and listening to her experiences over the years made me realize how strong and capable she is.
How does it affect your daily life?
Her example affects my daily life in many ways. Whenever I start something, I remind myself to do it with passion and commitment. She has taught me that if I truly want to achieve something, I must put my heart into it. Because of her influence, I approach my work with determination and always strive to improve myself.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
The woman who has influenced me the most is Turia Pitt, an inspiring Australian whose story is one of extraordinary resilience. But what inspires me most is not just what she survived, it’s how she chose to move forward. After experiencing life-changing injuries, she rebuilt her life with strength, perspective and determination. Her ability to redefine what is possible, both personally and professionally, has had a lasting impact on me.
What do you especially admire about her?
I especially admire her mindset. Turia doesn’t position herself as a victim of circumstance, she focuses on what she can control. Her optimism feels real and practical, not superficial. She speaks about resilience in a way that feels achievable in everyday life, showing that setbacks, challenges and change don’t define us unless we allow them to. I also admire her courage to be visible, vulnerable and ambitious all at once.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
I had the opportunity to see Turia speak in person at an EA Conference around 12 years ago. Listening to her share her story live was one of the most incredible things I’ve witnessed. There was something powerful about hearing her speak with such honesty, humor and strength. That moment truly stayed with me, and from then on, I considered her someone who embodies resilience and perspective.
How does it affect your daily life?
Turia’s story reminds me to keep perspective, especially in high-pressure environments. In moments of stress or challenge, I often think about her message of focusing on what you can control and approaching setbacks with resilience rather than frustration.
It has shaped how I approach both my professional and personal life: with gratitude, calm determination, and a willingness to step outside my comfort zone.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
Consider a story of a young woman that is interested in psychology and pedagogy. During World War I she pursued studies at the Sorbonne in Paris and conducted research among pupils at schools in Brussels. Through this work, she became acquainted with the concept of disability and decided to dedicate her career to supporting children with disabilities. This woman is Polish, and her name is Maria Grzegorzewska.
Following the war, in 1919, when Poland regained independence, she returned to Poland and settled in Warsaw with the intention of founding an institute for educators working with children with disabilities. At that time there were no such specialized teachers.
Just after the war addressing the needs of disabled individuals was not a societal priority in Poland, as the country faced immense devastation and the necessity to rebuild its institutions from scratch. However, Maria was knocking at every door, she engaged with key decision-makers and ultimately succeeded in establishing the National Institute for Special Education.
This story has influenced me a lot and continues to inspire, for visionary perspective and perseverance. Maria’s pedagogical methods are still in use, and her contributions are recognized within the field of special education.
What do you especially admire about her?
Firstly, I admire her as a scientist, she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree. She was living abroad and that demonstrated determination and adaptability, something I know personally, as I have spent eight years studying in France.
Secondly, she had this insight into “critical historical moment”, exercising vision and knowing when to take initiative, when to knock at a door and how to open peoples’ hearts. Furthermore, her leadership motivated other people and set an example – many educators followed her in advancing special education within their respective regions. That gave an opportunity for children to integrate, to socialize, and to participate more fully in the community. It was not obvious 100 years ago, that was a significant achievement of that time.
I think that these are qualities of a great leader!
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
I think that it was three years ago. During some weekends I work as a tour guide in a historic museum in Warsaw. I read extensively to expand my knowledge. While studying Poland’s educational system I discovered how much Maria Grzegorzewska influenced it. Of course, I knew about her a little bit before.
Maria Grzegorzewska is one of examples proving that great history, great achievements always need a (charismatic) leader.
How does it affect your daily life?
Firstly, it is very important for me at work. I know that sometimes I am insisting a lot, repeating all the time the same things, being very “to the point”. By consequence, my colleagues may be bored or even frustrated with me. I admit I can be somewhere disruptive, as Maria Grzegorzewska exemplifies.
The second thing is about dreams, about ideas! It is essential to turn them into reality. Execution is challenging, it requires people - teamwork, trust, motivation and emotions, all of which I see reflected in Maria Grzegorzewska’s journey.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
Malala Yousafzai. Because she began advocating publicly for girls’ education at a very young age, even when her life was threatened. Her courage and determination to stand up for what she believes in, despite the risks, deeply inspire me.
What do you especially admire about her?
I especially admire her resilience and her strong belief in education for women. I admire the way she continues to speak up with a calm but powerful voice. She is not loud or polemic, yet she is clear, sharp, and purposeful in her message. She focuses on solutions and on helping other girls and women access education.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
Since she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 and I learned about her story for the first time.
How does it affect your daily life?
She makes me appreciate the opportunities I have as a woman and inspires me to support and uplift other women. I am especially inspired by her “non-hate” approach, choosing purpose over resentment. In my daily life, I try to focus on understanding, solutions, and constructive dialogue rather than blame.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
The woman who has influenced me the most is Dr. Magda Robalo. I admire how she turns medical expertise into real world change, strengthening health systems and expanding access far beyond individual patients.
What do you especially admire about her?
Dr Magda Robalo is a Portuguese medical doctor and the President and co-founder of The Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD). She is a public health physician and infectious disease expert, whose career spans over 30 years in the global health ecosystem, working in various professional settings, with Government, multilateral, and civil society organizations. What I especially admire about Magda Robalo is her ability to bridge medical knowledge with real world impact. She did not remain at the level of clinical expertise, but consistently translated evidence into health systems, policies, and decisions that improve access for entire populations. Her career reflects a strong sense of responsibility: science is not an end in itself, but a tool to build fairer and more effective healthcare systems.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
I began to see her as an inspiring figure later in my career, as my own responsibilities increasingly shifted from technical expertise to system level decision making. Learning about her work helped me recognize how health outcomes depend not only on good science, but on governance, access, and the ability to turn evidence into action at scale.
How does it affect your daily life?
Her example influences how I approach my daily work by reminding me to look beyond individual products or decisions and consider their place within the broader health system. It reinforces the importance of balancing scientific rigor, regulatory requirements, and access considerations, always with the end goal of delivering meaningful benefit to patients and populations.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
The woman who has inspired me is Katie Gavula. Katie inspires me because she has a way of influencing everyone around her in the most positive, and uplifting way. Watching her navigate challenges with grace and determination is inspiring. Being around her makes it easier to believe in growth, goodness, and the power of showing up as your best self. I’m grateful for the light she brings into my work and professional life.
What do you especially admire about her?
Her consistency, whether in her kindness, her work ethic, or the way she shows up for the people she cares about, creates a sense of stability that others naturally gravitate toward. Whether she is tackling a complex challenge or supporting a teammate who needs guidance, she leads by example and makes everyone feel capable of doing their best work.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
Since I met her on Day 1 of my employment with Fresenius Kabi.
How does it affect your daily life?
I am consistently inspired to positively impact my team and my customers.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
My daughter has influenced me the most. She has naturally pushed me to become a better version of myself, smile more, kinder, more patient, more optimistic, and give me the motivation to take on difficult and challenging goals. I find greater happiness in doing so, especially knowing that I am also becoming a positive role model for her.
What do you especially admire about her?
She takes good care of herself and shows a strong sense of responsibility in many aspects of her life. She loves freedom and art, has a gentle soul, cares deeply for animals. And she is determined and committed to the things she loves.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
Since she came into my life.
How does it affect your daily life?
I want to live a long and healthy life so I can be there watching her grow, supporting her to the best of my ability, and seeing her happy every day. Above all, I want to always be the best version of myself for her.
Which woman has influenced you the most – and why?
My mom. My whole life she has consistently modeled two things that have highly influenced who I am and how I lead in all aspects of life: curiosity and kindness.
What do you especially admire about her?
I admire my mom for her steadfast belief that more is possible than what meets the eye – you just have to ask! Engaging in dialogue with people and finding common ground unlocks opportunity and new learnings, while also fostering deep caring and sense of community. She embodied in me the belief that I can do anything I put my mind to. - She showed me how to be capable, resourceful and reliable.
Since when have you considered her an inspiring person?
My whole life!
How does it affect your daily life?
She affected how I lead in all aspects of life: Firstly, she taught me that curiosity will always pave a path to solutions. You will be amazed by how open people are to solutioning with you if you are willing to be vulnerable enough to ask questions or ask for help. Secondly, she taught me that the smallest acts of kindness can make a remarkable impact on others. Giving your time and attention is an authentic way to show someone you care, and the way you make them feel will stick with both of you for a long time. My goal is to show up for others with these beliefs at the heart of my behavior – for my family, friends, colleagues and customers.
