Martina Girkens

"At Continental, you can fully apply your skills"

How did you find us?
At the time Continental took over Siemens VDO, I was also integrated into the company. Before that time, I had worked in various different positions at Siemens for 13 years. After the acquisition, I was offered a position in Hanover, and so I relocated from Regensburg to Hanover.

What does a typical work day look like for you? Is there such a thing?
No day is like any other, but, of course, there are always tasks that need to be performed on a regular basis. I am mainly involved in controlling functions. We work in a complex environment and it is important to find a way to integrate the vast number of functions performed by my colleagues into an overall performance that in the end makes sense.

What functions do you find the most interesting?
I find working on strategy to be very exciting. I like to plan for the future and to do so it is my job to define the strategy’s direction. But I also enjoy implementing it with the team.

Why should people pick Continental as an employer?
At Continental, you are quickly given the opportunity to prove yourself and to take on responsibility. In addition, Continental is a top performer, where you can learn a lot about working productively and efficiently.

What skills and knowledge should a person have for you to decide to hire them?
Generally, people should look for an area where they can express their individual talents and build on their own area of expertise. Potential employees need to convince me that they will be able to add value to the company as a whole.

What is your opinion on the career opportunities offered at Continental?
If you show a willingness to apply yourself at Continental, you are given the best opportunities to climb the professional ladder. However, you really need to be the best in your professional field and be proactive in contributing your skills to the benefit of the team.

How important is teamwork to you?
I’m quite convinced that a company such as Continental would not operate quite as well without its teamwork environment. What’s more, it’s simply fun being able to help each other advance their careers – what would the world be without cooperation?

Women are still a rarity in executive positions. How did you manage to gain acceptance?
I still don‘t see that much improvement in this regard in Germany. In Germany’s neighboring countries, women receive much more support in being able to balance the demands of family and career. I have always concentrated on just doing my job well and with the collaborative cooperation and the support of my superiors, I have always had very interesting positions.  

Can you please describe your management style?
Leadership is a must, and that is a skill that I definitely employ. However, a good executive must be able to let go. So, I try to use the strategy to manage my staff and allow them as much freedom as possible to do their day-to-day tasks.

How do you balance work with leisure time and family?
Right now, my husband and I have a long-distance relationship. That’s not always easy. But, I try to keep my weekends open. Usually, that works out pretty well.

How do you spend your time off?
I just started to learn how to play golf and it’s a lot of fun. But I also enjoy other sports. Archery, skiing, hiking are just a few examples.
Generally, I try to use my limited amount of free time for myself and my family and friends. Among the things I enjoy doing is simply relaxing with family and friends, sitting down for a nice breakfast or getting together to cook a good meal.

How do you picture your professional future at Continental?
I do not have any specific career plan. Still, I hope that, when the time is right, I will be able to take the next step up the career ladder.