By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Women In koRea (WIR: ‘We’ in German) women leadership group of the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), in partnership with Macoll Consulting Group and The Executive Center, hosted the WIR Leadership Forum 2025 on June 26 at IFC Forum in Seoul, South Korea.

The forum brought together more than 80 women leaders and professionals from businesses, academic, and international organizations to explore the evolving demands of women’s leadership in today’s dynamic workplace.

The forum served as a dynamic platform to celebrate the growing influence of women in leadership while fostering meaningful dialogue around inclusive, future-ready strategies. It also reaffirmed the commitment of the KGCCI and its partners to advance gender equity in Korea’s business landscape.

Since its launch in 2018, the WIR Mentorship Program has connected over 250 women professionals, offering guidance, support, and empowerment for future leaders. The 7th edition of the program continues this mission, focusing on building meaningful connections, nurturing leadership potential, and driving positive change across sectors. Expanding its reach and impact, KGCCI recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sungjoo Foundation, operated by Sungjoo Group, which manages the luxury brand MCM.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks by Marie Antonia von Schönburg, CEO & President of KGCCI and WIR Co-chair, who emphasized the importance of confidence, connection, and emotional resilience in leadership. Her speech set the stage for a trio of compelling keynote talks.

The first keynote, titled “Building up and leading with confidence”, was delivered by Cyndi Chao Mackell, Vice President at Siemens Energy. She shared personal insights and strategies for fostering confident leadership in corporate settings.

Carrie Chuang, Regional Director at The Executive Centre, followed with a powerful session on “The Right Approach to Networking and Connecting with People,” offering practical tips on building meaningful professional relationships.

Joo-seuk Maing, FIT Voltaira Korea, wrapped up the keynote segment with “Emotional Safety and Accountability,” emphasizing the role of psychological safety, feedback culture, and high-performing teams—drawing on experiences from the U.S.-based leadership consultancy Dynamic Results.

An open discussion on “The Future of Leadership—What It Takes to Succeed in Today’s Business Landscape” brought all three speakers together in an engaging exchange of perspectives and real-world experience. Audience interaction enriched the discussion, further rooting it in the realities of today’s leadership challenges.

“At KGCCI, we don’t just want to empower women. WIR goes beyond mentorship—it’s about shaping leaders who lead with confidence, empathy, and resilience. Together, we’re building a future where those qualities are the norm, not the exception,” said Marie Antonia von Schönburg, President & CEO of KGCCI.