Caroline Farberger
“If you’re not actively including, you’re probably unconsciously excluding.”
A clear signal for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): many companies are restricting their DEI programs and activities and giving in to political pressure. This was also discussed by the guests at this year’s DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS.
Albert Kehrer, CEO of the PROUT AT WORK-Foundation, also emphasized the importance of queer diversity and equal opportunities in the world of work: “We at PROUT AT WORK are convinced that diversity in itself, but also queer diversity, is good for the company, because diverse teams are demonstrably better than homogeneous groups.”
At the foundation’s 8th DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS, the focus was on the commitment of companies and managers to queer employees: “We are convinced that different perspectives are essential for innovative ideas, and innovation is at the heart of everything we do. For 140 years, we have been guided by our guiding principles – respect, empathy, trust and passion – so that all employees can work with pride and appreciation. The DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS of PROUT AT WORK is a valuable platform to enter into a dialog about exactly this, to learn from each other and to jointly set impulses for more equal opportunities,” says Médard Schoenmaeckers, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors of Boehringer Ingelheim Deutschland GmbH.
Caroline Farberger shared private insights in her keynote speech
Over 50 senior executives from major companies and institutions accepted the invitation to DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS 2025, including representatives from Accenture, BASF, Commerzbank, Deutsche Telekom, Deutscher Wetterdienst, IKEA, Linklaters, MSD, Novelis, OTTO and ZDF. The participants of the top-class networking event enjoyed an exclusive dinner at Boehringer Ingelheim’s headquarters in Ingelheim am Rhein. Albert Kehrer explained the background to DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS in his welcoming speech: “The idea for PROUT AT WORK was born 20 years ago, when the inclusion of queer people in business was not yet a big issue. We all see that politics in some countries are restricting diversity topics and the rights of queer people. That’s why we invited people to DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS 2025 to learn more about the queer side of business. To listen to leaders who are part of the queer community themselves. Supporting queer people in the workplace is much more than just supporting a marginalized group.
The highlight of the evening was the keynote speech by Caroline Farberger, Board Executive, Investor, G7 Advisor and Speaker, about her personal experiences as a trans* woman and CEO and diversity as a business advantage.
“I was born a boy, but back then I didn’t know about other gender identities. I realized that I only had one chance to live my life the way I am. I thought: What kind of role model would I be as a parent if I don’t live my life authentically?”
Caroline Farberger is the first high-ranking executive in the Nordic countries to speak openly about her transition. Until 2022, she was CEO at ICA Insurance, a well-known Swedish insurance company. She is currently a board member, investor and speaker.
“In Europe, we need to increase our productivity and competitiveness. With our stagnating population, we can only achieve this, if we really make full use of the diversity of our workforce. This requires a conscious decision by each individual to embed inclusion in their behavior and leadership style. If you don’t actively include, you are likely to unconsciously exclude.”
INsight
Many thanks to the host of this year’s DINNER BEYOND BUSINESS:
