To grow a community of women at MET Group and to develop female leaders who have the courage to tackle the challenges facing the energy industry – these are the key objectives of the newly launched Female Leadership Programme.
A group of exceptional women from across MET Group have recently come together in Zürich for a unique experience: the Female Leadership Programme. This initiative is designed for junior and mid-level female managers who have the ambition to take on key positions within the Swiss-based company.
Delivered through a two-day in-person workshop, followed by peer-support sessions (when participants work by themselves on solving specific female leadership-related situations) and sub-group follow-ups, the programme offered a blend of self-reflection, practical tools and shared learning. In a small group format, each participant had the space to explore her leadership journey in depth.
The Female Leadership Programme aims not only to grow a strong community of female leaders within MET, but it also creates a special environment for them. “We are looking for leaders who are ambitious in pursuing key roles and committed to bringing their full potential to the table. This programme gives the opportunity for our female colleagues to grow in a special environment together,” explains MET Group HR Director Tünde Tóth.
At MET, becoming a woman leader is also possible on the international level. The fact that the energy company has subsidiaries in 20 countries provides a chance for colleagues to find and fulfil relevant positions across different geographies.
Participants left the Zürich workshop not only with new tools for communication and leadership but with a renewed sense of purpose. “It was empowering to realize that I am not alone. We all face similar challenges – and together we rise,” says Petra Szarvas, Western European Sales Division HR Director, Sales & Trading Segment.
“Connecting with colleagues was a great experience. We rarely have the time to connect with each other on a deeper and more personal level due to work commitments or lack of opportunities,” recalls Venus Tomad, Middle Office Specialist, MET International. “Being able to listen to their experiences and get to know their journeys gave me a sense of comfort, reassuring me what I have been feeling as a woman in the workplace is valid, and I am not just ‘overthinking’ or ‘being too sensitive’ about issues.”
From discovering how to turn strengths into success, to learning how to communicate with impact, the programme sparked transformation. As Cindy Sepulveda, Head of Trade Finance Operations, MET International summarizes: “The training helped me to understand the significance of communication with effective tools in creating a meaningful and stronger impact.”
One of the most powerful outcomes of the programme was the sense of solidarity it established. In a safe and supportive environment, women shared their challenges, opened up about their experiences, and found strength in one another. We look forward to welcoming our next colleagues who will join the programme in 2026, thus reinforcing the community and continuing the legacy.