Two and a half months across the Alps - Antje von Dewitz returns

Three months off as CEO of a medium-sized company - how can that work? "Through our strong culture of trust, lived shared responsibility and the great representation by my colleagues*," explains VAUDE CEO Antje von Dewitz. By crossing the Alps, she fulfilled her long-cherished outdoor dream.

In June, Antje von Dewitz started her tour on the GTA long-distance hiking trail, which led from the Swiss Valais, across Piedmont and its Lepontine, Graian and Cottian Alps, through the Maritime Alps and finally directly to the Ligurian Sea to cool off. On this route, which runs through numerous cross valleys and lonely, challenging terrain, she covered a total of around 1,100 kilometers and 66,000 meters of altitude. Antje von Dewitz was accompanied in stages by her family and friends, but also deliberately traveled alone over long distances.

"I love long-distance hiking and have always dreamed of doing a trekking tour lasting several weeks. I fulfilled this dream for my 50th birthday, thanks to the support of my family and colleagues," says Antje von Dewitz, who planned her tour and time away from VAUDE well in advance. "Some entrepreneurs* and business partners* approached me and said: 'Thank goodness, you're getting out for a change and can switch off'. But it wasn't like that," says Antje von Dewitz. "I've always had a good balance between work and leisure." She doesn't see time off from the company as a "last measure against burnout," but rather as a gift and an enriching part of professional life. "That got me thinking, because I think it's important to make sure that you have a good balance at work and that it doesn't even get to the point where you desperately need time off. This also includes being able to take time out, even as a manager. If I always have the feeling that everything will collapse without me, I imagine that this is very stressful. VAUDE attaches great importance to the fact that employees work self-efficiently and ensure a good balance between work and private life. The family-owned company offers the right framework conditions for this, such as flexible trust-based working hours, in-house childcare, a sports program, or even the opportunity for everyone to take time off in coordination with the team.

Three months in nature, hardly any infrastructure and at least 1,000 meters in altitude every day - these are intense experiences: "Most of the stages are steep and long. It's really exhausting, you reach your limits, but then, when you're at the top, you're filled with this insane feeling of happiness. This far view, the nature... It's so intense and beautiful and it opens everything up. So, I fell in love with the mountains all over again. Nature is my source of strength."

With four children and as managing director of VAUDE - Antje von Dewitz's everyday life is well-paced. "It's been super fun for me to be out on my own." Hiking alone, she says, is perfect for listening to yourself and getting to know yourself better. It's also something that can be integrated into everyday life in a sustainable way. "It feels like a power source that I've recharged. I take away a bit of serenity and the realization that I pay attention to my own rhythm. Also, incredible gratitude and appreciation - for my family, friends* and colleagues."

At the end of September, Antje von Dewitz was warmly welcomed back to the company campus by the assembled VAUDE team - with a birthday serenade, welcome-back posters, delicious snacks and lots of hugs. Because not only was there the return from her crossing of the Alps to celebrate, but also her 50th birthday.

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