One of the hallmarks of the International Business Management master’s program at Fachhochschule Kärnten / Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is the strong connection between academic learning and real-world business practice. Students are regularly exposed to insights from experienced professionals who have shaped international organizations and led teams through complex challenges. Guest lectures from top executives provide not only a deeper understanding of global business dynamics but also a valuable perspective on what effective leadership looks like in practice. 

In this spirit, our students recently had the privilege of welcoming Solveig Menard-Galli for an inspiring guest lecture. Drawing on her extensive experience as Member of the Executive Board of Wienerberger AG, and an impressive career including leadership roles as CFO of L’Oréal Austria and CFO of Heineken in the Netherlands, Solveig offered our students an authentic glimpse into the realities of top management. 

Her talk provided invaluable real-world insights into strategic and organizational challenges, covering topics such as organizational renewal, post-merger integration, and the complexities of managing change in globally active companies. Beyond these technical aspects, her openness, clarity, and personal reflections on leadership made a deep impression on students, bridging the gap between academic learning and executive practice. 

We sincerely thank Solveig Menard-Galli for this engaging and thought-provoking session—and for inspiring the next generation of international business leaders.