Under the motto "Next Generation Leadership - How do we lead today and what will change tomorrow?", the Graduate Center and the Perspective Management of the Fachhochschule Dortmund jointly invited to the Best Practice Day 2025 on 09.09.2025.
On this day, the participants gained practical insights into the possibilities, responsibilities, opportunities and challenges as current and future managers in the company and at the university. Around 20 participants were able to gain different perspectives on the topic of leadership responsibility through presentations, a fireside chat and a panel discussion on the premises of adesso SE. Moderator Britt Lorenzen led through the day and created a common thread between the diverse program items.
After Prof. Dr. Stephan Weyers (Vice-Rector of Fachhochschule Dortmund) welcomed the participants with a keynote speech on the topic of "Leadership in Higher Education", Dr. Jonas Sorgalla (adesso SE) gave a second welcome address, focusing on "Leadership in Business Studies". Katja Kortmann (Hotel Esplanade) then gave practical insights into management work in the hotel business, particularly with regard to resilience, personnel development and dealing with Generation Z. Madina Omaid-Quraischi (Fachhochschule Dortmund) then reported on diversity in leadership. The fireside chat with Matthias Frentzen (Dortmunder Volksbank eG) was a highlight before the discussion was opened in a larger group: Together with Prof. Dr. Claus Vormann (lecturer at Fachhochschule Dortmund's Department of Business Studies), Meike Herrmann (Head of Finance and External Funding at Fachhochschule Dortmund), Katja Kortmann, Matthias Frentzen and Dr. Jonas Sorgalla, different leadership approaches, experiences and future perspectives were discussed lively on the podium.
During the lunch break, all guests took the opportunity to network and exchange ideas over a buffet provided by OmaRosa. Freshly fortified, the second half of the day began with a presentation by Sarah Zimmermann (adesso SE) on the topic of "Leadership in focus - what stays, what comes, what counts".
Active participation was not neglected either: an interactive quiz allowed participants to playfully look back on the workshops that had taken place as part of the certificate program. The participants answered 15 questions in teams of two, with the winning team being rewarded with a small prize. The day was rounded off with an exclusive company tour at adesso SE, where the participants were able to get to know modern working environments and innovative workplace concepts.
Regardless of whether management responsibility arises through founding a company, company succession or career advancement - the new role requires appropriate skills and assumption of responsibility and brings with it not only risks, but above all many opportunities and scope for creativity. The diverse presentations, discussions and practical examples provided participants with valuable impetus for their own development as managers.
The Best Practice Day is an integral part of the "Leadership Skills" certificate program, which is offered every two years by the Graduate Center and Perspective Management at Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Doctoral students registered with the Graduate Center and academic staff at Fachhochschule Dortmund can apply for the program and use workshops, events and practical formats to develop their leadership skills for a career in higher education, Business Studies or science. The Best Practice Day is a fitting highlight of the certificate program with current leadership topics and networking opportunities.
