Theresa, Senior Consultant

CV

• PhD in Chemical Engineering
• Background in chemistry and energy storage technologies
• Joined the Roland Berger office Frankfurt in November 2021
• Interests and hobbies: Football, traveling, diving, photography

How many kids do you have and how old are they?
I have a lively almost-2-year-old daughter, and I am also preparing to welcome another little one to our family soon.

Could you describe your average working day as a parent?
I am currently working at 80%, which allows me to maintain a balance between my work responsibilities and family life. Since my daughter was one year old, she has been attending daycare. Most mornings, I first drop her off at daycare and then work from home, focusing on my daily tasks. Twice a week, I take a break in the afternoon to pick her up, and we spend quality time together. In the evenings, after she’s asleep, I handle household chores before returning to work to complete any remaining tasks.

What has been the greatest challenge for you as a working parent?
The greatest challenge has been balancing all the responsibilities and expectations. Meeting the demands of both work and family can be difficult, but I strive to manage it as best as I can. Another aspect is managing client communications. Since not everyone always knows about my part-time schedule, there may be times when my availability at certain hours isn’t immediately clear. I make sure to set expectations proactively and stay organized to ensure I can provide the support needed while maintaining a good balance.

How do Roland Berger and your teammates support you as a working parent?
Roland Berger supports me by offering the flexibility to work from home, which allows me to better balance my professional and personal responsibilities. Additionally, the company is mindful of reducing travel requirements, making it easier for me to manage both work and family life. I also appreciate when my teammates understand that I may not always be immediately available and that family responsibilities sometimes take priority. It can sometimes be difficult when my time off needs to be clarified or explained multiple times. Based on my experience, the unique demands that kids place on their moms aren’t always obvious to colleagues.

You talked about quality time with your daughter. How do you two like to spend it?
My daughter and I enjoy going to the zoo or swimming together. We also love listening to music and reading books. These activities allow us to bond and have fun while exploring new things. Every moment we spend as a family feels special to me - above all, the little things. My daughter is constantly changing, and seeing her get excited about new experiences or watching her learn is incredibly rewarding. These moments remind me how quickly things evolve at this stage.