Katrin leads with
energy, balance and flexibility

Katrin Podewils is not only the Team Lead of the Commercial Finance & Inside Sales team at AGCO Finance, a joint venture between DLL and AGCO. She is also an avid yoga practitioner and teacher, developing skills that influence her leadership style. “Managing energy, finding balance and staying flexible are core aspects of yoga,” says Katrin. “They are also central to how my team and I support farmers and equipment dealers with financial solutions in the fast-changing world of agriculture.”

From MarCom to leadership at DLL

Katrin’s career at DLL began in Marketing & Communications at DLL Germany. There she honed her skills in event management, press relations and internal communications. She credits DLL’s Global Management Traineeship program for helping to fast-track her professional growth.

“I had the opportunity to live and work for 18 months in three different DLL countries, completing three six-month projects,” says Katrin. “Each assignment allowed me to take on new responsibilities and quickly expand my skillset with the mentorship of very knowledgeable senior leaders. It’s an amazing program that has boosted my development!”

Flexibility in a transforming industry

In 2023, Katrin started her current role as Team Lead of the Commercial Finance & Inside Sales team at AGCO Finance. AGCO Finance is the worldwide provider of financing solutions for AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacturing and distribution of agricultural equipment.

The agriculture industry is undergoing profound transformation, driven by digitization, evolving regulations and the need for increased sustainability while feeding the world at affordable prices. AGCO Finance is at the forefront of this change, helping farmers and dealers with flexible leasing solutions. "Every situation is different. Every day is a challenge. That's one of the reasons why I love my job," says Katrin.

Unleashing superpowers

At work, in her free time and in personal interactions, Katrin sees curiosity and enthusiasm as both personal strengths and important qualities for leadership. “These help me connect with colleagues, learn new processes and adapt to the needs of my team members,” she says.

As part of DLL’s global True Energy program, which fosters well-being, Katrin teaches yoga at the company’s Düsseldorf gym. “It’s a great way to share my passion with colleagues and bring some balance into our busy days,” she says.

I challenge myself and others to grow

One of DLL's core values is I challenge myself and others to grow. That resonates with Katrin. “What I appreciate most about DLL is the wide range of opportunities,” she says. “You can develop yourself far beyond your official job. This can mean cross-departmental projects, trainings, coaching and even initiating ideas for the True Energy program.”

These opportunities have enabled her to gain broad work experience, build a great network in the industry and strengthen her skillset in the company.

Change with purpose

At AGCO Finance, Katrin leads a diverse team that helps customers navigate the changing landscape of agriculture with the right financial solutions. As a leader, she focuses on empowering others to grow, encouraging her team members to realize their full potential with passion and dedication.

Energy, balance and flexibility are not the only core aspects of yoga. So are mindfulness and self-awareness, all of which Katrin believes align well with DLL's commitment to a purposeful place to work. “DLL not only encourages personal development,” says Katrin. “It also offers hybrid working that supports its members to grow while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”

A journey of growth and transformation

Katrin’s path at DLL has been one of constant evolution. From her early days in Marketing & Communications to leading a team, she has embraced change and navigated it with purpose.

“DLL is a company that supports its people,” says Katrin. “There are so many growth opportunities here. It’s a culture with great energy and balance. For sure, this is not the end of my journey at DLL!”