Insights on Leadership & EU Careers with my boss Christian Holzleitner

In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Christian Holzleitner, head of the Land Economy and Carbon Removals Unit at the European Commission. 🌍✨

Christian shares his career journey—from a working-class background to EU climate leadership—and offers practical tips on leadership, embracing uncertainty, and building a career in sustainability. Whether you’re an aspiring policymaker, climate advocate, or EU job seeker, this episode delivers insights and inspiration to help you grow and lead.

Key Takeaways:

👉🏽 Leadership Beyond Hierarchy – Leadership is about caring for others and making decisive decisions, not titles.
👉🏽 Managing Uncertainty – Learn how to adapt to change and break down big goals into manageable steps.
👉🏽 Career Growth Tips – Focus on diverse experiences, networking, and staying open to non-linear paths.

Chapters:

• 00:00:54 – Career Journey and Background
• 00:02:24 – Leadership Philosophy and Personal Growth
• 00:07:32 – Managing Uncertainty in Policy Making
• 00:12:35 – Leadership Resources and Development
• 00:20:35 – Career Advice for Young Professionals

Guest Links:

🔗 Connect with Christian on LinkedIn: Christian Holzleitner’s Profile
🔗 Book Recommendation (Must-Read!): Towards a Climate-Neutral Europe by Jos Delbeke and Peter Vis.
🔗 Podcast Recommendation: Podcast about Happiness.

Engagement Links:

🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨

⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️

🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!

The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.

This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.