In this captivating interview, Hartmut Schäfer, Head of Higher VET & International at IHK Projektgesellschaft Germany, brings his wealth of experience as a seasoned HR professional and international project manager to the conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). With expertise in HR transformation, change management, works council negotiations, and talent development, Hartmut shares how his career has been shaped by navigating complex organizational challenges and fostering connections across diverse cultures. He discusses the values of empathy, fairness, and collaboration that guide his efforts in building inclusive environments and promoting intercultural understanding.
With over 30 years of experience in vocational education and training (VET), Hartmut has played a key role in developing training curricula and designing individual learning pathways. As an active member of the German National VET experts team and a certified in-company trainer in the German dual VET system (AEVO), he brings deep expertise in aligning education with workforce needs. In this interview, he reflects on how inclusive vocational training can drive both social and economic progress.
Interviewer: Thank you for being with us today! To start, we’d love to understand what led you to engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Could you share any key personal or professional experiences that have shaped your involvement in this area?
Hartmut: For over 20 years, I have been working as a manager in international vocational training projects. Mutual acceptance, appreciation and equality in our multicultural project teams are largely responsible for our long-term success. In addition to pretty much all European partner countries, I have worked with partners in China, Pakistan, Egypt, Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina... We worked together excellently, received a very friendly welcome and also got to appreciate each other personally. This super great experience has contributed to the fact that I have become much more open and appreciative of other cultures, both personally and in my family environment.
Interviewer: That’s a wonderful perspective. Who or what has played a key role in inspiring your commitment to DEI within your organization? How has this inspiration influenced the way you promote inclusive practices?
Hartmut: In our organization, we have been working in intergenerational and mixed teams for many years. I was able to learn a lot from the young university graduates and pass on my many years of practical experience to them. This lived corporate culture is motivation and inspiration at the same time.
Interviewer: That’s a great example of mutual learning and collaboration. Could you tell us about the core values that guide your passion for DEI? How do they influence your work and interactions with others in this space?
Hartmut: My passion for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is rooted in core values such as empathy, fairness, authenticity, and empowerment. These values guide my approach in fostering inclusive environments and ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but valued. These values influence my work by shaping how I engage with others—whether through facilitating discussions, developing inclusive policies, or advocating for systemic change. I prioritize active listening, collaboration, and continuous learning to ensure DEI efforts are not just performative but truly transformative.
Interviewer: Those values are essential for meaningful DEI progress. What specific changes or improvements would you like to see as a result of your DEI work? What keeps you motivated to push for these changes?
Hartmut: The changes I hope to see as a result of my Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work center around systemic equity, cultural transformation, and sustainable inclusivity. My motivation comes from a deep commitment to fairness, human dignity, and the belief that diverse perspectives enrich every space.
Since 2008, I have been responsible for an ERASMUS+ mobility project in which we send 250 individual apprentices abroad Europe every year. In doing so, I experience how cosmopolitan our German young people are returning to other cultures, and I am sure that this is an very important building block against increasing nationalism and xenophobia in Europe.
Interviewer: That’s an inspiring vision for change. Finally, how has your involvement in DEI initiatives contributed to your personal and professional growth? What key skills or valuable lessons have you gained along the way?
Hartmut: My involvement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives has been transformative, shaping both my personal values and professional skills in meaningful ways. Through this work, I’ve deepened my understanding of systemic inequities, strengthened my ability to foster inclusive environments, and developed key skills that extend beyond DEI into leadership, communication, and strategy. Engaging in DEI has pushed me to continuously examine my own biases, privileges, and areas for growth. This self-reflection has strengthened my ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your incredible journey and insights. We truly appreciate your time and openness today.