At POLYTECH, we believe that strong leadership drives innovation, growth, and positive change. This International Women’s Day, we want to highlight three truly inspiring women at the forefront of our company—leaders who shape our culture, drive our business, and empower teams across the globe.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Beatrice Vanni, our Head of Legal & HR; Vivian Breinhild, our Head of Sales EMEA & Asia Pacific; and Mariangela Dal Pra, our Head of Sales Central Europe. They share their career journeys, challenges, and insights on leadership, offering valuable advice for the next generation of women striving to make an impact.
Let’s celebrate the women driving change—not just today, but every day—by equipping them with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
Beatrice Vanni – POLYTECH’s Head of HR and Legal
As POLYTECH’s Head of Legal & HR, Beatrice plays a crucial role in shaping company culture and compliance in a highly regulated industry. Beatrice cares passionately about people and champions inclusivity and professional growth.
On the legal side, she is responsible to ensure the company operates within very demanding frameworks while fostering transparency and ethical business practices. As Head of HR, she is dedicated to building an inclusive environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. With a balanced focus on law and company culture, she helps drive both the company’s success and its peoples' well-being.
Your career journey from first employee at POLYTECH Italia to Global Head of Legal and HR is truly inspiring. What key lessons have shaped your path, and what advice would you share with women aspiring to leadership roles?
Being the first employee of POLYTECH Italia and having to multitask and learn about several aspects of the business was a very valuable learning experience for me. Later, when I focused my career on legal affairs, it gave me the understanding of other departments’ needs and concerns and supported the ability to find common ground and good solutions with all stakeholders. I believe that what guided my efforts was – and is – always the wish to do the best I can. I describe it as “competing with myself only”. So, my advice would be: do not aspire to leadership itself or to overcome others, but rather focus on the willingness to take responsibilities and show you can drive projects through. This will, in my experience, result in acknowledgement of your efforts. I know this is different from what many women experience in their workplace, and this speaks to Polytech’s approach, which has kept me committed to this company for almost 10 years.
Another important lesson is to always keep learning. Always try to understand better and better what you are doing, what the implications are for the whole business, what others are doing and how, even in the departments that are farthest from you. This will allow you to develop true expertise and problem-solving abilities, which require context and interconnection.
Do not aspire to leadership itself or to overcome others, but rather focus on the willingness to take responsibilities and show you can drive projects through. […] I know this is different from what many women experience in their workplace, and this speaks to Polytech’s approach, which has kept me committed to this company for almost 10 years.
Women’s Day promotes progress, empowerment, and equality for women. What does this day mean to you personally, and why do you believe it remains important in today’s world?
This is a day of celebration of how far we have come, and also a day of commemoration of all the battles fought by so many women before us. With their clear perception of justice and their brave stance and sacrifices, they allowed us to be where we are today. This day must also be a reminder that there is still quite a way to go, and that other countries still need substantial reforms. Above all, in our daily life, let’s make it a reminder to uplift and support women around us, in our private sphere and at work.
Above all, in our daily life, let’s make it a reminder to uplift and support women around us, in our private sphere and at work.
As a woman in leadership, what obstacles have you faced, and what mindset or strategies have helped you navigate them?
You will always find someone that assumes that a young girl in a business setting cannot be a lawyer. In prior experiences, when I was much younger, this happened to me a couple of times. But it is essential to realise that this speaks to that person’s generational or cultural bias and lack of awareness, not to your skills. At times, I have had to fight the so called imposter syndrome – don’t let it get to you and just go on to show the value of your work. Make lists of all the results you accomplish as you go, and update them regularly: It will reinforce your self-esteem when you need it, and it will support your career goals in the relevant conversations. Be your own project manager. Whenever possible, be proactive, not reactive: make time to plan the improvement of your work flows and to identify opportunities for optimization, or new opportunities.
Be your own project manager. Whenever possible, be proactive, not reactive: make time to plan the improvement of your work flows and to identify opportunities for optimization, or new opportunities.
Vivian Breinhild – Head of sales EMEA & Asia Pacific
With over 25 years of experience in the medical device industry and a background in international sales and marketing, Vivian Breinhild brings strategic leadership to her role as Head of Sales for EMEA & Asia Pacific at POLYTECH. She is a seasoned professional that drives growth by fostering strong partnerships and leading high-performing teams.
Vivian is passionate about empowering people through mentorship, and open collaboration. She leads one of our most successful educational yearly events, Polytech Bright Talents, where she empowers young surgeons through education, networking and professional exchange. Guided by integrity and authenticity, she is known for building meaningful relationships with surgeons and partners, playing a key role in POLYTECH’s continued success.
As Head of Sales EMEA & Asia Pac, you have built an impressive career. From your experience, what unique strengths do women bring to leadership?
Women in leadership roles are often known for their empathy, emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships and teams. Their resilience and focus on long-term growth while maintaining a strong focus on positive collaboration and shared goals help drive sustainable success. I emphasize integrity, the importance of long-term partnerships and empowering people to achieve their best. In succesful leadership I believe it is crucial to have profound respect and love for human beings.
Women in leadership roles are often known for their empathy, emotional intelligence and the ability to build strong, trusting relationships and teams. Their resilience and focus on long-term growth while maintaining a strong focus on positive collaboration and shared goals help drive sustainable success.
What qualities have helped you succeed as a woman in a competitive, results-driven environment like sales?
Empathy, focus, authenticity, and strong social skills have been key to my success in a competitive, results-driven sales environment. Empathy helps me understand and connect with both clients and my team, while focus ensures I stay aligned with our objectives. Being authentic allows me to build trust, and my social skills help foster meaningful relationships that drive long-term success.
Empathy, focus, authenticity, and strong social skills have been key to my success in a competitive, results-driven sales environment.
What leadership traits do you think women often undervalue in themselves but should embrace more?
Many women undervalue ambition, thinking it's more of a male trait. But embracing your drive is key to professional fulfillment. Women also tend to fear failure more than men, which can hold them back from taking risks. My advice: be bolder. Leadership isn’t just about the outcome; the journey can teach us just as much.
My advice: be bolder. Leadership isn’t just about the outcome; the journey can teach us just as much.
Mariangela Dal Prà – Managing Director of POLYTECH Italia and Head of Sales for Central Europe
With over 30 years of experience in the medical aesthetics industry, Mariangela Dal Prà leads with expertise and strategic vision in her dual role as Managing Director of POLYTECH Italia and Head of Sales for Central Europe. Balancing both positions, she oversees market expansion, builds strong distributor relationships, and drives sales growth across the region.
Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, customer focus, and a deep understanding of market dynamics, ensuring sustainable success for POLYTECH, its partners, and the people she empowers along the way.
POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics Italia recently received gender equality certification. Can you share more about this achievement and how POLYTECH fosters an equitable and inclusive workplace?
As the Managing Director of POLYTECH Health & Aesthetics Italia, I am proud to share that our company has recently received gender equality certification. This accomplishment is not just a milestone, but a reflection of our commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees.
The gender equality certification recognizes our efforts to promote equal opportunities for women and men in all areas of our business. We have implemented policies and practices that aim to eliminate bias, ensure fair compensation, and promote a balanced representation of women in leadership roles. At POLYTECH, we firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our corporate culture.
We have worked hard to create an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. This includes providing equal access to career advancement opportunities, supporting flexible work arrangements, and offering programs that help employees balance professional and personal life
Moreover, our company embraces transparency, where communication is open, and all voices are heard. We continuously strive to challenge norms, break down barriers, and ensure that everyone has the same opportunity to thrive.
This certification is a testament to our ongoing journey toward inclusivity and equality, and it’s just the beginning. At POLYTECH, we are committed to continuing to develop an environment that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and gender equality. This Women's Day, we celebrate all the remarkable women in our organization and the positive impact they have in shaping our success."
The gender equality certification recognizes our efforts to promote equal opportunities for women and men in all areas of our business. We have implemented policies and practices that aim to eliminate bias, ensure fair compensation, and promote a balanced representation of women in leadership roles. At POLYTECH, we firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our corporate culture.
Your career path—from Managing Director of POLYTECH Italia to Head of Sales for Central Europe—is truly inspiring. What advice would you offer to women striving for leadership roles?
Thank you for the kind words. Reflecting on my career journey—from Managing Director of POLYTECH Italia to Head of Sales for Central Europe—has been both a challenging and rewarding experience. My path has been shaped by a commitment to hard work, a passion for continuous learning, and, importantly, the support of mentors and colleagues who believed in me. This year I celebrate 30 years in this business, and 60 years of age – meaning half of my life – and I still enjoy it as my first day!
My advice would be threefold, for women striving for leadership roles.
First: Embrace your authenticity and strength. Don’t be afraid to lead with your own unique perspective. Often, we feel pressure to fit into predefined molds, but true leadership comes from staying true to who you are, celebrating your strengths, and building confidence in your abilities. I know this comes with times – but we should take feedbacks to enhance who we truly are – not to transform into something not authentic. Second, seek out opportunities for growth. Leadership is not just about title or position but about continuously learning and evolving. This is what I keep telling my team: look at the person you were 12 months ago, and look how you changed, and how your approach is different today. Take on challenges, be open to new experiences, and surround yourself with people who will encourage and support your development. Never stop asking questions or seeking to improve. Last point, build a strong network and support system. Leadership can sometimes feel isolating, but finding mentors, allies, and peers who inspire you, challenge you, and provide guidance is essential. Relationships and support systems are key, especially for women, to thrive and achieve their career goals.
Lastly, it’s essential to be patient with yourself. The journey to leadership is rarely linear, but with determination and resilience, you can break through barriers and create your own path. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all definition of success, so define it on your own terms and celebrate every step along the way.
Embrace your authenticity and strength. Don’t be afraid to lead with your own unique perspective. Often, we feel pressure to fit into predefined molds, but true leadership comes from staying true to who you are, celebrating your strengths, and building confidence in your abilities.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in leadership, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in leadership, I've certainly faced a variety of challenges, many of which are common to women in professional environments. One of the key challenges has been overcoming the expectations and sometimes unconscious biases that come with being a woman in a leadership position. There’s often an unspoken pressure to prove oneself, to be both competent and likable, and to balance strength with warmth, which can feel like a tightrope walk at times.
Another challenge has been navigating the sometimes subtle but pervasive gender biases that can influence decision-making, opportunities for advancement, and even how my leadership style is perceived. I've found that being authentic and confident in my decisions has helped me build credibility, and by delivering results, I can shift those perceptions over time.
To overcome these challenges, I’ve relied on a few key strategies, like staying true to my values—I’ve learned that authenticity is critical. The more I stay true to who I am as a leader, the more I build trust and respect with my teams and colleagues.
Then, building a strong support network—Mentorship has been invaluable. I’ve surrounded myself with individuals—both men and women—who encourage me, challenge me, and offer guidance when needed. Having a support system has been essential for maintaining confidence in moments of doubt. Last, but most probably the most important thing. Turning challenges into learning opportunities—Rather than seeing challenges as setbacks, I try to view them as opportunities for growth. Each obstacle I’ve faced has pushed me to develop new skills, refine my approach, and better understand the dynamics of leadership.
Finally, I believe that the work we do today helps make it easier for those coming after us. As a woman in leadership, part of my responsibility is to help dismantle the barriers I’ve encountered, so that the next generation of leaders will have a smoother path.
“I believe that the work we do today helps make it easier for those coming after us. As a woman in leadership, part of my responsibility is to help dismantle the barriers I’ve encountered, so that the next generation of leaders will have a smoother path.”