Aylin's story: Finding my professional family

Nov. 22, 2024

Aylin KilicDistrict Manager, Healthcare, Sodexo Austria

At the age of 13, I emigrated from Turkey to Austria with my family. None of us spoke German at the time, which made starting over very challenging. It was a difficult time, leaving our familiar community behind, but this experience shaped us and motivated me to explore new paths.

Recognizing my potential

I started working as a cashier when I was 15. I took a part-time cleaning job during my maternity leave for my second child, to help supplement our income. But after just 6 months I had to give up this job as my older son needed heart surgery.

The company I worked for as a cleaner recognized my potential and kept in touch with me. They asked me to find 4 cleaners to work at a new branch. I was able to organize 4 people from my network and personally took them to work as they didn’t have driver’s licenses. The site manager noticed my commitment and organizational skills and promoted me to be the site manager of this new location.

Professional cleaning qualifications

After a few years in this role, I was headhunted to join Sodexo as a site manager by a Sodexo regional director. He supported me on my career path and believed in my abilities. I was warmly welcomed at Sodexo and immediately felt part of the team. I also discovered my passion for working in the healthcare and senior care sector.

Sodexo supported me to gain professional qualifications, which have been so important to me. My father worked as a laborer and my mother couldn’t read or write. As a child, I often had no answer when I was asked what my parents did for a living.

But today, I am proud to be a role model for my own children.

Aylin KilicDistrict manager, Sodexo Austria

Overcoming obstacles

One of the biggest challenges of my career was in my early years at Sodexo. I suffered a stroke and was in a wheelchair for 4 months. There were moments when I thought I would have to quit my job. But with the support of my family and colleagues, I was able to get through this time and continue my career.

A woman in a leadership role

Today I am responsible for 300 locations and 650 team members as regional director. I’m incredibly proud of my career path. It wasn’t always easy to climb the ladder, especially as a woman and a mother. I am one of only a few women in the healthcare and seniors’ industry, but thanks to the support of Sodexo and my family, I’ve achieved what once seemed impossible. I particularly value the fact that my husband has supported my career from the very beginning, a stance which is not a given in my home country.

A strong team is key

My brilliant team motivate me to come to work each day. My advice to anyone who wants to work in a role like mine would be to work towards the role you want by starting from the bottom and gaining practical experience. It’s important to never lose that connection with the practical experience.

Stay grounded and connected with your people. Because if you respect your employees, you will get that respect back.

Aylin KilicDistrict manager, Sodexo Austria

I am fortunate to lead a team that is not only committed but also diverse. Like me, many of my colleagues have a migration background. I know exactly what it's like to build a new life in a new country, and it makes me proud to support their career path.

Building a future together with my team

For me, my focus is always the well-being of the people around me. Whether I’m looking after my employees or creating safer and cleaner environments for our customers – it’s always about people for me, they come first.

My journey is not over yet. I love challenges and look forward to continuing to grow together with my team and celebrating our successes together.

For me it’s the people around me that make the difference.

Find out more about a career with Sodexo!

Read the story in German

Download