The employer-candidate expectation gap: Bridging talent expectations and employer reality

Meet M2 Lab

This event is organized by M2 Lab co-founders Mahmoud Tawfik and Marija Šekularac.

About the Workshop

The talent market today is shaped by various expectation gaps. While the employer-candidate perspective is a key example, participants may also identify gaps between recruiters and hiring managers, employer branding and employee experience, or simply unclear expectations.

Our Workshop Leaders

• Marcel Kalis and Sophie Schaefer lead the Career Development Center at ESMT Berlin, connecting top international talent with employers and supporting students and alumni in achieving their career goals. They bring expertise in recruitment, employer engagement, career development, and coaching.
• Sylvia Taylor is a leadership and organizational development consultant, executive coach, and creator of the Adaptive Identity Game—a tool that fosters deeper connections, meaningful conversations, and new perspectives beyond roles and job titles through play and reflection.

Event Agenda

• 18:30 – 19:00: Welcome & Introduction
• 19:15 – 19:45: Interactive Group Discussion
• 19:45 – 20:15: Sharing Solutions & Best Practices
• 20:15 – 21:30: Game Networking (Adaptive Identity Game) & Refreshment

Venue Host

We're hosted by ESMT Berlin — Germany’s leading international business school, offering degree programs designed to prepare you for the future of business. A big thank you to the ESMT Berlin team for hosting us!

Photos & Video

Please note that photos and videos will be taken during the event. By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed and grant the organizers permission to use this content for community-related purposes, including social media and future event promotion.

See you at ESMT Berlin!