Transcript
First, let’s define a leader. For me, a leader is someone who’s [making] taking decisions. You know, as a boss, you have to deal with the mess; and the higher you are, the worse it is. The messier it gets, the faster you have to decide.
Can women do that? Of course, they can do that exactly like men. So, why are we talking about female leadership? For me, every woman is different, and many men are able to show a feminine side. However, usually, women are more empathetic. They are better listeners and communicators. They have higher emotional intelligence. They are less on ego and more on teams, and they tend to lead by example. For me, linked to the fact that, in our society, women are doing more of the household chores and, usually, they are doing more on raising kids; they also value work-life balance. They are more flexible, and they are good at multitasking. So, they handle crisis situations well. And I think what is special with women is that they dare to dream big.
Who are the female role models? In the business area, there is not so many because, actually, it started in politics. In the ’90s, there were a lot of women being there and being visible. But, if you look in business, it started more recently and, mostly, with the companies in digital. Because this is where there’s been more balance and gender equality.
So, as an example, I think [Sheryl] Sandberg is a very interesting role model to look at. I think she’s been very strong in a position, through her book and evangelizing around the positive aspect of having women on board. I think she’s very driven, she gets things done, she doesn’t shy of showing who she is. You know, she’s wearing high heels and, you know, this flashy colour dress next to Mark Zuckerberg, who’s usually having a T-shirt and jeans. So, she’s being feminine, and I think she’s supporting the cause of women by showing yourself in her best feminine way.
In Germany. I really like Verena Pausder. She’s also an impressive entrepreneur in the digital sphere. I know her personally; and she’s also very approachable, very kind, very turned to others. And I think she embodies these elements of female leadership very well.
