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The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova celebrates International Women’s Week by interviewing several inspiring women who have passed through our world-renowned MBA programs. These interviews offer a unique perspective on leadership, career development, and the challenges women face in business. The following interview with Samantha Mendes, an alumna of the Executive MBA 2020-22, highlights the ongoing significance of this day as a crucial milestone until full gender parity is achieved. The interviewee underscores the importance of organizational commitment to gender equality, promoting diversity in leadership, and the transformative power of an MBA in fostering personal growth and empowerment for women. 

 

1 | What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and why is it important?

Celebrating International Women’s Day remains for me a key milestone in recognizing the vital importance of women’s role in the world. The fact that the 8th of March became an internationally observed day over 100 years ago and that its essence still so strongly resonates with today’s society is a clear sign of its relevance.

 

In my view, celebrating International Women’s Day will remain absolutely required until it proves no longer necessary; that’ll be the day when full parity between genders has, at last, been achieved. The World Economic Fund estimates that the gender gap is still over 130 years from being bridged, so there is indeed a long winding way to go, still. It is also a day to feel deeply grateful for the basic rights we can enjoy today, thanks to the struggle and sacrifice of a collective of women who gave up freedom, and inclusively their own lives, for the ideal of emancipation, equal rights and justice.

 

 

2 | In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges that women face today, and how can society address them?

By far, the majority of challenges for western women are somehow stemming from deeply rooted gender biases and inequality, across the board. Although less striking than a few years ago, the issue of female under-representation in organizations and in society at large, still has a toll in the fair access to power and leadership roles for women. We need more female voices at the table, to ensure that the decision-making process is diverse and inclusive.

 

Accessible quality education at all schooling levels is key and undoubtedly a gateway for women to build up and fulfil their potential, to voice their concerns and aspirations, be it in business, politics or their own private circles and to empower them to lead their lives in their own terms. A society that fosters gender inclusion, cooperation and equity to its very core will be more prosperous, sustainable and just, which is a collective social responsibility.

 

 

3 | Which female leader do you admire the most and why?

It’s hard to choose just one female leader, with so many remarkable women inspiring us to become a better version of ourselves. Historically, women who were pioneers in male-dominated fields have made a huge contribution to shatter unbearable stereotypes and limitations for women.

 

Jane Goodall is for me a trailblazer, an extraordinary female leader and role model for generations to come.
The ground-breaking achievements of her life and career are beyond noteworthy and she did it from a place of collaboration, empathy, service and undeniable passion for her life work. Her very famous and thought-provoking quote “It actually does not take much to be considered a difficult woman, that’s why there are so many of us.” is one of my favorites and it’s funny how it has not aged one bit…

 

 

4 | What are some concrete steps that individuals and organizations can take to promote gender equality and empower women in their communities and workplaces?

Organizations must strive to go above the letter of the law in terms of gender equality and parity, as women still face significant challenges to have their rights met and respected in practical terms, as legal equal pay. There are some actions to create an organizational environment that is inducive of gender equality and these actions have to start at the very top, from the leadership to management. It has to be deeply engrained in the culture of the organization, in order for it to be considered a priority.

 

Promoting women from different and diverse backgrounds to management and leadership positions sets the right tone for diversity and inclusion to actually occur in the ranks, which has a practical impact on the culture and identity of the workplaces. An organization that rewards cooperation rather than competition between individuals and departments, is able to bring out the best of the existing diversity.

 

Organizations wishing to gain and maintain a competitive advantage, retaining and hiring quality people should consider some of these concrete steps:
Implement equitable reward structures for people;
Measure success by goals and not by time spent at the office, with flexible hours and schedules, as well as remote work options based on responsibility and autonomy;
Create a transparent and open decision/making process in what respects promotions;
Advocate gender equality by supporting good practices in gender-balance;
Support equal and fair access to positions of power and decision-making;
Implement mentoring and training that supports the bridging of gender-gaps and gender biases.

 

 

5 | Is an MBA a powerful tool for women’s empowerment?

An MBA is not only a rigorous academic program that provides you with a high-end folder of frameworks and skills to solve business challenges in today’s uncertain and volatile world. In my perspective, an MBA is a committed journey of self-development and personal transformation, in the quest for your own leadership and purpose, which you are then able to offer.

 

The person you become over the course of a good MBA program is undoubtedly a better, more empowered and confident version of yourself, through the high challenges you overcome, the stern discipline you endure, the meaningful connections you make and the vast knowledge you master.

 

My recommendation to any woman in a position to embrace the MBA journey is not to overthink too much on how it will be done, but rather on why it must be done. The feeling of empowerment you get after completing the program is worth every overwhelming, doubtful and insecure moment you face.

 

 

6 | What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers or trying to make a difference in their communities?

We stand on the shoulders of women who led by example and who aimed at reaching farther than those before them. It is our job and responsibility to pass this scepter to the future generations of women who will, from the height of our own shoulders, go on to aim and achieve far greater things, ones we can only dream of today.

 

My advice to young women starting off their adult lives and careers:
It’s all about people: learn communication and emotional intelligence. It will serve you and others.
Ethics and character is non-negotiable. Your reputation and your word are your most valuable assets.
Find peers and mentors to help develop your strengths, in different areas of your life. Offer your skills in the same manner, paying it forward to others.
Learn from your mistakes but refuse to guilt-trip or dwell too long on the past.
Master the skill of negotiation: it will work to your advantage.
Trust your intuition, it’s an important tell-tale sign that is there to serve you.
Your personal life is worth as much as your career, balance it as best as you can, but don’t sacrifice one in detriment of the other.
Your health is the most important riches you have.
Treat yourself with respect and admiration. Others will too.

 

 

Note: The views, opinions or statements shared in these interviews are those of the alumni or students interviewed.