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The Lisbon MBA Católica|Nova is celebrating the 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 Wendeline van der Feltz, an alumna from the International MBA 2015 class, will show you the importance of promoting a world where all individuals have access to the same opportunities, rights and resources, irrespective of their gender identity.

Wendeline van der Feltz is Investment Manager of Public Programmes at Invest International in The Hague, having previously worked in Business Development at the Princess Margriet Fund at the Netherlands Red Cross for over 3 years. Wendeline’s dedication to social impact causes and common welfare led her to take on several roles in renowned companies and organizations, such as the Red Cross, EDULOG, AIESEC, and FMO – Dutch Development Bank, among others.

 

 

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

“It is an opportunity to reflect on where we are today and what still needs to be achieved. It is important to realize that everyone has a role in it, from how you raise your kids, mentor employees, recognize work done well, develop products (remember the seat belt, where security tests are done with dummies that have the characteristic of a men of 70kg? and consequently, women are less safe in cars!) etc. It is essential to raise awareness in a serious and collaborative way.”

 

 

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

“Society at large knows extremely severe issues, and it can get worse depending on the culture. But keeping it in Europe / Portugal / Netherlands; I believe women are still taken less seriously at work than men, for conscious and unconscious bias; family roles etc. Also, “gaslighting” of the inequality, where we are made to believe that it “is not so bad at all”.
We need to be intentional and serious in tackling income inequality and inequality in access to opportunities.”

 

 

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

“I do not have one person in mind, but selected characteristics or “moments” that that person has created. Sheryl Sandberg and her book “Lean In” had an impact on me for her no-nonsense writing on female leadership, but also the activist Vandana Shiva (from the Oneness vs the 1%) for her constant reminder of us being part of a bigger whole, the economists Mariana Mazzucato (for rethinking how Capitalism can and should work) and Esther Duflo for her ground-breaking work on economics and debunking myths with randomized controlled trials and designing policies that really work for the poorest of the world population.”

 

 

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

“Make unconscious bias visible, raise awareness in a kind way (no shaming nor cancelling!). Build a work routine around human needs and not industrial-era rhythms; have more flexible work schedules, and set up child nurseries close to the workplace.
Give personal defence training, have good street lighting (to reduce the sense of insecurity), and other public areas design, raise awareness on signs of distress, etc.”

 

 

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

“As any investment that develops leadership skills, it is definitely useful. However, you need to dedicate explicit topics to it to make it more impactful.”

 

 

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

“I would rather see this question as “and”: we pursue careers and we make a difference in our communities. Long gone should be the idea that an MBA is “just” for business. No, it is for people, the planet, communities, etc. The business has a role to play, but it must be responsible, circular, and not transactional and linear as it has been in decades past. My advice would be to get a mentor, preferably even a man, who is kind but demanding, and who makes you feel safe but also uncomfortable, that you feel you need to grow and strengthen. Second advice: listen and observe more; sometimes we are too busy with “positioning” ourselves that we forgo valuable learning opportunities.”

 

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