Summary - Deep Dive: Female leadership that lasts

“If I’m chosen for a role, I want it to be because I’m a badass woman. Not because of a quota.”

Female leadership is still a pressing challenge. Representation lags, funding gaps remain, and stereotypes continue to hold women back. At the same time, inspiring female leaders are showing how resilience, authenticity, and vision can build leadership that truly lasts.

In this Deep Dive, two conversations explored the barriers and opportunities for women in leadership - and the stories that can drive change.

• Annelou de Groot (CEO, Cushman & Wakefield Netherlands) shared a corporate perspective on gender equality, emphasizing the need for structural change and real commitment to representation at every level.
  “We cannot just talk about equality, we need to redesign the systems that keep inequality in place.”
• Karen de Sousa Pesse (senior tech executive and diversity advocate) reflected on the personal side of leadership - the pressure, the sacrifices, and the resilience it takes to stand strong in a male-dominated environment.
  “It’s not about being perfect - it’s about staying resilient and true to yourself in the toughest moments.”

‍

3 Key Insights

• Representation matters. Visibility and equal opportunities remain the foundation for real change.
• Leadership is personal. Authenticity and resilience are as important as strategy.
• Lasting change needs allies. Female leadership flourishes when organizations and ecosystems actively support it.

‍

Videos

Female leadership that lasts - Session 1
Female leadership that lasts - Session 2‍