Meet Ewelina Woldan, who has nearly 18 years of experience in IT marketing and public relations. In this interview, Ewelina shares her career journey and insights on brand reputation and offers valuable advice for those starting their careers in communications. 

Interviewed by Anna Marin

What initially drew you to the field of Public Relations and brand marketing? Can you share some pivotal moments in your career that led you to your current role at Lenovo? 

My entire professional career is related to marketing and communication in the IT industry. I've been doing this for almost 18 years, and I actually got into the industry by accident. But from the very first day, I really enjoyed the dynamics of the technology market. My first job gave me an insight into many areas of marketing, and I had different responsibilities. One of them was communication, and I must admit that this is what interested me the most straight away. I like to interact with people, and I love to use my creativity, and PR allows me to do that. I really feel that I can develop in this area. 

I think the opportunity to learn about many areas of marketing was something that shaped me and allowed me to take my current position at Lenovo. PR best suits my personality, as well as the goals I want to pursue in the future. I believe everyone should explore different options to determine their best career path. This will help us find a fulfilling profession. 

PR best suits my personality, as well as the goals I want to pursue in the future. I believe everyone should explore different options to determine their best career path. 

Can you elaborate on your day-to-day responsibilities as a Communication Manager at Lenovo Poland? How do you approach building and maintaining Lenovo's brand reputation through PR? 

Over the years, I have developed a certain professional routine that I follow. Every PR specialist's day should start with media monitoring. That's what I do too. I check information concerning not only Lenovo, but also the market. I read about world events, and I don't skip social media. For those concerning the Polish market, I focus primarily on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. This knowledge allows me to determine the activities that will be performed that day. 

Of course, a big part of my job is preparing presentations and statements, managing the day-to-day work of strategy development and implementation, and interacting with people who support us in the agencies. Each day brings new findings, new material for acceptance, and new challenges. To sum up, I start the day with an analysis, and then there is time to accept ideas and implement various actions. 

Building Lenovo's brand image through PR activities is a long-term project that we plan on a quarterly basis. Every day, we add new elements to the various activities that take place throughout the year. It is very important to us to stay close to our customers, consumers or counterparties. We spend a lot of time on analysis to understand their needs. And it is through communication and PR tools that we strive to meet them. The activities that make us stand out in the market are certainly the organisation of many events, conferences or webinars, the aim of which is to pass on knowledge of new technologies or innovations in an accessible form. We adapt the message to the right audience so we can reach them with the information they are looking for. 

Each day brings new findings, new material for acceptance, and new challenges 

As Lenovo is operating on the technology market, which is highly competitive, how does Lenovo differentiate itself from other tech giants? What role does PR play in maintaining that competitive edge? 

Lenovo has succeeded as the world's largest PC company, with a full portfolio of AI-enabled devices and those capable of applying AI solutions. The vision of Lenovo is encapsulated in the slogan Smarter Technology for All, now expanded to: Smarter AI for All. It means that every day Lenovo delivers technology that enables users around the world to work better, faster and more efficiently. These are smart solutions that make our lives better and have a positive impact on the world. 

We also take a comprehensive approach to communicating with our audience, using a mix of marketing activities. The role of PR is very important. We work very closely with the media, and our activities cover many areas. Lenovo's products are aimed at different audiences – end customers and business customers. This is why we strive to deliver effective marketing and PR campaigns tailored to each audience. Our goal is to be close to these people, close to the market. We organise events where knowledge is shared by our experts showing customers the solutions that are currently available. The technology market is extremely dynamic – there are new innovations presented every month, and it is also our role to show our customers what will be ideal for them. 

Our goal is to be close to these people, close to the market. 

In your opinion, what are the most critical skills and strategies needed to succeed in the PR industry today? How do you stay ahead in such a dynamic field? 

I think the main qualities of people who want to work in PR should be great flexibility and openness to other people. It is also very important to be able to manage appropriately – both one's own work and the crisis situations that also occur in this industry. At such times, the ability to solve problems quickly comes in extremely handy. 

There is no time for boredom, and every day can bring new challenges. A person working in PR and marketing should constantly keep an eye on trends and events. This offers many new opportunities, sometimes not obvious, which can have a really positive effect. An important part of working in PR is networking, which often leads to various interesting collaborations. As an example, Lenovo events have been a huge success and other Polish companies are following suit. These are events that we create in cooperation with brands outside the IT market, such as the automotive and beauty industries. We create formats that are out of the box and innovative. We invite experts, media and creators to participate. It turns out that this formula, which we introduced two years ago as the first in the market, is very attractive to visitors and, above all, generates interest – both among traditional and social media representatives. As a result, we achieve a very large reach –  we connect brands, people, as well as budgets. 

Personally, I am constantly trying to develop my skills. I attend industry events and conferences and spend a lot of time meeting new people. People are the greatest value – we can not only learn a lot from each other but also create new formats together that will bring business success. 

I think the main qualities of people who want to work in PR should be great flexibility and openness to other people. There is no time for boredom, and every day can bring new challenges. 

Given the rapid changes in digital media and consumer behaviour, how do you envision the PR industry evolving in the next few years? What opportunities and challenges do you foresee? 

Today, PR plays a huge role in brand communication, especially with experts representing the company. It is very important that materials are factual so that audiences can access proven content and avoid misinformation. A lot of material nowadays is produced automatically, and the audience cannot tell which message is actually true. Our role is to carry out communication that will make knowledge widely available and in an accessible form. I believe that building an expert brand image and creating content tailored to the target audience will bring the desired result. 

I think the PR industry will continue to exploit the potential of collaborations with other brands in the future. By combining our resources and the values represented by Lenovo with other strong brands, we can achieve spectacular results. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time to relax and unwind from the pressures of work? Are there any hobbies or activities that help you recharge? 

What I enjoy most is travelling, exploring new places and their culture and history. Most of my free time is spent with my family and playing sports. Time for myself is equally important to me. I enjoy solitary walks in the woods, it makes me incredibly calm. 

For people at the start of their career in PR, marketing, or branding – do you have any advice you want to share or any words of wisdom? 

Having worked in the industry for almost 18 years, I can say that I strongly agree with the statement that if work is your passion, you won't overwork a single day. I think it's important to look for your speciality, which will not only allow you to develop and fulfil yourself but, above all, will bring you a lot of joy.

Video Edited by Morgan Rachel Geyer

Anna Jablonska is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in IT, team management, and strategic business leadership. Currently, as Country Head at Lingaro in Poland, she leads large teams and oversees strategic areas like BI reporting, reflecting her expertise in both technology and business leadership. Learn more about her in this exclusive interview.

Interviewed by Tracy Soueidy

You have over 18 years of experience working with diverse technologies focused on business intelligence, data management and automation solutions. In this constantly evolving sector, how do you stay ahead of industry trends in data and analytics (D&A) to ensure that Lingaro continues to deliver innovative solutions to clients?

Staying ahead of rapidly evolving technologies is challenging, but we focus on continuous learning, ensuring proper certifications, and investing in the right technologies. Understanding customer needs through data is key for thought leadership and providing tailored recommendations.

We stay informed by attending conferences, connecting with industry leaders, and sharing knowledge via platforms like LinkedIn. Internally, we adopt agile methodologies to adapt quickly to changes in technology and market needs. While staying ahead isn't always easy, we are focused on quickly catching up and continuously improving.

While staying ahead isn't always easy, we are focused on quickly catching up and continuously improving.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation continue to advance, how do you see the role of human expertise evolving in data analytics and business intelligence? How should professionals in the field adapt to these changes?

Professionals like me and my team at Lingaro understand and reflect on the need to embrace changes in technology, particularly AI, and we know that some people were, and still are, apprehensive about robotic process automation. While AI may raise concerns about job displacement, it is crucial to view AI as a tool that can enhance productivity. Regardless of age, professionals can and should learn to collaborate with AI to make better decisions and resolve complex problems.

Although AI excels in repetitive tasks and data analysis, human input is essential for creative, context-driven decisions, especially in addressing ethical considerations like data privacy. The user emphasises that AI won't replace human decision-making, but will complement it, to speed up work while still requiring humans to make critical choices.

Regardless of age, professionals can and should learn to collaborate with AI to make better decisions and resolve complex problems.

Your career has spanned various roles, from Technical Consultant to Country Head. How has your leadership style evolved to meet the diverse challenges of these roles?

Effective leadership today requires adaptability and an appreciation for diversity. Unlike leading a team 15 years ago, current leadership must navigate evolving communication styles and diverse perspectives. Embracing these differences allows for a holistic view of problem solving, which is crucial in making informed decisions. As a leader, I believe it’s important to act more as a coach than as a demanding figure, giving team members the space to make conscious choices about their development and tasks.

My leadership style has always emphasised trust, transparency, and partnership. In a company’s culture, it’s vital to ensure every voice is heard and considered, as diverse input enriches the company’s strategy and decision-making. Despite the changes in team dynamics and responsibilities, maintaining an open, supportive environment and fostering clear communication have remained central to my approach.

In a company’s culture, it’s vital to ensure every voice is heard and considered, as diverse input enriches the company’s strategy and decision-making.

What advice would you offer to aspiring leaders, particularly women, looking to advance in the technology sector?

Don’tbe afraid to embrace your power and potential. Often, people hesitate to act due to fear or self-doubt, worrying their skills might not match the challenge. However, taking risks is part of growth, and making mistakes is a chance to learn. Women, in particular, have the tendency to take smaller steps or even a step back, but it's important to dream big and set ambitious goals.

Invest in yourself if you feel unprepared—seek mentorship, training, or other resources to build your skills. Don’t be discouraged by being in predominantly male environments; you have the same level of capability and leadership potential. Overcome the internal voices that hold you back, be vocal and visible. Remember, there are no foolish questions or topics, and through open dialogue, we can learn and receive valuable feedback.

Don’t be afraid to embrace your power and potential.

In a demanding role like yours, how do you manage work-life integration? What practices or habits have you developed to maintain balance and well-being?

Balancing leadership and well-being can be tough, but daily exercise helps me clear my mind and plan my day. I value my morning gym time because it helps me reflect and relieve stress. Taking short walks during work breaks also helps me manage stress after hard meetings and refocus.

Though I have limited personal time due to family responsibilities, I make time in the evening to read and listen to podcasts, which relax and educate me. Support from loved ones and delegating tasks both at home and work are key to keeping a good balance and staying focused on what’s important. This allows me to handle both work and family life more easily.

Here’s a fun question to wrap up! If you could swap jobs with anyone in the world for a week, who would it be and why? And how do you think your team at Lingaro would handle things while you were off on this adventure?

I always wanted to work at NASA, perhaps as a scientist or part of a space crew. I have always found astronomy fascinating, especially looking at the stars, and when I was younger, I hoped to become a scientist someday. It would be amazing to be part of NASA’s team, knowing they have access to cutting-edge technologies, likely years ahead of others.

Video Edited by Morgan Rachel Geyer

Meet Stéphanie Pinson, Head of Legal for the Americas and Canada at Axens. In this interview, she discusses her journey and experiences in the legal field, the challenges she faced as a young legal counsel in the US, the importance of building a strong team, and her insights on navigating the political landscape within an organisation. Stéphanie also shares valuable advice for young professionals on how to develop soft skills and succeed in their careers.

Interviewed by Irene Reyes Suero

What motivated you to move from France to the United States to pursue your education and career?

I think it's a personal taste that you develop as you grow up. I always wanted to come to the US for some reason. I grew up watching MTV music videos as a teenager, and the US seemed like a world of possibilities to me. At the same time, I was a law student, studying business law in France, and I knew it wouldn't be easy to move to the US because law is very specific to your jurisdiction.

So, I continued my studies and started working. Eventually, because I was with an international company, they offered me an assignment in the US, and I was very, very happy about it.

How has being licensed to practice law in both Texas and France influenced your approach to international contracts and disputes within the energy sector?

It's been a work in progress. I started working in the US and knew I needed a license here, so I decided to go back to school. I attended law school here, took the bar, and passed it in 2022, which was more than 10 years after my qualification in France. Things happen in the long run in your career. It was absolutely a must because here in Texas, it is a legal requirement to have a state license to practice law. So, it was not just a nice-to-have for me; it was mandatory.

Working for a French group in the US, having dual licenses is a tremendous plus because I understand both legal systems: civil law and common law. I wouldn't do it any other way.

The bar exam seemed unapproachable to me. I was competing with US students at their level, so I had to work even harder. But during the preparation, I just got on with it without overthinking. Determination and trusting the process are key. Things will work out if you stay committed and work hard.

Determination and trusting the process are key. Things will work out if you stay committed and work hard.

Can you describe a typical day in your role as Head of Legal for the Americas and Canada at Axens?

This is a new role for me. It's not even been a year since I was promoted to this role, which now includes managing a small legal team. My goal is to organise the work of the team in the most efficient way for the company and ensure the most enriching environment for the people I work with, so they can get a grasp on many different aspects.

We cover the commercial zones of Canada, USA, and all Central and Latin America. Our main role is to support the sales team in getting business, obtaining contracts, and generating revenue. We work with different businesses, so we need to understand them to support them legally in the best ways. Practices and risks differ across companies, so understanding the core business is extremely important when you work in-house as a legal counsel.

Unlike working in a law firm, where you always stay on the legal side and advise different clients, as an in-house legal counsel, you don't just advise—you also make decisions based on the company's governance. Personally, I feel more part of a team effort to grow the company. There are many conversations about markets, business improvements, and how legal can be part of that by simplifying processes and creating solutions. Legal is often seen as an impediment, but business must go on, so finding a balance between risk and business needs is crucial.

Even though I've been with this group for over 10 years, the changing business environment in the energy sector, especially the shift towards renewables and decarbonisation, keeps me engaged and on my toes. I'm never bored in my role, and I enjoy helping and mentoring younger lawyers, sharing the knowledge I've acquired over the past decade. I hope this helps them grow their knowledge and careers. Keeping people motivated and interested is important to me because it's what keeps me motivated and interested in my own role.

Keeping people motivated and interested is important to me because it's what keeps me motivated and interested in my own role.

With extensive experience as corporate counsel in various energy sectors, what are some of the most significant legal challenges you’ve faced, and how have you successfully navigated them?

The first challenge I encountered was when I first came to the US as a young legal counsel. I had to work for an affiliate in the oil and gas industry that had never worked with a legal counsel. They were concerned that having a legal counsel might slow down their business. I was a solo counsel, reporting to the general counsel in France, and faced significant challenges as a young, female lawyer trying to gain the trust of experienced Texas businessmen.

Consistency in my work, showing that I was prepared and knowledgeable, and including them in the decision-making process helped me gain their trust. After two years, they offered me a permanent position, which validated my efforts.

Another challenge was returning from maternity leave and being promoted to Head of Legal. Organising a legal department, recruiting the right people, and building a team that best represented the legal department within the group were new challenges for me. Being in the group for so long gave me a clear understanding of what was needed, but it was still on a learning curve.

Consistency in my work, showing that I was prepared and knowledgeable, and including them in the decision-making process helped me gain trust.

In your current role as Head of Legal for the Americas & Canada at Axens, what have been some of the key initiatives or projects you have led on, and what impact have they had on the company's operations?

Being quite new in my role , I would say that I have really focused so far on building a team that will sustain us for the next few years. It's very important to have a team you can trust, because when you support other functions in the company, there are different forces at play, especially between legal and commercial. We all want to achieve the same goal—to get business done—but sometimes the commercial department may want to move forward quickly and overlook red flags, whereas legal needs to ensure due diligence.

It's crucial to have team members who understand these dynamics and possess soft skills, not just hard legal skills. Law school and passing the bar ensure the minimum requirements for the job, but what makes a difference is how one thinks, perceives company tendencies, and explains viewpoints to those who disagree. These skills help smooth the process when working with different perspectives.

I've focused on choosing a team that has these qualities and can continue to improve and grow them. This has been my biggest achievement so far.

As a member of the WIL Talent Pool Programme, what are your expectations and goals for this initiative? How do you envision your involvement contributing to the development of future legal talent?

I am extremely pleased to be part of this programme. I was amazed by all the incredible female leaders I met in London back in March. It was very inspiring. I love that it wasn't just legal; it was open to any type of profession, which was really enriching for me. Often, you only get to network within your own profession, so I really appreciated the diversity.

Having the opportunity to exchange with female executives and renowned leaders is extremely motivating. You just want to hear their experiences and ask questions. That's what I'm hoping to gain from this programme.

What I've learned so far is the importance of understanding who can be your ally within your organisation and how to navigate the political landscape. As a young manager, you don't often think about the politics of a group, identifying allies and those who might oppose you. This awareness has been eye-opening for me over the past six months.

I'm looking forward to continuing the small group discussions with mentors after the summer. These discussions help with very concrete issues you're facing in your career and sharing them with one or two other talents is incredibly helpful. This programme is truly amazing.

I hope that, in my small way, I can help any young attorney or young professional by giving advice on navigating expatriation or career challenges. I'd be happy to share my experiences and insights with anyone interested.

You mentioned before that hard skills are crucial and can be a differentiator in the selection process. While acquiring hard skills is relatively straightforward, what advice would you give to those entering the job market on how to develop soft skills?

Firstly, I would say, make decisions based on what you can control right now. I wanted to come to the US, but I also enjoyed studying law, so I focused on what I enjoyed. When you enjoy the process, doors open. Focus on the process, not just the results.

Secondly, be the person who gets things done. In internships or first jobs, bosses and managers want doers, not complainers. Show initiative, find resources, ask questions, and come prepared when seeking help. Even if you need extra help, demonstrate that you've done your homework and made an effort. This approach is valuable for both young and experienced professionals.

For soft skills, practice active listening. Listen to people, even if they seem antagonistic or defensive. Understand their needs before responding. When people feel heard, they calm down, creating space for mutual understanding. In negotiations or internal discussions, acknowledge others' concerns and propose solutions that balance their needs with yours.

Many people don't listen; they just think about their next response. This is counterproductive. By truly listening, you build trust with your counterpart, whether internal or external. Validating their needs, even if you can't meet them, helps build trust and fosters productive relationships.

By truly listening, you build trust with your counterpart, whether internal or external. Validating their needs, even if you can't meet them, helps build trust and fosters productive relationships.

Video Edited by Tara Arnott

Meet Tiziana, a seasoned professional at Ingersoll Rand who successfully navigates the complexities of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) integration and champions DE&I initiatives. Tiziana shares insights into her career journey and her international experiences, and elaborates on how participation in the Women Talent Pool programme at WIL is contributing to her leadership development.

Interviewed by Anastasiia Hresko 

Having worked at Ingersoll Rand for the past 18 years, starting in Product Management and later moving to Engineering, what motivated you to transition to work in the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) department? 

Product Management (PM) plays a key role in determining a company’s strategy. Many corporates have a PM-centric vision thus helping the product manager to interact and develop connections with all the main functions. After 15 years covering a range of regional and global roles, it was the merger of two large American companies, Ingersoll Rand and Gardner Denver, that helped me see a perfect opportunity for a career shift. In an industrial company like Ingersoll Rand, my technical background in engineering, in addition to my financial background have been critical to help me in targets selection and to find the right approach to strategy alignment, and led me to decide  to move to the M&A department. 

Can you elaborate on your current role as Process Excellence and M&A Integration Manager at Ingersoll Rand? How do you leverage process excellence principles to ensure smooth M&A integrations? 

Our competitive differentiator at Ingersoll Rand is called IRX or “Ingersoll Rand Execution Excellence”, and this helps the integrations (parts of the business that have been integrated) to establish a plan that is reviewed weekly. It is also very efficient in helping to fix new priorities. This tool provides the structure and the guidelines to ensure a smooth process where every single function involved, from HR to finance, knows exactly what to do when welcoming a new company “in the family”, whatever the size and location. Of course, cultural differences need to be adjusted for, but the main principle stays there as a backbone. I have done seven integrations so far, which is a lot and is due to the company’s  huge pipeline, and having a well-defined structure behind it has been of great help.

M&A transactions have become increasingly complex due to factors such as global economic uncertainty and rapid technological advancements. What are the most significant challenges you've encountered during a M&A integration processes, and how do you overcome them to achieve successful outcomes?

Economic slowdowns actually serve as a very good opportunity for M&As to show up since it is  when many companies realise that it is time to find an ally to continue the growth of the company. I would say that cultural differences, technology integration and talent retention are the most significant challenges during integrations. Having done a wide portfolio of acquisitions, from small to big companies, from Spain to Slovakia to Italy, I see that the only way to have a successful integration is to have a solid playbook to work with, a committed and skilled team to rely on and a post-mortem meeting to collect all missing activities, best practices and the lessons learned.  

When it comes to technology, not only AI but also tools like Teams and SharePoint greatly facilitate our work, and I am constantly improving my skills in this area by taking up additional certification and courses. 

Cultural differences, technology integration and talent retention are the most significant challenges during integrations.

Having worked in both Venezuela and Italy, how has your global perspective influenced your approach to business and problem-solving at Ingersoll Rand?

“Being a local” while working on M&A is crucial to make people feel comfortable, and my skills in Italian, Spanish and English have been of great help, as well as the fact that I grew up in Venezuela which is a very multicultural country. I built an international network at university and have worked with people from various backgrounds which has helped me develop problem solving skills. But to be honest, the best problem-solving school is being a mum! Having a 10-year-old with my husband and living with no family in Milan while having to travel more than half of my working time, I would say it’s a great example of how a woman can be a great addition to business as an excellent problem solver and planner!

The best problem-solving tool is being a mum! 

Aside from your current management role we’ve discussed, you were also a chair and ally of DE&I EMEIA. What role did you play in developing and implementing DE&I strategies for Ingersoll Rand in these regions?

Helping women and learning from them has always been a must for me! A focus on DE&I in Europe has been important Ingersoll Rand since the company operates in a very male-oriented industrial environment where some women believe that they do not have the right to occupy senior positions or don’t make the organisational leap internally due to imposter syndrome. 

We try to empower women and improve their experience both in the workplace and in their personal life. . The two are mutual: if you are happy in life, you are happy in the workplace and vice versa. Sponsoring and mentoring are also crucial since they allow for external and internal “visibility” of women as professionals. Thus, our more than 10 chapters in DE&I involve strategies around these topics.

Helping women and learning from them has always been a must for me!

As a participant in the Women Talent Pool (WTP) programme at WIL Europe, how do you believe this experience will contribute to your leadership development and aspirations for senior leadership roles?

I found the WTP leadership programme when surfing the internet in desperate need of some “female networking” and, having seen the WIL page on LinkedIn, I immediately realised that this was something for me. We met at the WIL Annual Gathering in London earlier this year with all the WTP Talents and partners and I returned home with a wealth of new knowledge and culture-related insights.

The monthly workshops help to refresh my knowledge of topics and reflect on how to lead with purpose, how to build my personal brand and how to make my voice heard by top management. I appreciate receiving feedback from other women and having dedicated time during sessions where we can exchange ideas in small groups. These things are having a huge impact on my development.

Having joined this community of female leaders, have you noticed a certain quality present in most of them that you admire the most? 

This year’s cohort of the WTP leadership programme is amazing, with women who have backgrounds in Finance, IT, Legal, Universities, NGOs and the European Commission, amongst others. We have such a diverse team, very full of energy and eager to learn and share knowledge! It is great to exchange real cases with them and I always feel very comfortable talking to others and exchanging valuable feedback. This is gold for me! Everyone is very talented, and we are growing together. I cannot wait for the second round of Career Development sessions to start soon.

This year’s cohort of the WTP leadership programme is very diverse, full of energy and eager to learn and share the knowledge!

Video edited by Tara Arnott

Meet Eveline Tsui, Category and Sampling Manager at Tarkett. In this interview, Eveline discusses her career path, insights on sustainability, and offers valuable advice for those beginning their career journey.

Interviewed by Anna Marin

Could you share a bit about your background and describe your journey to becoming the EMEA Category & Sampling Manager Carpet at Tarkett?

After graduating, I did not know what I wanted to do or in what direction I wanted to go. Instead of focusing on university or college, I decided to go abroad for a year. I spent a year in Argentina, studying and living with a host family, which led me to being  immersed in the Spanish language. Upon returning home, I decided to study translation and interpretation in Spanish and English. I did that for four years and had a great time, but as soon as I got into the actual work, I realised that it was not really for me. I had really enjoyed the studies, but the jobs within translation and interpretation did not feel the same. I switched and did a pre-master’s programme in international business and then a master’s programme in international business. This master’s degree helped me make a switch, to a more commercial field.

After my master’s I was accepted in a graduate programme in Barcelona, and that is when I moved there. That was a great opportunity for me to work in an international environment, meeting people from different cultures, but also a great way for me to start a commercial career. I did the graduate programme for one and a half years and then I got offered a business position back in the Netherlands, where I really got into my commercial career and business management.

I worked for about 9 years in the same company but then Covid hit. I did not know what the next steps of my career would be. That is also when a recruiter contacted me about this interesting position at Tarkett and here I am today!

How have your previous roles influenced your current position?

For me, it all adds up. Being in Argentina and learning Spanish, and deciding to continue with that, made me confident enough to move to Spain. In the end, knowing Spanish was not a necessity for the graduate position in Barcelona, but I think it made me more comfortable, to make connections with local people both outside of work but also inside the company. Knowing languages has helped me during my entire career.

Alongside learning languages and working in another country, I also learned a lot from the management position I got after my graduate programme. In that position I had to take care of almost every aspect of managing, and I was thrown into the deep end a little bit, but I did learn how to swim and that got me connected to every aspect of that business. I realised which aspects I do like, and which aspects I do not like as much. Based on that experience, I started to figure out in which direction I wanted my career to go in, which lead me into category management.

Tarkett is committed to overcoming sustainability challenges within a circular economy. How do you contribute to these goals in your role?

Within the Carpet Unit we are extremely passionate about sustainability and the road towards circularity. We have been on this road for about 8-10 years and within that decade we made huge steps to become circular. Today, we can confidently say that we are.

We have our own recycling here on location and collect carpeting tiles from all over the world, and that makes it possible for us to create a circular product here on site. But it is also important to think about the steps in between, to create a product that lasts for a really long time.

And if we only look at what you do at Tarkett, how do you contribute to the sustainability goals?

I am part of the marketing team here, so I am heavily involved when it comes to communicating on sustainability. We need understand what the market wants, what the world needs, and we deliver that knowledge and feedback to the teams that create the product. In that sense, everybody is responsible for how we work towards a more sustainable product and company. It is my job to make sure that everybody is briefed correctly on what is needed to make the correct steps on our sustainability journey.

I also oversee our sampling administration department, where we send numerous samples daily, because without samples, sales are unlikely. I am working on improving the return of samples since many are simply thrown away. My goal is to have as many samples returned as possible for recycling purposes.

Everybody is responsible for how we work towards a more sustainable product and company. It is my job to make sure that everybody is briefed correctly on what is needed to make the correct steps on our sustainability journey.

Looking ahead, what vision do you have for advancing sustainability within Tarkett’s carpet category? What long-term goals are you working towards, and how do you plan to achieve them?

When it comes to sustainability, the journey is never ending. We can always make more progress. That is our goal as a company, and we want to make sure that our carbon footprint impact is as low as it possibly can be. I take this with me in my personal life as well, and I think everybody can really make a difference and contribute. It might feel like small steps reducing your plastic waste or taking your bike instead of your car, but if we don’t start with ourselves no one is ever going to follow through. We are all in this together. 

It might feel like small steps reducing your plastic waste or taking your bike instead of your car, but if we don’t start with ourselves no one is ever going to follow through. We are all in this together.

How has your role at Tarkett affected your personal views on sustainability? Have you learned a lot that you did not know before?

I've always been passionate about sustainability, and when I sought a new career challenge, I was particularly focused on this area. I knew I wanted to work at a company that was contributing to a more sustainable society, one and that put sustainability as a primary goal.  

When I started working at Tarkett, I started to learn more about the technical details, how the production works and all the calculations behind it. This got me more and more interested and did affect some of the decisions in how I live my own life, making sure that I make decisions with sustainability in mind.

Having worked in various locations, including the Netherlands and Spain, how have these diverse cultural and regional experiences shaped your professional approach and outlook?

I think that, for everybody, getting in touch with different norms, standards and culture is enriching within itself. It allows you to view the world in a much broader sense. Up until I was 18 years old, I had only lived in the Netherlands. When I moved to Argentina and became immersed in the culture and that world, I noticed that there was a lot of differences. These differences were not better, they were not worse – they were simply different. Learning this helped me understand myself, where I lived and where I come from.

Seeing how people are living in different areas of the world, and working with people from across the globe, has made me realise that we have an incredible standard of life in Europe and the Netherlands. We have safety and security up to a certain level which is not the norm. I experienced a situation in a country in which you cannot always rely on the police if something happens, which was unusual to me. But understanding that there are differences, that is important.

I think that, for everybody, getting in touch with different norms, standards and culture is enriching within itself. It allows you to view the world in a much broader sense.

How do you manage a demanding career while maintaining personal well-being? How do you achieve this balance, and what practices help you stay grounded?

This was one of the things I struggled with in the beginning, when I moved back to the Netherlands. What helped me at that point was volunteer work: I ended up working for the animal ambulance in Amsterdam. I did that for three years and that gave me this wonderful balance, it helped me focus on something that was so completely different to my day job. It provided me with a lot of positive feelings, contributing to something that was not profit-oriented. When I moved away from Amsterdam, I started to look for something else I could do and that is when I joined the voluntary firefighters. I have been doing that for about 5 years now and it allows me to support society in another form, and I do like the action!

So, in case of a fire would you be one of the firefighters helping out?

In the Netherlands, the only places that have professional firefighters are the cities, but all the villages outside of the cities rely on volunteering firefighters. So yes, I have a pager and if the alarm goes off in case of a fire and I am in the area I would go to my station, get ready and do whatever I needed to do. 

Reflecting on your diverse roles and career journey, what advice would you give to young professionals just starting out? What key lessons have you learned that are crucial for long-term success and fulfilment in any industry?

Make sure to ask dumb questions. If something is unclear, do not be afraid to appear stupid - just ask the question. Otherwise, you are just going to stay dumb. Make sure to ask, make sure to speak up, make sure to lean in. You need to take the learning opportunities even if you feel insecure. Asking a “stupid” question does not matter so long as you learn from the fact that you asked that question.

If something is unclear, do not be afraid to appear stupid - just ask the question.

Meet Esther Villa, Counsel (Tax) at Osborne Clarke Spain. In this interview, she shares insights on the rewarding intellectual challenges of tax law, the importance of continuous learning, balancing professional development with family life, and the challenges faced by young women entering the workforce. Esther also reflects on overcoming career breaks and emphasises the importance of boldness, humility, and recognising one's worth in the professional arena.

Interviewed by Irene Reyes Suero

You have an impressive 20-year trajectory in tax law. Can you share some of the key milestones in your career that led you to your current role at Osborne Clarke?

That's a great question, though not an easy one to answer because so many things come to mind. There are professional milestones that stand out, as well as inspirational moments that have had a more personal impact.

From a professional standpoint, one significant milestone was working on a major litigation case concerning a big pharma group’s establishment issues in Spain. The audit and assessment were significant, and the litigation was both time-consuming and technically challenging. Another standout moment was when a French company exited its Spanish investments, which raised complex issues. Additionally, I remember the spin-off of a banking private client business and, more recently, debt structuring deals and a major tax audit with international components and a competent authority procedure resulting from the audit. These procedures between two countries seek to alleviate the double taxation resulting from the tax audit. These professional milestones were very formative, requiring extensive hours, teamwork, and leadership to bring out the best in everyone. Such complex cases often necessitate collaboration with lawyers from other jurisdictions to understand their perspectives and approaches.

On a more personal level, having a supportive family. Especially as a woman, if you don't have a partner who understands the demands of your career, it can be very challenging. Having that support is crucial.

Another important personal milestone was when I first got hired by a big law firm. It was a moment of pride and determination – I had got my feet in the door and was determined to stay. The people I met along the way became role models. One partner from my second law firm, who recently retired, had an amazing mind. His reasoning and humanity inspired me to always bring my best.. More recently, some of the partners I currently work with are also towering figures and also working with juniors has been incredibly rewarding. They challenge me and push me to be better, both professionally and personally.

 No one is invisible, but as a woman, it's easy to feel overlooked. When you're young and inexperienced, it feels like everyone is doing the same thing. But as you gain experience and evolve, you realise you need to assert yourself more. For men, this seems to come naturally, but as a woman, you have to actively occupy the space and not be afraid to raise your voice. It's important to show younger people, especially women, that it's okay to take up space and that their contributions are valued. You learn so much from everyone, and working with juniors can be both challenging and rewarding. They often bring fresh perspectives that make you think differently.

When you're young and inexperienced, it feels like everyone is doing the same thing. But as you gain experience and evolve, you realise you need to assert yourself more. For men, this seems to come naturally, but as a woman, you have to actively occupy the space and not be afraid to raise your voice.

What are your primary responsibilities and focus areas in your position today?

I am currently a Counsel in the Osborne Clarke tax team. While our team is relatively small compared to other Spanish firms, we have a significant reputation and are known for our strong tax expertise.

In my role, I specialise in international taxation and work extensively with international clients. This involves structuring investments into and out of Spain, liaising with other jurisdictions, and ensuring tax efficiency. Additionally, I handle specific tax litigation and international tax audits, which constitute a significant portion of my work. For example, we recently completed a major tax audit and filed a competent authority procedure, where we request two countries to agree on which one should tax a specific pool of profits after an audit. Initiating these procedures is quite challenging and requires a lot of work.

On the client side, my focus is primarily on international taxation and tax litigation. Regarding team responsibilities, I am heavily involved in training and knowledge management for our tax team. I ensure that we have knowledge management days and training sessions at least three times a year. We gather the team, including new members, to discuss recent court rulings or other relevant topics. These sessions are often led by both experienced lawyers and juniors, providing a comprehensive learning experience for everyone involved.

Your educational journey spans some of the most prestigious institutions, including Oxford University and IE Business School. How has your diverse educational background shaped your approach to tax law and influenced your professional path?

I believe it provides significant opportunities. When you have a diverse background and can leverage it in the workplace, it’s a win for both you and your organisation. Having moved between countries like Switzerland, the UK, Spain, and Belgium, I've learned there's no such thing as a comfort zone. You need to be genuine, do your best, and approach situations with honesty, even when you lack prior knowledge. It's important to understand that the focus isn't always on you but on others.

Curiosity and the willingness to admit when you don’t know something are crucial. Asking questions, seeking help, and being open to learning from others is enriching. It's essential to be humble, keep your ego in check, and also own your space. Sometimes, you need to speak with authority and assert your expertise. For younger women, I’d say don’t wait for permission – go for it. Men often have no problem doing this. Making mistakes is part of the learning process.

It’s important to make yourself seen and heard. Ask questions and don’t wait for opportunities to come to you because others are busy trying to occupy their own space. Be kind to yourself and don’t overthink. People often say absurd things without a second thought, and you are allowed to do the same. Trust your instincts; even if they’re wrong, they will help you learn and grow.

Trust your instincts; even if they’re wrong, they will help you learn and grow.

Having worked in multiple countries and dealt with international transactions, how has your global perspective influenced your approach to tax law?

It has been a significant learning experience, allowing me to see perspectives from different jurisdictions. While we often think that legal systems are unique to each country, there's actually a certain consistency and continuity across them. This is particularly true in the field of taxation, where the economics create a global consistency. Understanding the flow of profits and the objectives behind tax rules helps you approach how other jurisdictions handle these issues, even if the specific regulations differ.

Being in contact with lawyers and clients from various countries is particularly interesting and highly motivating for me. Living abroad has given me insight into different cultural perspectives. It has taught me that my viewpoint is not the only one, and that elements like language and tone can vary widely. This awareness is incredibly enriching and motivates me greatly. Engaging in discussions that incorporate these diverse perspectives is something I find truly inspiring.

Can you share an example of a particularly impactful cross-border project you have worked on?

Choosing just one is difficult, but I can think of two particularly challenging and formative recent experiences.

First, the competent authority proceedings I mentioned earlier were quite complex. We had a tax audit involving a Spanish group with an international structure, and the audit raised significant questions about the group’s organisation in the US and Ireland. This led to a substantial assessment. We had to involve other tax authorities and initiate competent authority proceedings. This involved submitting detailed explanations in both Spanish and English, arguing why we believed the Spanish tax authorities' approach was incorrect. While these proceedings were mainly written, we had the opportunity to present our case directly to the Irish tax authorities, addressing their questions and concerns and discussing how they would negotiate with the Spanish authorities. This case was incredibly interesting and challenging, requiring close collaboration with lawyers from other jurisdictions, each contributing to the pleadings.

Another formative experience has been dealing with the new international global minimum tax. The OECD has introduced initiatives to ensure all jurisdictions impose a minimum 15% tax on companies operating within them. The EU has incorporated these rules into a directive that member countries must enact. These rules are highly technical and attempt to adapt different systems to a common template, which doesn’t always fit perfectly. This requires extensive study, staying in touch with tax practitioners in other jurisdictions, and ongoing technical discussions. While it's currently more theoretical, as we need to see how these rules will impact our clients, the primary focus is on compliance. Ensuring that companies can demonstrate adherence to the global minimum tax in all jurisdictions they operate in is both challenging and fascinating.

These two experiences have been (and are being) particularly significant in my career.

Tax law can be a complex and challenging field. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work, and what challenges have you faced and overcome throughout your career?

The most rewarding aspect is definitely the intellectual challenge. It’s imperative to improve every single day, which means constantly studying and training on the job. When I started my career, I thought my studying days were over, but I quickly realised that continuous learning is essential. Tax law is constantly changing, with significant updates from one year to the next. Initially, I found this quite tough, but now I’m grateful for it because it keeps my brain active and engaged. The intellectual challenge remains a fulfilling part of my job every day.

One significant challenge I had to overcome was taking a career break when I became a mother. I had my two kids close together, and my husband was offered a position abroad, so we expatriated. With a young family in a new country, I took a five-year break from my career. When we returned from Belgium, my husband changed his field of work, and I had to restart my career as a lawyer. It was very challenging, almost like being a junior again, despite having years of experience.

The first five years back were particularly tough, but the intellectual challenge and putting in the necessary hours made it worthwhile. You need to want to put in those hours, not just because it’s expected, but because they help you grow. It’s not just about working for your employer; it’s about earning and learning. If you only see it as an obligation to your employer, it won’t work. You need to feel that those hours are contributing to your personal and professional growth.

You need to want to put in those hours, not just because it’s expected, but because they help you grow. It’s not just about working for your employer; it’s about earning and learning.

In addition to your role at Osborne Clarke, you are active as a lecturer, a jury member, and a contributor to various publications. How do you manage to balance these multiple roles, and what drives you to maintain such an active presence in both professional and educational spheres?

I don’t engage in as much professional development as I think I should. While I do conduct internal training sessions and contribute to publications, I’m not as active as many others in my field. To be honest, you can set tasks for yourself like writing more articles or being more active on social media, but I’ve found it necessary to strike a balance with family life. Spending time with my kids is a priority for me.

That being said, I have spent numerous hours, including weekends, early mornings, and late nights, working in the office, so finding this balance is what motivates me. There are certain professional goals I aim to achieve and actively pursue, and I will try to focus on those. This is advice I would give to younger lawyers as well – invest the time in your career development but choose your battles wisely. Being strategic and bold in your choices can make a significant difference.

Invest the time in your career development but choose your battles wisely.

You have recently joined WIL’s Talent Pool Programme. What are your expectations and goals for this initiative?

I'm eager to learn and develop more tools, to supplement my "functional expertise" with those additional skills which are usually referred to as "soft skills". What I especially value from WIL is that it puts me in contact with people from "outside": outside of my "tax group", outside of my company, outside of my industry, and can allow to build bridges from which I hope I can grow and those around me, my organisation, can also grow. It's a great opportunity because there's such a diverse pool of people to connect with.

 Currently, I don’t have much time or a clear strategy for these activities. I realise that I have been working very hard at becoming an "expert" in my field, and that is undoubtedly necessary: you have to earn your credibility and you can only do that through competence and experience. But there are additional aspects or skills you also need to concentrate on if you want to make an impact in your organization and if you want to show "leadership". Leading through expertise is not, I believe, where you can make the most impact. You need horizontal knowledge and bridge-building which will allow you to connect with others, within and outside, and grow your business.

I also want to move more beyond the "tactical" to be able to concentrate on the "strategical". So that it comes more naturally. It's important not to allow oneself to be "bogged down" by the daily flow of immediate activities (making those decisions, pushing projects forward etc.) and to focus on the bigger picture.

I believe participating in the WTP programme will really help me in this respect by providing those strategies and those bridges.

Own your space and make your voice heard without letting ego get in the way. Approach questions honestly and genuinely; if you have doubts, articulate them openly instead of waiting for permission to speak up.

With your extensive experience and success in the field, what advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the law profession, particularly in the area of tax law?

Be strategic and invest in yourself through continuous learning and training. Dare to be bold and proactive—don’t wait for permission and don’t fear mistakes. Own your space and make your voice heard without letting ego get in the way. Approach questions honestly and genuinely; if you have doubts, articulate them openly instead of waiting for permission to speak up.

There’s a saying often attributed to Margot Fonteyn, the ballet dancer, which goes something like this (paraphrased): "I've learned the difference between taking my work seriously and taking myself seriously. Taking my work seriously is crucial, but taking myself seriously is catastrophic." Approach your work with dedication and professionalism, but approach yourself with humor and humility, acknowledging your human imperfections. Don’t allow yourself to fade into the background; recognise your inherent worth and place at the table. You don’t need external validation to prove your value: you're already there because you deserve to be. Embrace it and seize every opportunity with confidence.

Meet Natasza Frąckowiak, Senior Contract Manager at Capgemini Financial Services with experience in strategic vendor and legal contract management. In this interview, she talks about new professional acquisitions and her cultural adaptations throughout global transitions.

Interviewed by Alexia Lecerf

Can you describe your current role as Senior Contract Manager at Capgemini?

As a Senior Contract Manager at Capgemini, I am responsible for  contract management activities related to contracts with Capgemini clients. Those activities can be divided into two phases: everything that is happening before the contract is signed, and activities related to the phase after the contract signature. During the pre-signature phase, I'm working very closely with internal stakeholders to shape and sign the deal that is manageable during delivery and  meets  the approved parameters. I am also responsible for identifying risks and working with the various risk owners to create mitigation plans.  Once the contract is signed, there are certain contract management processes that need to be performed during the post signature phase. One of them is change management, where any changes to the contract need to be drafted or reviewed by me. I am    also responsible for raising contract awareness within the delivery teams to ensure contractual compliance. The scope of activities heavily depends on the complexity of the contract.

You have pursued a Master in Law and maintained a career in various forms of contract management with AIB, Hewlett-Packard, Credit Suisse and now Capgemini. Why did you then decide to pursue additional training in psychological education and integral development at a school of professional coaching?

I've always been interested in Psychology and had been thinking about doing coaching for a very long time. In one of the previous companies I worked for, I was part of a coaching programme and I thought it was  a very effective way of identifying and achieving goals. Although I knew I wanted to do it, I was waiting for the right moment to commit because it requires a lot of time and dedication. When my eldest son turned 14, the way we communicated changed and I felt that I was missing certain tools to communicate with him more effectively. At that point, I thought coaching would help. With regards to my personal development, I noticed that I was not always achieving my goals and something prevented me from succeeding. In theory, I was motivated, but somehow I still procrastinated, and didn’t always end up where I wanted to be. All   of these factors contributed to the final decision to do Coaching School.  I think that was one of the best decisions I have made!

Having recently completed a coaching programme at the Professional School of Coaching, what is your view on coaching, how has this influenced your professional relationships and leadership style?

I think I could talk for hours about how coaching influenced every aspect of my life, but I will focus on elements that have had the biggest impact on my professional relationships and leadership style.

When I think about coaching,  I often use this analogy:  if you look at the lake from a distance, you see its flat surface, but you don't know what is underneath the lake. Coaching is a lot about bringing what is underneath the surface and looking at it and then deciding what you're going to do about it.

In my view, the biggest benefit of coaching is increased self-awareness which is also a key factor of an effective leadership. Self-awareness is better realising what you feel, and understanding how to regulate  these emotions. It's also about understanding which beliefs are supporting me and which ones are actually limiting me to achieve my goals. Understanding how I can better manage my emotions, thoughts and beliefs has a direct impact on building and maintaining relationships, because it helps me to be more empathic, open and  non-judgmental towards others.

The second key element of coaching is effective communication. Active listening is a fundament of effective communication and something I was not aware before I started coaching to the extent I am now. I can observe the power of right questions every day:  as part of my role, I often need to ask questions and depending on how I ask questions, I will find out what I need from the other persons or I may  miss  something.

I use what I learned while coaching, training and mentoring more junior colleagues and I see the difference in my approach. It is easier for me to recognise strengths and talents in others, which helps me to provide the required support for their  growth.

The fact that we're having this conversation today is the outcome of my own personal coaching process where I have identified goals that I want to achieve while certain beliefs were blocking me from achieving them. I think it is the testament to how strongly coaching influenced me.

Self-awareness is better realising what you feel, and understanding how to regulate  these emotions. It's also about understanding which beliefs are supporting me and which ones are actually limiting me to achieve my goals.

You are a fluent speaker in Polish, English, and occasionally use French and German in the workplace. Additionally, you have transitioned from working in Ireland to Poland. How was this transition? How have you used these cross-cultural experiences in your work?

I left Poland shortly after my graduation. It was my first work, my first adult experience, and my first time being completely on my own in a different cultural environment. When I started to work in Ireland, for a while, I was the only foreigner in the office. I met fantastic people there who thought me a lot about different values, priorities, approach to life. It was invaluable experience which shaped and influenced me a lot. I observed that the way of communicating was an important cultural difference. I perceived it as more  ‘reading between the lines’ type of communication rather than going straight to the point -I was a very direct person at the time.  I remember a curious situation when someone asked me, “Would you mind doing ..something?”. I remember thinking, “Oh, that’s so nice, they asked me if I would mind”, because this question translated in Polish meant that I was given an option :I can, but  I don't have to do it.  This was the polite way of saying, “Okay, please do it” which I understood later. There were plenty of situations like this and this was all part of the learning process. When I decided to go back to Poland, I had to transition from something that became part of me back into a culture where we communicate in a more direct way. This transition was not as easy as I thought it would be. However, because I was working for a global corporation the process went better at work than in my personal life! I think working abroad and experiencing different cultures definitely helped me to be more open, adjustable and sensitive to cultural differences.

Culture is always somewhere, it's an element that influences us and the way we behave, we communicate and we collaborate.

Culture is always somewhere, it's an element that kind of influences us and the way we behave, we communicate and we collaborate.

In your professional journey, how have you navigated and overcome gender-related challenges to foster an inclusive and empowering environment for leadership?

I don’t think , at least I'm not aware of, that I experienced any gender related challenges, understood as an objectively  different treatment due to the fact that I am a women. My management has always been very supportive and access to opportunities was the same for men and women. I don’t differentiate between men and women in my interactions, what matters to me is the person (as a human being), his/her personality.  However, when I look at the gender related challenges from a more subjective perspective, I feel that having children impedes my work/life balance. There was a time when I was part of a very interesting project and I loved what I was doing.  I was trying to give 100% at work, and 100% as a mother as well, but forgot about myself in the process. This experience thought me a few important lessons: it is impossible to be 100% at everything at the same time; understanding priorities in life is key as they help to live in peace with the choices, priorities change and that’s ok. In this specific situation, I am not sure I overcame this challenge, but I did find a solution that was the best for me at the time, allowing me  to meet my professional development and private life needs:  less demanding role, but still with opportunities to grow, and more time for my family.

How do you value being part of a network where you can cultivate partnerships and collaborations with other female leaders, as done in WIL?

I haven't been part of an women’s network earlier in my career. I see a huge benefit of being part of this network. If I think about the gender related challenge example above, being part of a  women network at that time would have allowed me to discuss my challenges with other women who had gone through similar experiences and get advice and support  from them.

For me, the women's network is a great space to meet other women to get inspired, to learn from each other and be in a space where we can express ourselves without really being judged.

For me, the women's network is a great space to meet other women to get the inspiration to, learn from each other and be in a space where we can express ourselves without really being judged.

Sarah Dulyere is a Legal Counsel at Rexel, she discusses her journey into law, influenced by childhood curiosity and admiration for singer. She highlights the diverse challenges of her role, emphasizes resilience and well-being, and advises aspiring professionals to embrace learning and self-belief.

Interviewed by Juliette Travaillé

Have you always wanted to work in a law-related field? If yes, what specific experiences or inspirations influenced this career of choice?

As a kid, I had a strong sense of justice and fairness; this was always very important to me. I often found myself asking questions and challenging certain rules or orders to understand not only their significance but also their relevance. The adults I met usually said that I was going to be a perfect lawyer because I was a born challenger. I was a huge fan of an artist at that time, singer and lawyer, Axelle Red. I must admit that I quickly knew that I was more likely to become a lawyer than a singer! That was my first inspiration towards law. When I began my law-degree, I realised that I really appreciated the fact of defending people and challenging the rules that are in place. But then I did one experience at Alcogroup, and it was amazing being there as a trainee with a corporate lawyer. With her, I was able to really immerse myself in the company. I saw all different levels and jobs and everything where you as a lawyer could help your colleagues. It was quite a challenging internship, and I really loved it. That's why I am now a corporate legal counsel and not a lawyer.

As a kid, I had a strong sense of justice and fairness; this was always very important to me. I often found myself asking questions and challenging certain rules or orders to understand not only their significance but also their relevance.

What does a typical day as a legal counsel at Rexel entail? Can you provide some insights about the specific responsibilities and challenges you are facing?

My days are never the same at Rexel, which is why I love this job! I always have new surprises, new questions that are emerging. As a legal counsel, I have various tasks, it's very cross-functional. I'm working with various colleagues and departments. I have questions regarding sales or direct or indirect procurement, IT questions but also about privacy, like personal data. I handle litigation that can be with partners or clients, but also with the procurement teams. And then at another level, I am also working a lot with a group because Rexel Belgium is a subsidiary of Rexel Development in France. So, we also have a lot of interaction with Rexel Development and the other companies of the group, of course. I also have a lot of corporate housekeeping related questions like General Assembly. As we speak, we are doing the approval of the annual accounts. It's always different. And the challenge, I would say, is the fact of staying focused and organised, even if we don't really know what the day will look like when I arrive here.

You've worked in Singapore. What motivated you to move there? And how did this experience impact you both, personally and professionally? And do you have a vision of working abroad again in the future?

My main motivation was the challenge and stepping out of my comfort zone. I was 25 when I left Belgium. It was easier than we might believe. At the end of the day, you're just bringing your car back and announcing to your parents that you're leaving, and then you’re gone! Unfortunately, it was COVID time, so it changed quite a lot  the experience that I was supposed to live there. But it was interesting to see how different cultures, different political and economic cultures, were facing those difficult times. Living in Singapore, during COVID and living in Belgium during COVID was very different. I was sharing the experience with friends and family in Belgium while I was there. And it helped me to be more open and to have more resilience because it’s harder to challenge rules in Singapore than in Belgium. It was a great lesson to be there as a European.

I would love to have another experience abroad. But now I must admit that I'm very happy with my job at Rexel Belgium.

As you’ve recently started the Women Talent Pool Programme, what specific goals or outcomes do you hope to achieve through this initiative?

Most importantly, sharing and learning. There is nothing more important than being surrounded by the right people at the right time. Honestly, I truly think I wouldn't be here if I hadn't met the right person at the right time. I've been lucky enough to be surrounded by fantastic women in my personal life and in my career. The best way of evolving in your professional and personal lives is by listening to people. That’s one of my biggest motivations for joining this programme. Moreover, I really want to be able to be that kind of person for other people one day.

I’m convinced that I’m going to learn a lot, not only from the mentors, but also from the members and our peers.

On the way back from our first WTP Event in London, I realised how much all the inspiring women I had met were also just humans. I recently understood that it’s okay for me to be tired, sad, angry after a long day. And everybody has those days. It’s important to be able to identify these moments and seize them right.

I realised how much all the inspiring women I had met were also just humans.

What advice would you offer to young girls and women interested in pursuing a career in your field or working abroad but may feel uncertain about their capabilities?

The first thing to do is to surround yourself with knowledgeable people. You don’t know everything and it’s okay, so learn from others. For instance, I'm a lawyer but I'm bad with numbers, so I ask people who are good with them to help me. Likewise, if you're good with numbers, but you don't know anything about law, surround yourself with people that know the law. And just learn from each other. Very much linked, but secondly, know your strengths and weaknesses. Thirdly, believe in yourself. It’s easier said than done but always remember that if there is a worst-case scenario, there’s also a best-case scenario. Just try, the worst that can happen is for you to fail and learn. I failed a lot myself. I didn’t know at the time what those failures meant but now I know that each one of these mistakes led me to where I am today.

Just try, the worst that can happen is for you to fail and learn. I failed a lot myself. I didn’t know at the time what those failures meant but now I know that each one of these mistakes led me to where I am today.

Apart from your professional pursuits, what are your passions outside of work, and how do they contribute to your personal and professional growth?

It's always activities that help me disconnect from my work and my usual day. When you're working a lot in a very challenging environment and have many responsibilities, you need to learn to take breaks and escape from time to time. Personally, I find this disconnection in sports. Just going out for a walk after a long day really helps me take my mind off things. I also enjoy cooking because it helps me focus on simple tasks and forget about the rest. The most important thing is to find things that you enjoy doing and that help you feel better about yourself and your life!

In this interview Yvonne shares her insightful journey into the world of development finance, a sector where the pursuit of sustainability and social impact is as important as economic gain. Furthermore, she also shares advice for those looking to pursuit a career within financial development, as well as how she finds balance between an intense job and a private life.

Interviewed by Anna Marin

Please note that the views expressed in this interview are those of Yvonne Viktoria Mitschka and do not necessarily reflect the views of her employer, German Investment Corporation (DEG).

Your current role is, from what I understand, focused on promoting sustainable and inclusive financial systems in several countries in Africa by issuing loans to local financial institutions. Can you tell us how you became interested in finance that helps both people and the planet? And could you point out the big steps or turning points that got you to this point in your work?

I think I am characterized by two things: firstly, I am very mission driven. Whatever I am doing, there must be a mission. On the other hand, I am very pragmatic, and I am a doer. So, by reflecting on my passion of undertaking missions and executing tasks, I came to the conclusion that development finance could be something I could really thrive in. I got this mission I can run after, and I can achieve results.

However, given that development finance is a very “niche” thing, I bumped into a particular steppingstone that made me aware of this industry and that was a fellowship. After my studies in finance and economics I was granted a fellowship, founded by two foundations and supported by the German foreign ministry, which enabled me to work with sustainable cities in transition countries. Through this fellowship I got the opportunity to work with different international organisations, and one of these organisations was the European Bank for Reconstruction Development (EBRD). Via this organisation and fellowship, I found out about the world of development finance and ever since I have been working in this world.

By reflecting on my passion of undertaking missions and executing tasks, I came to the conclusion that development finance could be something I could really thrive in. I got this mission I can run after, and I can achieve results.

When looking at a new investments, you're involved from the start to the end. Can you describe in simple steps what you do from initiation to completion?

Every project has different steps, but in summary there are two milestones we are always working towards. First, we need to seek internal approval at DEG. This means that we need to assess the risks and convince several people that an investment into a particular financial institution is worth it. Second, we need to make sure that we, as an investment institution giving out this loan, and our client, the financial institution we are investing in, agree on the terms of the loan.

To make sure that the investment is a good investment, we always visit the client. Our clients are often banks and we usually visit them for several days, having intense discussions and conversations about everything the bank does and how our loan can help them. We need to understand their strategies, governance and different types of risks that the bank might encounter. I really like this part of my job a lot, I get to meet people and I learn so much more from talking to people compared to only reading about the bank in its financial statements.

After visiting the client, we write a report, present that internally and in the end get an approval that allows us to do business with the client. So, this is the first milestone, the second milestone is to negotiate and sign a loan agreement with the bank we are investing in. After that, we are able to disburse, and this is when tangible impact happens.

These two milestones might sound like they don’t take that long, but it usually takes between six months and one year from the first initial contact with a client to disburse the money to the client.

 I get to meet people and I learn so much more from talking to people compared to only reading about the bank in its financial statements.

But if we just circle back to the actual client a little bit, what makes a good client? How do you know that a bank is a good client and in what way does the initial contact commonly take place?

There are two ways that this often happens: the client might approach us, or we approach the client. With many clients we have longstanding relationships, and we help the client to expand their business over decades. This means that more often than not we have several deals with one client over time.

What all of our clients have in common is that they are very professional. A client is usually a large bank in the country  and that is good because that often means that we can have a big impact and achieve scale.

To have such long-lasting relationships with clients must be exciting, being able to follow them over a long period of time. Do you have any story about a client or an investment that has been particularly fulfilling?

Absolutely! So last year in December we signed a loan agreement with a client in Togo. That loan was a so-called sustainability linked loan which is a hot product nowadays in the development finance world and which constituted the first sustainability-linked loan with a banking group in West Africa. In the loan agreement, the client committed to achieving some sustainability-related targets that we previously had agreed upon. The agreement covered a climate action plan, including targets related to establishing a climate strategy and climate reporting.

In this specific project we also worked together with other development banks in Europe, and that is something we often do – working together. In this case, the French development bank was leading the deal, with the Dutch, Norwegian and German development banks participating in the loan among others. It is great that we do collaborate like this, not only to increase impact, but also for the team spirit and for learning how other development banks work. Therefore, this project with the bank in Togo was a successful project.

As a woman working as an Investment Manager at one of the world's largest private-sector development financiers, could you tell us about your experiences and perspectives on working within the finance industry? How do you see diversity and inclusivity playing a role in the financial sector's evolution, particularly in the regions you focus on?

As I said before, development finance is a niche within the finance world and what everyone in this business has in common is that we are all highly motivated and curious, and perhaps a bit adventurous. With this being said, diversity and inclusivity have been a part of the DNA for many development banks from the very beginning. But many development banks also promote diversity and inclusivity among their clients.

More often than not, when I travel to visit my clients, I do see women in senior management positions. Sometimes even more in Western Africa than in the middle of Europe, which is very cool to see.

Absolutely, and thinking about what you said before about your requirements when DEG invests in a new client – is diversity one of these requirements and something that a bank has to have some policy or similar around in order to become a client?

We are definitely looking at this, and we ask every client about information such as how many male and female board directors there are. Sometimes, when it comes to how the loan we issue is going to be utilised, we do ask our clients to utilise the loan proceeds to grow their lending activities with small or medium business managed or owned by women. So, we do not only look at our client, but also and especially at their lending activities. 

More often than not, when I travel to visit my clients, I do see women in senior management positions. Sometimes even more in West Africa than in the middle of Europe, which is very cool to see.

For many being interested in sustainable development finance, the journey to becoming an investment manager can seem daunting. What advice would you offer those aspiring to make a significant impact in this sector?

I think this is a very good question, because when I mention to people that I work in development finance, many people focus on the mission aspect of it. Indeed, it is important to look at what you do, but I think it is also important how you do it and with whom. For me it is important that my daily tasks also fit my strengths, I mean of course it is great to work with a mission that you believe in, but I think enjoying your daily tasks matters as much.

I also believe that having a great team is important and, as a piece of advice, I would suggest networking. Be interested in the people around you and the people you are working with. I also suggest to everyone who is interested in development finance to explore the different players and jobs  within the industry. Look around and see what works for you.

Also, two things that have helped me in the finance industry are the combination of radical curiosity and social fitness. The combination of these has helped me to gain and maintain respect. Radical curiosity means that I ask a lot, and I found that asking a lot of questions really helps you to lead. And when I talk about social fitness, I mean being interested in the people around you. Across all technical backgrounds and all hierarchies. I think it is important to listen to people and what they know, but also what drives them outside of work.

Be interested in the people around you and the people you are working with. I think this is as important as having a clear mission and enjoying the daily tasks.

Lastly, some say that life is a marathon and not a sprint. How do you keep up your energy level?

Indeed, the job is quite intense at times, but I do really enjoy it. But of course, it is important to be able to maintain a good energy level and re-energize from time to time.

What I do for my mind has to do with my interest in data visualisation. I am currently teaching myself a programming language on the side of my job and I do like it a lot. It requires a very different kind of thinking than my work does. So, my daily morning routine right now is a bit of coding as brain gymnastics, maybe similar to others’ yoga routine.

But as I said in the beginning, I am also a very hands-on person and a doer. I like to do practical things in my free time, as well as exercise. As an example, I really enjoy cooking and I work in a soup kitchen. In the soup kitchen,  I can see results of what I do quickly and I work with a team of people whose composition might vary from time to time.

Lastly, I am a Christian and I do practice my faith which is also a good opportunity to get in touch with people who have a different background from mine. This leads to some inspiration and when I get back to my job, I feel like I am better at thinking outside the box.

So, my daily morning routine right now is a bit of coding as a brain gymnastics, maybe similar to others’ yoga routine.

Meet Paola Lo Bue Oddo, Legal Officer at the European Commission. In this interview, she sheds light on her current and previous roles within international organisations and offers valuable insights into the way they function and address complex global issues. Paola also talks about her voluntary engagement and research interests highlighting her positive contributions also beyond these organisations.