The power of female leadership: Petra Maréchal

For Petra, female leadership is about qualities such as empathy, listening, giving space to different points of view and building real relationships.

"Qualities that any person can have, but are more often attributed to women," she says. She believes that these qualities lead to better decision-making and a future-proof course. Her leadership style focuses on creating a safe workplace, where everyone can be themselves and feel heard. She seeks depth on a personal level and keeps an eye on the long term: "What are the positive and negative sides of our choices? Did we take everything with us?"

The work-life balance is a constant challenge for Petra. With three young children, planning and organizing is essential. "I try to be at home between 17:00 and 21:00, without a phone. Eating together, quietly putting the children to bed – that's valuable time." She enjoys the contrast between work and home, and finds relaxation in activities with the children, friends, family and (sailing) weekends away with her husband. "Children keep you in the now. Running an errand together is already an outing and a learning moment."

Although Petra does not immediately see herself as a role model, she hopes to inspire others: "I wanted a challenging job and a nice family. I saw that combination when I first started working only with men." She is convinced that it can be done – and that the system must change to get more women in top positions. "It starts with equal distribution of care tasks at home. Men should be given the same amount of leave and be encouraged to take on care responsibilities."

Petra argues for temporary measures to break patterns, such as agreements on the percentage of women in managerial positions. Her ambition? Strengthening financial emancipation in the Netherlands. "I want to make more impact with Yellowtail Conclusion. Only 59% of Dutch women are financially independent. And retired women in the Netherlands receive an average of 40% less pension than men. Awareness of what control over your finances can bring you; I wish that freedom for everyone."

*Emancipatie monitor 2024 CBS