It is hard to say, but I am not sure I would have been given the same leadership opportunities if I had not been a man. I started my career in Consulting, it was a fast paced, male dominated environment. Promotions were based on hard work and successful performance, and only few women in that world of work at that time. I’m pleased to see that world has changed for the better since I started working, but there is still more to be done. Now my daughters are adults and successful in their own right and I very proud of them.
 

Ever since I was in high-school I wanted to become an Engineer to understand how ‘things’ work. I went to Stanford and studied Engineering but also Economics and later Business (MBA). Unfortunately, I think Engineering remains a more male dominated course while Economics and Business were more balanced during my academic time.

When I started my career, the gender stereotypes still made it difficult for women to get promoted into leadership roles at the same pace as their male counterparts with equal qualifications. In the last 30 years, since I entered the world of work, I think the awareness of gender bias has increased significantly, at least in the US and in Western Europe, and awareness is an important first step towards addressing inequality.

As the father of three successful daughters, I am an active advocate for gender equality. I believe everyone should be given equal opportunities and treated fairly, regardless of gender. In my role as CEO, I make sure that hiring, promotions and compensation are based purely on performance. In my management meetings, I also ensure that each of the leaders gets equal and fair speaking time. I do not tolerate any negative or dismissive remarks that are based on bias or stereotype of any kind.