Most men believe that they achieved their career goals through hard work and high performance. But when I look at peers from my generation, the percentage of women in leadership positions is significantly lower. So clearly the odds would definitely not have been the same.

Professionally, I grew up in a male-dominated environment where attributes like being outgoing, self-confident or working long hours made the difference. I had children later than most other people. If I hadn’t done that, I admit that I would have struggled to leave the office at 5pm to pick up my son from daycare.

It is a fact that I grew up in an environment where a career was clearly more important for a man than for a woman. Sadly, this is a stereotype which still prevails and which is quite common in Switzerland.

Talking to my wife who is a lawyer it’s sad to hear that it is still too often the case that clients prefer dealing with a male counterpart. In my own direct environment, I have witnessed people questioning the commitment of both female and male colleagues with young children working part-time. I have plenty of other similar examples that I could share.

In general, our working environment has improved, but compared to other countries there is still a more conservative bias towards females in Switzerland.

I try to lead by example in the belief that many colleagues will see what I do and act similarly. For example, it is key to send small signals such as hiring an expectant mother for a key role, doing what I can to avoid arranging early morning or late evening meetings, or leaving the office early to pick up the kids.
 
If needed, I don’t shy away from calling out non-acceptable and gender-biased behavior towards female colleagues even though it requires a tough conversation with an important external stakeholder.