I grew up in a family with many examples of women working rewarding careers, so I believe that as a girl I would have had the same aspirations I had as a boy. On the other hand, as I look at our society, I do not know that as a woman I would have received as much support and encouragement along the way as a man would have. I might have made it as a woman, and I see great examples of that, but I am afraid the same obstacles might have felt harder to overcome, and the chances might have been lower.
 

As the son of working parents, both in management jobs, I never thought that work had anything to do with gender. When I started working in professional services, I worked with many women in leadership positions. I was lucky enough to experience less of the stereotypical culture around work and gender, but that does not mean that the playing field is even for men and women.
 
I have seen progress in many companies to eradicate the most obvious differences and stereotypes, but sometimes the most subtle forms of bias or discrimination continue to linger. Today we run campaigns on unconscious bias and inclusion, and we promote positive role models to address also the less visible forms of discrimination.

We do a lot as a company: transparent equal salary, uniform parental leave, continuous unconscious bias training, and more. When it comes to me, I try not to act the stereotype. I do not wear the mask of the strong, unshakable male professional. I talk about what I do at home, tell the team when I have to take care of my son if my wife is traveling, I show my vulnerabilities. It is not perfect but I believe authenticity goes a long way.