I was very curious to understand how the world and nature works. I dreamed of becoming a scientist who discovers new approaches for the treatment of diseases for which there is no cure yet. Marie Curie was the role model for me. A Nobel Prize winner, striving to cure diseases and at the same time mother of two daughters.

My personal aha moment was when I informed my boss that I was expecting a child and that I wanted to return working full time after maternity leave. With the best of intentions, he asked me if it would not be better to work only part-time, as it will be very difficult to work full time with a child.  

I politely denied, came back full-time and made a significant career step. I was also challenged several times outside of the company on my 100% assignment and being a good mother at the same time. What helped me was an early reflection, prior to family building and getting married, on my core values. I hold myself accountable to these core values while taking important decisions in life. 

Reflect early on in your career about personal values, defining your true North and your personal vision and mission in life. That helped me to overcome self-doubts and supported me to follow my dreams regardless of the environment I was living in.