About me

With 26 years of experience in the financial sector—including over a decade as a senior executive leading a team of 120 legal and tax advisors—I know first-hand how leadership, corporate culture, and organizational change intersect in real and complex ways.

I hold a Master's in Gender & Diversity and earned magna cum laude honours for my thesis on substantial gender equality in the Belgian financial sector. My research, based on in-depth interviews and surveys with senior executives and CEOs, revealed how culture can shape careers and leadership opportunities—especially for women.

In addition, my work with Wo-Men in Finance—a sector-wide initiative—has further deepened my understanding of the structural and cultural challenges specific to the financial industry. While grounded in finance, these insights are widely applicable to other male-dominated sectors where similar dynamics around power, leadership, and inclusion are at play.

I believe inclusion isn't just about policy—it's about mindset, leadership, and daily behaviour. When we expose and address hidden barriers, we open the door to workplace cultures that are not only more equitable, but also more effective.

At the heart of my work is the principle of leading in a different voice—a concept that encourages leadership grounded in care, connection, and being other-oriented. It's about striking a thoughtful balance: achieving results while nurturing the relationships and culture that make those results sustainable. This perspective informs not only my research but also the leadership trainings and keynotes I design and deliver.

I've spoken for and worked with international corporates, banks, and law firms on topics such as psychological safety, leadership in a different voice, assimilation, imposter syndrome, implicit bias, smart "soft" skills, and office politics. Beyond workshops and keynotes, I also support clients in evaluating their corporate culture and implementing inclusive practices that drive lasting change.

Through thought-provoking conversations, I challenge assumptions and help leaders see things differently. Whether you're looking to strengthen inclusive leadership, build psychological safety, or transform your workplace culture, I offer actionable insights that shift perspectives—and inspire change.

Education:

• Master in Gender & Diversity magna cum laude (2023, joint program UGent, KU Leuven, VUB, UAntwerpen & UHasselt).
• LLM in International Taxation magna cum laude (2002, New York University)
• Master in Tax Management magna cum laude (1998, ULB/Ecole de Commerce Solvay)
• Master in Law cum laude (1995, UGent/Paris X)