Let's Connect, Learn and Inspire 2022: a look back

Gender quotas, gender-neutral upbringing, and salary negotiations

After the presentation, our guest speakers joined Jeroen Broekema from Leaders in Finance at the table for a live podcast on the topic of gender diversity and women in leadership. Audience members were able to ask questions to the guests during the podcast.

During the podcast, various topics were discussed, such as gender quotas, gender-neutral upbringing, but also the persistent wage gap and the associated negotiations between men and women. Marguérite says: “Men are much more likely to negotiate their salaries. But when women negotiate, men find it very threatening. They perceive women as aggressive or dominant, even though we are just asking for what we deserve.”

“In general, men are quicker to ask for something, while women are more concerned with how they can make an impact and contribute to something,” Nadine adds. She herself noticed that during a negotiation with one of her team members, she inadvertently strengthened his position compared to two other female team members. “It's actually very strange to offer a salary increase to those who ask for it, but leave behind those who don't ask.” Nadine's intention is to never let this happen again.

“Embrace the struggle, because friction brings shine”

During the recording, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions. One of the attendees mentioned taking a course on the business world, where it was suggested that women should adapt to the male-dominated business environment that currently exists. The questioner was curious if Marguérite could relate to this.

“I have also done that adjustment for a long time, but then you are not in your power. And that means that you cannot focus well on what you were hired for. So don't leave anything at the front door and be completely yourself to be able to stay in your power. The sooner companies realize that, the less will be lost. This way, you ensure that you can do things you want to do.”

“It's about facing the struggle. It is important to realize: friction gives shine. So when you have that difficult conversation with each other, when things don't go as you hope they would, you will see that there will be understanding and respect from both sides. But it is still very exciting.”

Listen back to the live podcast

This is just a selection from the conversation Jeroen had with Marguérite and Nadine. Curious about all the statements, topics, or insights that were discussed? Listen to the episode here.

About Connect, Learn and Inspire

The initiative Connect, Learn and Inspire aims to create more awareness about gender diversity at the (financial) top. The initiative started at the beginning of 2021, focusing on connecting female young professionals, mentees, with female leaders, mentors, all working in financial institutions. On April 7, 2022, the first Let’s Connect, Learn and Inspire event and podcast took place.