Progress comes from moving forward

As Chairman of the Board of Directors at Aon Holdings & Aon Group International NV, Marguérite is a strong woman. One who, in her time, received disapproving looks from mothers on the schoolyard because she decided to continue working full-time when children came. This makes her exactly the role model who will open our meeting on Thursday, April 7th, Let’s Connect, Learn and Inspire. An evening where awareness about gender diversity at the (financial) top is central.

CEO of my own life

Marguérite, can you tell us when diversity and inclusivity became important to you?

“Looking back, my work vision has always been very open. But gender diversity and inclusivity became really important to me when I had children. Others expected me to work less, while I had no intention of doing so. Then, the perspective you have suddenly differs completely from what others project onto you. And I didn't like that at all. I don't say for nothing: 'I am the CEO of my own life.' I am really allergic to others deciding what I should do for me.”

You don't like making choices based on others' expectations?

“Exactly! It is very important to realize that the Netherlands is a free democracy. Everyone is free to make their choices. Yet, when I had children, a certain kind of conservatism crept in. Others expected decisions that I thought, 'That's not my decision.' I want to be able to make my own decisions and choices. Fortunately, that conservatism is now less.

Everyone should be able to make their own choices. But to do that well, role models are needed: people who have already made those choices. A kind of allies. Fortunately, we are getting more of those, so you see that you are not an outsider if you want to continue working full-time as a mother.”

How was that for you?

In my time, I was one of the few mothers who continued to work full-time. I encountered a lot of resistance because of that. But for me, it was a clear, conscious choice. And that is still very important to me: that you can make your own conscious, and unconscious, choices. Once I made that decision, I just kept going, and I never really looked back.

So your message is: let your choices be influenced as little as possible by others?

“I find it difficult to say, because I mainly believe in progression. I always look ahead and believe that many beautiful things are yet to come. But if I have to mention one thing, it is paragraphs 33 & 34 of the G20 final declaration, signed by all G20 leaders including the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the American President Joe Biden.

I represent the Netherlands at the G20 on Women Empowerment. Last year, this topic was specifically on the G20 agenda for the first time and a Ministerial conference was dedicated to it. The fact that we all managed to include those paragraphs on gender equality and diversity in the final declaration is unprecedented in history. I am quite proud of that. Because it means that there is now international pressure on all countries to take this issue seriously, and especially for those countries where gender inequality is still very significant, such as countries like India and Japan, this is of great value. This is truly making an impact for a better world.”

Making an impact for a better world

What are you most proud of?

“I find it difficult to say, because I mainly believe in progression. I always look ahead and believe that many beautiful things are yet to come. But if I have to mention one thing, it is paragraphs 33 & 34 of the G20 final declaration, signed by all G20 leaders including the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the American President Joe Biden.

I represent the Netherlands at the G20 on Women Empowerment. Last year, this topic was specifically on the G20 agenda for the first time and a Ministerial conference was dedicated to it. The fact that we all managed to include those paragraphs on gender equality and diversity in the final declaration is unprecedented in history. I am quite proud of that. Because it means that there is now international pressure on all countries to take this issue seriously, and especially for those countries where gender inequality is still very significant, such as countries like India and Japan, this is of great value. This is truly making an impact for a better world.”

Is this something you are satisfied with, and now you think: who knows what is yet to come?

“Exactly. I am glad that I have achieved this, but I hope and look forward to many more beautiful moments. Not that you only focus on what you have achieved, because then you get a kind of complacency. But I want to challenge myself to contribute where I can. To create progress, you must keep moving and look around you. Because in a world of rapid change, it is important to remain curious.”

Is your message also that you should not settle for what is?

“I certainly do not do that. It is good to keep asking questions. The way you ask that question subsequently has a lot of impact. If you want to initiate a change, then it is an art to ask the right question in the right way.”

What can people do themselves for more gender equality?

“Currently, one in two women is still financially dependent on their partner. Women from my generation often work part-time, less, or even stop working altogether. Then you do not earn money and do not build up a pension, which can lead to problems later on. For example, if things go wrong in your marriage or with your pension. Gender equality starts with preventing that financial dependency. Ultimately, you put yourself in a disadvantaged position if you are dependent.

Also the previously mentioned role models are very important for gender equality. You need shoulders to stand on. Other women and young girls can now stand on mine, but at some point others will have to stand up. Of course, I still want to be a role model at 80, but then I will be in a completely different generation. Every generation should have its own role models.

A realistic idealist. I really let myself be: my heart, reason and intuition. I accept myself with my pros and cons and have learned to round off the sharp edges. That is a tip I want to give to the reader: accept who you are! You have to look at yourself in the mirror and be able to think: I am happy. Your self-worth, your self-confidence and your own happiness are the most important, and the only one who can give you that is yourself. And give compliments. To yourself, but also to others. It is very essential and actually so simple. Positivity is the most beautiful thing you can receive and give.