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.”