Can you tell our amazing community of mothers and fathers what is the mission of LeadHers?

LeadHers is an organization that I founded in 2018, dedicated to increasing the number of women in leadership positions. Despite comprising half of society, women are significantly underrepresented in top leadership roles.

The low representation of women is not due to a lack of skills or motivation to excel in these roles. Instead, the challenge stems from a lack of self-confidence and a shortage of female role models in leadership positions. Our mission is to empower women through mentorship and support, fostering connections across generations to help each other succeed and bring more women to the top.

Could you tell us more about LeadHers mentoring programme?

Young generations bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, while older generations bring experience, wisdom, and established networks. By bridging these generations and creating opportunities for collaboration and mentorship, LeadHers creates a more dynamic and effective community that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and women can gain more influence in the world.

What path lead you to your successful career? 

With 16 years of experience in finance, I have built the majority of my career at Bank of America, starting in New York and then spending 10 years in London. Then I went on to lead the Fixed Income Sales Team for France, Belgium, and Luxembourg in Paris.

My academic credentials include graduating Summa Cum Laude in actuarial sciences from HEC Lausanne and spending a year at the London School of Economics. I also hold a Master of Science in Computational Finance from Carnegie Mellon University, which has given me a deep understanding of the intersection between finance and technology.

What would be your best advice for any ambitious working woman who wants to start a family, just the way you are doing?

When it comes to balancing ambition and family life, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s okay to seek guidance, make missteps, and adapt your approach as you navigate this complex journey. Prioritizing self-care, cultivating a reliable support network, and finding humor in the ups and downs can all be helpful strategies. Ultimately, only you can determine what works best for you and your unique circumstances.

Do you think mothers can take a career break and come back into professional life? 

Yes, a mother can certainly take a career break and come back into professional life. Although taking a career break can create challenges in terms of staying up-to-date with industry developments and re-establishing professional connections, it is possible to overcome these challenges with the right strategy and support.

Amongst a few, I would recommend maintaining professional connections with former colleagues, continuing to learning about the industry, and seeking out mentorship and support from professionals who have successfully returned to work.

In your view, how can we push future generations to accept people and more importantly women to take a career break and to come back into professional life? 

To encourage future generations to accept career breaks and support women’s return to professional life, we can promote a culture of flexibility and inclusivity in the workplace by offering family-friendly policies and providing resources to help women re-enter the workforce. By highlighting the valuable skills and experiences that women bring to the table, we can work to shift societal attitudes and perceptions around career breaks and motherhood and to ensure that women are able to pursue their professional goals while balancing family demands.