‘What shall we do? ‘I don’t mind. Whatever you like.’ When I was younger, my conversations would often follow this pattern, me being the one not minding. One day, a friend gave me the well-meant advice to get some assertiveness training, because I seemed so insecure. But I didn’t feel like that at all. Nowadays, I sometimes …
Ever been told to be more assertive? Don’t listen. Read this: Read More »
When I put a few pages about Barbie in my latest book – We-mind vs Me-mind, published in July – I wanted to illustrate how what we’ve learned to value in ourselves and others is making a lot of people deeply unhappy and perpetuates the very situation we want to change. Unfortunately, the latest Barbie …
Stereotypical Barbie is dead, long live the stereotype! Read More »
It sounds shocking: 90 percent of the world population, including women, is biased against women, according to the latest UN Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI). But this representation of the facts is profoundly skewed. Yes, there is a lot of room for improvement. But there is no reason to despair. And the solution is obvious: …
Let’s stop beating ourselves up! What the latest UN report on gender bias really shows Read More »
The poll to choose a title for my book on the We-mind and the Me-mind is closed. Several people asked an important question: If this book is meant for women, why wasn’t that part of the titles to choose from? Before I answer that, I’d like to say a deep-felt thank you to all who …
Is the We-mind and the Me-mind a book for women? Read More »
Here’s the synposis of my book for women who want impact. It answers these questions: What really trips us up? How to join and stay at the decision-making level? How to be valued and rewarded for what we contribute? Help me name it. Isn’t it astonishing that there are still so few women at the …
Today my Dad’s house is on the market. Once it’s sold, there will be no physical location any more to remember him, apart from his grave. My heart feels heavy. My Dad was very proud of the fact that, apart from putting up the walls and the roof, he had done practically everything himself. That …
How my Dad’s imperfect house made me love him even more Read More »
After playing up for a while, my, no, our washing machine broke down. ‘I’ll take care of this,’ Hugh, my very supportive husband said. Within a few days a repairman showed up on our doorstep at 8 a.m.. Together they went to work. Half an hour later I was called to the scene. The moment …
My Dad has been resisting moving into a care home for years. He couldn’t let go of the world he created, even if it was less and less comfortable to be in. Last summer he couldn’t look after himself anymore. We, his daughters, took the tough decision to overrule his judgment. My youngest sister moved …
This summer I had terrible ants in my pants. It wasn’t funny anymore. But what do you do if you can’t sit still? There was a time that I’d take holidays in small beach hotels or roaming the Mediterranean coast on a boat with a small group of friends. All there was to do was …
Ants in my pants – what to do if you’re unable to sit still Read More »
This year must have been one of the most challenging ever for leaders, especially for those who want to do good. If an invisible enemy is punching holes in your ship that’s carrying people you care for, how do you keep it afloat, let alone on course? Is it even possible to come out stronger …
10 Survival Tactics for any Covid-challenged boss Read More »
‘The thing about leadership is that you have to be prepared to fail and start again,’ says Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. She is the living example of perseverance. She was jailed three times, had to flee the country and campaign more than once before becoming the first elected female head of state in Africa. For 12 …
‘Nobody could have done it but a woman’ — Lessons about leadership from a president Read More »
The other day I was talking to a friend whose birthday is coming up. ‘Not much fun in these isolated days,’ I started our conversation. The frown I saw appearing on her face seemed to split the screen in two. ‘I’m working day and night!’ There was a slight wobble in her voice. ‘Other colleagues …
