I DON'T MAKE MYSELF SMALLER. WOULD'T WORK ANYWAY.”

Recently, I was once again advised to make myself smaller so as not to “intimidate” men in management and, supposedly, find new engagements more quickly. To appear less visible at first and only reveal later what I am actually capable of.

My professional breadth was questioned as well.

“No one can possibly be good at that many things.”
“Today is all about specialization.”

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But my professional breadth is simply the result of the path I have taken: many companies, industries, countries, transformations and very different challenges. I don’t see that breadth as an obstacle. I see it as an asset.

Especially in an increasingly complex world, we need people who can operate across different fields, connect the dots and understand how things influence one another. Otherwise, you need a different consultant for every single topic.

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So in the end, I decided not to hide my experience just to make my profile fit more neatly into a box. Quite the opposite: I decided to make it one of my strengths and actively promote it.

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Where professional strength needs to be toned down so that others can feel more comfortable, I am probably not the right person anyway. I don’t know everything. But I want us, together, to be capable of handling everything that matters. And that requires a conversation at eye level. From a top manager, I expect the confidence not merely to tolerate a strong woman with a clear profile at their side, but to genuinely welcome her. And if that is not what someone wants, they can always go for the classic choice. That is perfectly fine too.

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But those who do welcome it get my full strength in return and a long-term, reliable, first-class partner for whatever business throws at us. Choose wisely.

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