Being a woman in business can often be tough. Recent studies have shown over the last 20 years, women in leadership have been on the rise, but ever so gradually. To put it in perspective, women in senior management positions grew from 19.9% in 2004 to 35% in 2024. While men today dominate the senior management pie with 65%. The disparity is still glaringly vivid, but progress has been consistent, just not rapid.

With the attempt to shift the tides and empower the next generation, this International Women’s Day we spotlight the storied careers of some of AVANTGARDE’s global female executives. They ascertain how far they’ve come as women in business, and what are some of the key takeaways for the next generation.

Gathering these powerhouses of the AVANTGARDE group, we sat down with Sangeeta Amin (Executive Director Strategic & Creative Services), Rachel Lewandowska (Managing Director AVANTGARDE London),  Christine Theineman (Managing Director of AVANTGARDE Switzerland), Kubi Springer (Brand Marketing Director), Antonia Muller (Senior HR Business Partner), Farrah Diab (Project Manager AVANTGARDE Dubai), and Jyllian She (P.A to Managing Director AVANTGARDE Shanghai)

We dove into deep insightful discourse, and these were the key takeaways -

“When is your boss coming?”, a question many of us have heard, including, our Executive Director of Strategic & Creative Services, Sangeeta Amin, aptly responded – “I am the boss.”  The awkward silence that ensued was a slow burn, but also priceless, as Sangeeta recounts.

This was way back in 2008, but perhaps, even in 2024 you could throw a net in the air and catch a few wild ignoramus comments flying around in meeting rooms. Just like Sangeeta, many women in this conversation, early into their careers, have had to face and overcome barriers stemming from some form of unconscious bias or the other.

“You really have to fight for your leadership. I had to be confident in what I do. I kept telling myself, I can do it…I can find my way. I failed tons of times, but I always stood up.” Sangeeta reinstated with confidence.

Rachel Lewandowska, recollects her initial years. In a management team of eight, aside from being the only woman in the room, she also happened to be the youngest.

“At times it was challenging to be heard through a lot of very strong opinions. I quickly learnt, it’s not about being the loudest, most opiniated person in the room, but finding room to say something meaningful and demonstrate by initiating change.”

Rachel’s advice, “Channel as much self-belief as possible”, was a great segue into ways you can power through the trough.

Rachel continues, “When I had my first daughter in my early thirties and returned to work, I felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. Years of a constant juggle to manage motherhood and a career. Ten years on and now a mother of three, I’m still juggling, but I’m better at believing I’m doing enough, and no-one is judging me. And if they are, that’s their problem, not mine.”

Our Brand Marketing Director, Kubi Springer, reflected, “For the longest time I internalized society’s racism, until I realized being black and female is my superpower. The business world needs diversity of thought and experiences because we’re serving a diverse world.”

Antonia Muller, Senior HR Business Partner, noted that it all comes down to believing and advocating for yourself. While, Christine Theinemann, Managing Director of AVANTGARDE Switzerland, echoed the sentiment, “It’s about taking courageous steps towards your ambitions, and always speak up for equality and inclusion in every aspect of your journey.”

Despite the evident disparity, the women of AVANTGARDE, had a refreshingly optimistic take on the evolution of women empowerment across the globe.

Antonia claimed, “Women empowerment has certainly evolved. Through increased awareness, advocacy, and policy changes aimed at promoting gender equality in all aspects of life. “

Jyllian She, our P.A to the M.D of AVANTGARDE Shanghai, referred to the progress in China, and parts of Asia as truly inspiring. “It’s changing a lot. We’re seeing more mentorship programs, women standing up as leaders. The Asian automotive industry is about to see a lot more women engineers as well. “

Expanding on the movement from Switzerland, Christine chimed in with her veritable global experience across Africa and Europe.

“In Africa, I’ve seen the resilience and strength of women who have overcome significant challenges to pursue their goals and contribute to their communities. While in Germany and Switzerland the impact of progressive policies and initiatives aim at promote gender equality and support women in the world of work.”

Christine adds, “In all three regions, I’ve witnessed women starting businesses and achieving financial independence. Also, technological advancements have played a crucial role for all of them, by providing access to information, resources, and opportunities. “

Perhaps, it may no longer be a pipedream after all.

When posed with the topic of bridging the gender gap - cultural inclusivity, breaking traditional gender roles, prioritizing education, promoting diversity in leadership, and tackling unconscious bias were all important solutions which were brought to the table.

However, one that requires elaborate attention was enhancing childcare support and maternal packages.

Rachel shared her concerns that women who are returning to work, post the maternity period, barely find themselves breaking even.  “A gap in your career shouldn’t mean a gap in your pay cheque. In fact, women that return to work offer a new perspective, ability to prioritise, find efficiencies, and a greater sense of empathy”

Kubi agrees, “As women, we are almost conditioned to feel like we must be a mother or a leader. Often feeling like we have to choose one over the other, but the reality is we’re not either or, we can have both with organizational support. I say, don’t compartmentalize yourself into one thing, bring your whole self to the role.”

Another major takeaway that resonated across the room, was women supporting women.

Antonia advocated, “In my career, I never quite felt the obstacles as much, and I owe that to the amazing women I had as leaders, who always encouraged me.”

 Rachel lives by the philosophy, “I’m a great believer in everyone succeeding together, it’s not about heroes, it’s about a group of people empowered to bring their best and collectively succeed.”

Sangeeta strongly advised women in leadership, to support those who do not have the backing. She laid the final exclamation, “We need to open up their access to opportunities, networks and mentorship. If we do that, we will all be forces to reckon with.”

As a fitting conclusion, we got some pearls of wisdom from two of our youngest executives.

Imaan Naqvi stated with belief, “Don’t be afraid of your voice, be yourself and know your worth.” Farrah Diab, wrapped it all up perfectly, “You can do anything you want, so go get it!”