Last week, women in finance and M&A from all over Europe came together at our Marktlink office in Amsterdam for an afternoon of networking, connecting and meaningful conversations centred around the three V’s: visibility, voice and vision.
The main event of the afternoon was a panel discussion, led by Victoria Ansell (Managing Partner at Marktlink London). The panel included female powerhouses Kate Partridge (Corporate Lawyer at DMH Stallard), Anna Maria Jedrzejczak (Managing Partner at Marktlink Poland), Josanne Verdonk (CHRO at Marktlink), and Anke Huiskes (Co-founder of NP-Hard Ventures). Four fantastic women at the peak of their careers, who were happy to talk about their own journeys and experiences, sharing some of their highs and lows, and fantastic insights about how we can seek support for ourselves when we need it, as well as helping others along the way.
The journey to finding one’s voice in male-dominated industries is often fraught with challenges, but it is also a testament to resilience and self-belief. Anna-Maria shared her strategy: “Expertise is genderless. I decided to be the best expert I can be. I came prepared and tried to know more about a deal than anyone else in the room.” Despite moments of being overlooked, she persisted, transforming from being unnoticed to someone whose insights became indispensable. Kate reflected on the early days of her career in law, where the hierarchical nature of the field often silenced her. “Take a breath before you speak,” she advised, emphasising the importance of clarity and confidence in delivery. However, as Anna Maria pointed out, timing is crucial: “Don’t wait for too long. Speak up during the meeting, not after.”
Assertiveness in women is often misinterpreted, as Victoria noted (to laughs of recognition all around): “I was once nicknamed ‘the bulldog’ on a transaction!” Yet, she and others have learned to embrace authenticity. Kate admitted, “I had a desire to be liked, but now I’ve learned it’s OK to be authentic and bring something different to the table.” Josanne highlighted the importance of self-reflection: “Spend time on who you are and what impact you can bring to the table.” Anke and Victoria also stressed the importance of creating space for others to develop their voices, with Victoria noting, “You can’t develop your own voice if you don’t get to use it.” Advocacy, preparation, and measurable metrics, as Anna Maria suggested, are key to ensuring one’s voice is heard in high-stakes environments.
Balancing well-being in demanding careers is another critical aspect of maintaining one’s voice. Josanne emphasised the importance of support systems, from family to professional services, while Anna Maria warned against treating endurance as a badge of honour: “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Scheduling self-care, whether workouts or moments with friends, is not a luxury but an investment. Anke added, “If I don’t exercise four days a week, I get grumpy.” The panellists also underscored the need for open conversations about women’s unique challenges, from maternity leave to hormonal changes, pumping and expressing themselves at work, with Victoria pointing out: “Someone has to speak out about these topics; if there is no example set, other women don’t know what their options are, and can end up hiding away – either pumping on the toilet in secret, or feeling very alone trying to deal with peri- or menopause symptoms.”
You can't pour from an empty cup. Well-being is not a luxury, it’s an investment in yourself but also in your colleagues, because they don’t want to work with a stressed and frustrated peer or boss. You don’t want a colleague like that, so don’t be one.- Anna Maria Jędrzejczak, Managing Partner Marktlink Poland
Visibility is not just about being seen; it’s about being remembered for the right reasons. Anna Maria recounted her first deal, where a supportive boss believed in her more than she believed in herself. “Visibility is built in micro steps,” she explained, urging women to take every opportunity to present, speak, and lead. Josanne echoed this sentiment, sharing how male mentors pushed her out of her comfort zone, leading to pivotal career advancements. “You need those people in your career,” she said, emphasising that support doesn’t always have to come from women.
Networking, a cornerstone of visibility, requires intentionality. Anke finds inspiration in her “bad-ass peers,” and has learned to be selective about events, focusing on those that align with her goals. Writing for a magazine like Quote has also been a game-changer for her, providing an outlet to share her perspectives and gain a seat at the table. Anna Maria stressed the importance of meaningful connections: “It’s not about how many people in the room know your name; it’s about how many will mention your name and refer to you when you’re not in the room.”
Paying it forward is equally vital. Anke spoke about managers who became friends and cheerleaders, creating a supportive peer group. Victoria and Anke both highlighted the importance of giving others the floor. This culture of mutual support and advocacy is essential for breaking down barriers and ensuring that women are not just present but influential in their fields.
Someone has to speak out about these female topics; if there is no example set, other women don’t know what their options are, and can end up hiding away – either pumping on the toilet in secret, or feeling very alone trying to deal with peri- or menopause symptoms.- Victoria Ansell, Managing Partner Marktlink London
The panellists agreed that systemic change is needed to see more women in leadership roles. Anke pointed out, “Money is power, and we have to shift the power.” She emphasised the importance of getting a seat at the table and being conscious of who is missing, advocating for more female founders and peers. Anna Maria called for flexible career paths and transparency about expectations, transforming the narrative from “a woman in the room is an exception” to “a woman in the room is expected.”
Core values play a significant role in shaping one’s vision. For Anna Maria, curiosity and courage are guiding principles: “I ask myself, in pivotal moments in my career: does it align with who I am, who I want to be, and what I want to build in the long term?” Kate encouraged women to stop doubting their capabilities: “Remember that they want you in that room for a reason.” Anke, a self-proclaimed risk-taker, advised taking calculated risks and believing in yourself, and not to wait for others to believe in you.
The panellists also discussed the unique qualities women bring to leadership. Empathy, listening to understand, and a focus on collaboration over competition were recurring themes. “We don’t need only women in the room, but we do need the diversity,” Anke noted, emphasising the value of diverse perspectives. By fostering environments that support women at every stage of their careers, from maternity leave to leadership roles, organisations can create a more inclusive and effective future. As Josanne aptly put it, “We need to look at the whole lifecycle of a female colleague.”
In conclusion, the voices, visibility, and vision of women are not just essential for their personal growth but for the evolution of industries and leadership as a whole. By advocating for themselves and others, building meaningful connections, and staying true to their values, women can continue to break barriers and shape a more equitable future.
Remember that you are in that room for a reason. Stop thinking of all the reasons you can’t do the job and remind yourself you can do the job.- Kate Partridge, Corporate Lawyer, DMH Stallard
This event was organised together with Virtual Vaults and March Women: a curated community of women at every stage of the deal-making journey.
Contact us now for more information.