‘You’re hired for who you are, so make sure to contribute’ – Anna Klapwijk [Interview]

“I always go after impactful projects, that’s the base of it. When I started at Deloitte, blockchain technology was relatively new to the business environment. Already then, I focused on tech for good, and more specifically how decentralised tech could transform agrifood chains. One of my highlights was working with the World Food Programme to see if we could increase the speed of food delivery in the East-African corridor. Over time, I moved more into the ‘future of food’ space and broadened my scope on strategy and innovation, as blockchain is just one of the tools that could be used, rather than always having blockchain as an answer.”

“My experience ranges from building blockchain-based platforms to strategy renewal. What I like from my role is that [when] working with large organisations, the changes you facilitate create impact at scale. But if I look back at all projects I’ve done, I most enjoyed the ones related to social problems. They often have a strong purpose and there are a lot of ways to make impact. Helping an organisation to redefine their direction and plan how to execute their strategy gives a lot of energy!”

“The tech space is still male dominated. When I started, I felt much more isolated than I do now. Over the past year, there is a lot more awareness, more discussion, and more support for women industry wide. Women find each other better and are better supported by male colleagues than before.

“Within our own Future of Food community at Deloitte, a lot of the women have sub-groups where we connect and work together, and there is a Deloitte-wide Women’s Network. At the same time there is a lot discussion within [the] organisation on how to better support women.

“While it is getting better, there is still a shortage on the leadership level, I still find myself in boardrooms with sometime all-male leaders. I often joke about it and make it explicit so that they also become aware of the lack of diversity. It is part of a much bigger societal debate, but my two cents in terms of what is needed is: more role models, male allies, and community and peer groups to help each other forward. Men do this much better [with] ‘the old boys club’.”

“Open, flexible, human-centered, outspoken, and approachable. That’s my style, I would say. As a leader I find it incredibly important to be open to others, but also to ideas. I don’t always have the right answer and it is crucial that people feel secure and confident to share their ideas. We often work on complex problems so we have to do it together.

“Yet, I learned from some of the leaders I look up to that it is ok to be critical – in a human way – from a perspective of making it better together. So, I try to find that balance. Tough on the contact, kind on the person.

“My advice would be to always stay true to yourself and, if you disagree, even as the most junior person in the team, speak up and share your thoughts. You’re hired for who you are, so make sure to contribute.”

“For the future, I see there is a great need for technology development, especially regarding sustainability and transformation of the space. We therefore need to create an environment where women feel comfortable, accepted, and recognised.

“At the same time […] the problems and solutions are becoming more complex and require people with excellent stakeholder management skills and leaders who are inclusive, responsible, and take a long-term perspective.

“I think women are very well positioned to navigate these uncertain and challenging issues. Personally, I will keep pushing the needle on the topic and continue to grow the community of female leaders!”