Women in industry: Leading the Transition, Shaping the Future
Last week we hosted Women in Industry, a powerful event showcasing the influence of female leaders driving the transformation. Bringing senior women from different sectors together created a rare space to talk openly about leadership, careers, and change. The event took place on board of the River Dream, where we sailed through the port of Amsterdam. A living backdrop of transition. The port is transforming into a centre for renewable energy and digital innovation.
What stood out most was not just the seniority of the women on stage, but their willingness to confront difficult truths head-on: from bias in boardrooms to staying relevant amid digitalisation and the challenges of the energy transition. What became clear is that transition is not only technical. It is also a leadership challenge, demanding diversity of thought, courage to break patterns, and collaboration across industries that have traditionally operated in silos.
This duality, managing the realities of today while preparing for tomorrow, was central to the conversations on board. Resi Becker reminded us that leadership and diversity are inseparable from the transition ahead:
“Having different views around the table creates better outcomes. And to get there, you have to be clear about what you really want. Too often people only see what you do today, not your full potential, so you must make that visible.”
Resi also spoke about the responsibility of her generation to make the energy transition affordable and accessible, stressing that if not everyone can participate, society risks falling behind.
Alice Krekt took this further in her keynote. She outlined how hydrogen will be essential to meeting climate goals, balancing an overloaded electricity grid, and decarbonising sectors where electrification alone will not suffice, such as heavy industry and long-haul transport. Alice made clear that while technical progress is underway, political and regulatory hesitancy is slowing momentum, leaving what she called a “policy gap” that must be closed urgently.
The panel, moderated by Ellen Ruhotas, broadened the discussion. Rudina de Lange challenged the idea of a single “female leadership style,” stressing inclusivity and capability. Albena Vassileva warned against women being steered into “soft portfolios,” urging them to claim roles matching their expertise. Tessa de Flines addressed the confidence gap, highlighting the need for visibility and asking for responsibility.
A heartfelt thank you to Resi, Tessa, Rudina, Albena, Alice, and Ellen, and to every woman who joined. Your presence showed why this conversation matters. Finally, a huge thank you to Dominique, Victoria, Dorine and Emma for organising this event, and to Willemijn Beekman for capturing it beautifully.