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Mastering The Art of Authentic Leadership with Farshida Zafar | Show notes for episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech
What happens when a leader stops performing and starts showing up as herself?
In episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech, Farshida Zafar shares how embracing her authentic self—sneakers, roots, and all—shaped her leadership journey and helped her build a radically inclusive team culture at Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Farshida’s story begins as a refugee in the Netherlands. It unfolds into a career defined by resilience, authenticity, and a commitment to creating teams where everyone can thrive.
Key Takeaways from episode 104
Here’s what you’ll learn by listening to episode 104:
🧠 Being yourself is not unprofessional, it’s powerful
🤝 Creating a team where everyone belongs starts with showing up as yourself
🔥 Success is not about luck. It’s about making bold choices, showing up, and having the courage to fail.If you’ve ever wondered whether authenticity can be your greatest strength as a leader, this episode is for you.
To learn how you can master the art of authentic leadership, find episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
Or hit the play button below👇.
Mastering the Art of Authentic Leadership with Farshida Zafar | Episode 104 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from episode 104
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- The Magic in This Episode🪄
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Hidden Truths About Inclusion
- About Farshida Zafar
- About ECE
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
TNW Conference:
Date: 19 and 20 June 2025
Location: NDSM, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 hours
Tickets: On TNW WebsiteJoin the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
The Magic in This Episode🪄
What does it really look like to lead with authenticity?
For Farshida Zafar, it meant refusing to shrink. Refusing to perform. And choosing to lead in a way that feels true, no matter the cost.
In episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech, Farshida shares the moments that shaped her leadership. Moments when she stood her ground, protected her values, and made space for others to do the same.
These aren’t just career decisions. They’re acts of courage that show how authenticity and inclusion can go hand in hand.
Here are three powerful stories from her journey.
The sneaker story: When someone told her sneakers weren’t professional, she decided to stop hiding. That moment marked the beginning of a new leadership style—unapologetically real.
Walking away to protect her name: After being told her last name would prevent her from becoming a partner, Farshida quit on the spot. “It kept my integrity intact,” she said. “And that matters more than a paycheck.”
Building a culture of belonging: She asks introverts to speak first. Gives space for hard conversations. And leads meetings by listening, not performing.
Want to hear more of Farshida’s magic? Listen to Episode 104 on Spotify.
What are your experiences related to authenticity in leadership? Let me know in the comments.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps the Women Disrupting Tech build a more inclusive tech future and supports women in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
Three Hidden Truths About Inclusion
Inclusion isn’t a buzzword. It’s a leadership practice.
Farshida Zafar doesn’t just talk about inclusion—she builds it into the way her team works. From hiring to team dynamics, she challenges the systems that keep people out and replaces them with habits that bring people in.
Here are three practical ways she puts inclusion into action—no jargon, no fluff. Just real, everyday leadership that works.
Create metrics for inclusion
Don’t just measure how many people you hire. Track whether they feel safe, heard, and empowered to contribute.
Ask better questions in diverse teams
When language or culture causes friction, pause and ask: “What exactly do you mean? What am I missing?”
Challenge the ‘best person for the job’ myth
Question the bias behind how we define merit. Diverse teams aren’t just fairer, they’re smarter.
For more real-world insights on building inclusive teams, listen to Episode 104 of Women Disrupting Tech on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share what your favorite moment from the episode was in the comments.
“I think me being me shows my team they can be themselves and they don’t have to put on a mask. They can be their authentic self.”
Farshida Zafar, Director Erasmus Center for EntrepreneurshipAbout Farshida Zafar
Farshida Zafar, LL.M., is a visionary leader driving transformation at the intersection of education, technology, and entrepreneurship. As Executive Director of the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship, she spearheads strategic initiatives focused on (emerging) technology, and inclusive entrepreneurship. Her forward-thinking leadership has garnered international and national recognition, including the Best Campus Development Award (2021), the Techionista Tech Leader Award (2018) and the SURF Innovation (2016).
Her commitment to inclusion earned her a place in the Inclusive 30 of 2023 by MT/Sprout, recognizing her as one of the Netherlands’ most influential inclusive leaders.
With expertise spanning law, technology, and change management, Farshida drives digital transformation across educational and business landscapes. She excels at leading diverse teams to create innovative solutions with meaningful societal impact, embodying the principles of inclusive leadership and technological advancement in everything she undertakes.
About ECE
Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) is part of Erasmus University Rotterdam. It is a leading international center for entrepreneurship education and research. ECE empowers aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs through knowledge, networks and access to resources, enabling them to achieve their entrepreneurial ambitions. You can find more information on the ECE website and follow ECE on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Share what’s on your mind!
Have you ever felt like you had to tone down who you are to succeed at work? Please share your own experiences related to authenticity in leadership in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
One masterclass follows another. Next week, James Felton Keith puts a price on non-inclusive companies. Systems and measurements included. It is a truly insightful episode about his groundbreaking work on building the financial business case for DEI.
Here’s a clip from the episode on what motivates him.
Clip from episode 105 of Women Disrupting Tech with James Felton Keith Stay tuned for more. And until the next episode, stay curious and Keep Being Awesome!
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How Flouria Health is Healing Women and Shaping Workplaces with Anna Christie | Show notes for episode 103 of Women Disrupting Tech
Anna Christie’s journey didn’t start with a clear plan. It started with silence.
The silence you experience when you have a health issue but can’t find clear answers. The silence of doctors not taking you seriously. It’s the type of health issue that women run into all the time.
So Anna did what many founders do: she created what she needed but couldn’t find. She launched a podcast called Bumps Along the Way to document her experience and speak with women’s health experts. It quickly grew into a trusted space for others navigating the same road.
That podcast became the bridge to something bigger.
In Episode 103 of Women Disrupting Tech, Anna shares how she became Flouria’s third co-founder, how timing and healing changed everything, and why women’s health isn’t just a medical topic; it’s a business one.
Alongside co-founders Jeanine and Vlatko, Anna builds Flouria Health, a FemTech platform designed to give women the trusted care and knowledge the traditional healthcare system often overlooks.
Key Takeaways from episode 103
Here’s what you’ll discover by listening to episode 103:
🧠 How her podcast started Anna’s journey as co-founder of Flouria Health
📉 The economic cost of ignoring women’s health
🔥 The real reason we still treat it as niche and how to change thatTo learn how Flouria Health is tackling this, find episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
Or hit the play button below👇.
How Flouria Health is Healing Women and Shaping Workplaces with Anna Christie | Ep. 103 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from episode 103
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- The Magic in This Episode🪄
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Hidden Truths About FemTech
- About Anna Christie
- About Flouria Health
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
The Culture Code
Date: 3 June 2025
Location: Club ACE, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 19:00 hours
Tickets: On the Culture Code WebsiteFemale Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: voco® The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
Tickets: Sold Out.TNW Conference:
Date: 19 and 20 June 2025
Location: NDSM, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 17:00 hours
Tickets: On TNW WebsiteJoin the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
The Magic in This Episode🪄
This episode is filled with powerful insights, so I’ll highlight these three because they define not just Anna Christie’s story, but the message behind Flouria Health.
When Anna didn’t step into Flouria — yet
Anna’s decision not to join immediately reflects the exact mindset Flouria promotes: that health isn’t linear, and we need systems that allow space for personal readiness and emotional truth.
When she came back, pregnant with her son
That moment brought quiet symmetry. Flouria isn’t just about providing information. It’s about giving women what they need at the right time in the right way.
Anna rejoining when she felt grounded mirrors how Flouria supports women through different stages, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all solution.
One quote that reframes it all
“A woman’s body is taken seriously when it’s making another human. But what about all the other stages?”
This quote captures the problem Flouria was built to address. It’s not just about fertility; it’s about all the stages of a woman’s health journey being seen, respected, and supported. The quote reframes the conversation, and Flouria’s platform builds the solution.
Want to discover the rest of Anna’s Journey? Listen to Episode 103 on Spotify.
What was your favorite moment of the episode? Let me know in the comments. And don’t forget to share your thoughts in the poll below.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps the Women Disrupting Tech build a more inclusive tech future and supports women in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
Three Hidden Truths About FemTech
This episode tackles some of the most common misconceptions about Femtech and female health. Here are three of them, with an explanation of why it’s a myth.
FemTech isn’t underfunded because it’s small. It’s underfunded because it’s misunderstood.
When we talk about Female Health, we often hear the same word: niche. But here’s the truth: Flouria Health isn’t targeting a niche audience. It’s addressing conditions that affect half the population. The problem is perception. And perception shapes investment.
Tech isn’t neutral, even in women’s health.
AI powers part of Flouria Health. But it’s selective by design. It avoids triggering users with irrelevant content (like pregnancy advice for someone struggling with fertility). That’s a quiet reminder: empathy should shape how tech is built and deployed.
Inclusion without allies becomes isolation.
Anna’s quote, “If it’s only women solving this problem, it becomes an echo chamber,” isn’t just about gender diversity on cap tables.
It’s about breaking the cycle of women carrying the emotional and logistical burden of fixing broken systems. Real inclusion needs shared responsibility. Because the gender health gap doesn’t just impact women. It affects economies, workplaces, and families.
FemTech is not a side story. It’s the core infrastructure for a healthier future. To learn why, listen to Episode 103: How Flouria Health is Healing Women and Shaping Workplaces with Anna Christie on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share what your favorite moment from the episode was in the comments.
“If it’s only women solving this problem, it becomes an echo chamber. So, you need male allies”
Anna Christie, co-founder and CCO of Flouria HealthAbout Anna Christie
Anna Christie is the Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Flouria Health, a digital women’s health platform. With a background in B2B SaaS and tech, and a passion for women’s health, Anna leverages her personal experiences to drive Flouria Health’s mission of putting healthcare back into the hands of women and into organizations across the Netherlands and Europe. Her journey reflects a commitment to transforming personal challenges into solutions that benefit a broader community.
Anna invites you to connect with her on LinkedIn.
About Flouria Health
Flouria Health is a digital platform dedicated to revolutionizing women’s healthcare. Founded by Jeanine van Munster (CEO), Anna Christie (CCO), and Vlatko Stojkovski (CTO), the platform aims to provide women with immediate access to professional support, trustworthy information, and personalized care. By addressing the gaps in traditional healthcare systems, Flouria empowers women to take control of their health through a tech-enabled, personalized approach.
You can learn more about Flouria Health on the website and by following them on LinkedIn and Instagram.
And, in case you’re interested in investing in female health, Flouria is fundraising. You can learn more about their pitch deck and the process on their website.
Share what’s on your mind!
What’s the biggest barrier to improving women’s health at scale?
1️⃣ Lack of research and investment
2️⃣ Historical medical bias
3️⃣ Lack of alliesLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, Farshida Zafar shares how embracing her authentic self—sneakers, roots, and all—shaped her leadership journey and built a radically inclusive team culture at Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Towards the end of the episode, I asked about swearing, and this was part of her authentic answer.
Stay tuned for more. And until the next episode, stay curious and Keep Being Awesome!
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Women Disrupting Tech | Events
The event season is in full swing, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting.
BTW, if you are a man and afraid that you’ll be the only one in the room, fear not. I will be there to support you.
Featured Event: Understanding Women’s Health – 24 June 2026
Learn how hormone cycles or perimenopause impact your life, and discover more about conditions like PCOS or Endometriosis at the quarterly Understanding Women’s Health Events hosted by Kasia Pokrop.
Women’s health is a topic near and dear to my heart. Which is why I’m happy to support and attend the events that 3mbrace Health organizes at Equals every quarter.
Men are expressly invited to join. In fact, send me an email if you want to be a women’s health pioneer. More info and tickets can be found here.
Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.
Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.
You can find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free
Equals Events
Equals is on a mission to shape a society where women and men stand on equal footing. At their home base in Amsterdam, they regularly organize events, but you can organize yours there too (like the 3mbrace Health events). You can find the events on Luma.
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Behind the Mic of Women Disrupting Tech: Lessons Worth Sharing
When you’re starting something new, not knowing what’s ahead can be a blessing. This applies to starting a company and also to starting a podcast.
When I launched Women Disrupting Tech, I tried not to overthink it. I had a message I cared about, a mic, and just enough tech to hit record.
If I had known how many things could go wrong behind the scenes, I might have been too intimidated to even start. But I didn’t know. And that saved me.
Now, more than 100 episodes later, I’ve seen a full range of podcasting surprises. Some technical, some human, and some just part of the journey.
Let me take you behind the scenes.
My tech stack
My podcast setup is pretty straightforward. I use a Blue Yeti mic and Sony noise-cancelling headphones. I record all episodes remotely, using a platform called Riverside.fm. The main reason I chose Riverside as a platform is that it records each person locally.
That means even if someone’s internet connection is shaky, their audio is still crisp, and once they’re back online, the platform picks up where it left off. It’s a smart bit of resilience built into the process. Riverside also has AI features that generate transcripts and show notes, which can be helpful, and their support team has actually impressed me more than once. Plus, the guests find it easy to use.
But, having a solid setup does not mean that things can’t go wrong.
The Lost Episode
I once lost an entire episode because the audio of my guest wasn’t uploaded to the cloud, so there was no way to recover the recording. The problem: I didn’t think the pop-up mattered because everything seemed fine.
Luckily, my guest Nancy Shenouda was gracious enough to try again. We recorded the whole conversation from scratch. It turned out great, but I still think about that lost episode. It was a lesson in humility and preparation.
Working Around Workarounds
Especially in the early days, Riverside would be blocked by IT departments. So, I developed a workaround where people would use their personal devices to log on.
But then there was the episode with Sujata Dasgupta. Her company’s IT security blocked everything from outside their firewall. Including Riverside. Including on the personal devices of employees.
Ultimately, we recorded the episode on her Microsoft Teams account and uploaded that to Riverside so the episode would look and sound like the others. It took extra time and patience, but it worked. And we got her story out into the world.
Recording The Blue Screen of Death
When you’re using Microsoft Windows, you’re probably familiar with the blue screen of death. It’s a blue screen with the message that a critical error has occurred. Essentially, your computer has crashed.
This happened right at the end of recording episode 99. Just like that, everything stopped. Fortunately, Laurie Lancee was able to restart her laptop.
And because the recording was still in progress, we were able to pick up where we left off. That’s when you realise how valuable a calm guest and a resilient platform can be.
The episode that never happened
Not every story has a happy ending. One episode never happened. At least not yet. We’ve tried twice. Twice at their office, once with backup gear. Both times, the tech failed. And so did the backups.
After the second try, we paused. There’s a point when you stop pushing and let things rest. That said, we’re giving it another go in June. And you know what they say: third time’s a charm.
The biggest lesson: keep showing up!
Looking back, I’ve learned that podcasting — like most creative work — is equal parts preparation and persistence. You can have the best gear, the smartest tools, and still hit unexpected obstacles.
But if you keep showing up, and keep asking the questions that matter, you’ll get where you need to go.
I didn’t know all this when I started. And that’s probably why I started at all.
What is your experience with trying something new?
Would you like to know everything ahead of time, or just take things as they come? ✨ Share your thoughts in the comments below! We can’t wait to hear from you! ✨
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Reaching gender equality in tech starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
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How the Netherlands Enterprise Agency Funds Inclusive Innovation with Bibi van Gijzel and Merel Zimmerman | Show notes for episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech
How can public funding drive inclusive innovation?
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I speak with Bibi van Gijzel and Merel Zimmerman from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).
Merel and Bibi share how RVO builds diversity into its funding criteria, from who manages the money to who receives it.
You’ll hear why visibility matters, how non-technical experts can drive innovation, and what founders need to know about the Innovation Credit and Seed Capital schemes.
Key Takeaways from episode 102
Here’s what you’ll take away from listening to episode 102:
💡 What every founder should know about Innovation Credit and Seed Capital
📊 How diversity is built into the funding criteria at team, fund, and portfolio levels
👀 Why being visible matters, and how non-technical women are changing the system from within.Plus, you’ll hear how ambition, impact, and being a role model can absolutely live inside government work.
When you’re ready to listen and learn how RVO funds inclusive innovation, find episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
Or hit the play button below👇.
How RVO Funds Inclusive Innovation with Merel Zimmerman & Bibi van Gijzel | Ep. 102 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from episode 102
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- The Magic in This Episode🪄
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Funding Takeaways
- About Merel Zimmerman
- About Bibi van Gijzel
- About the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
Date: 28 May 2025
Location: B. Amsterdam
Start: 17:00 – 19:30
More info and tickets: on the websiteThe Culture Code
Date: 3 June 2025
Location: Club ACE, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 19:00 hours
Tickets: On the Culture Code WebsiteFemale Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: voco® The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
Tickets: buy your tickets.Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
The Magic in This Episode🪄
If you think government funding is slow or impersonal, think again.
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I sat down with two women who are working to change that from the inside out.
Merel Zimmerman and Bibi van Gijzel are advisors at RVO, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency. They support startups in their earliest, riskiest stages, either by helping investors get funding (Merel) or by making credits available for highly innovative products. But they do more than review spreadsheets and forecasts. They look for potential. Also, the kind that often gets overlooked.
For Merel, supporting female founders is not just about fairness. It’s about pattern recognition. She put it simply:
“We need more women in investment roles. Because we see that female leadership tends to invest more in female founders.”
That’s not bias. That’s breaking the cycle.
And RVO is taking steps to do exactly that by building diversity into the criteria for its Seed Capital and Innovation Credit schemes. From who manages the fund to who gets funded, inclusion is now a factor in decision-making.
Bibi, who advises on Innovation Credit, added another perspective. She’s not a techie. Her background is in law and finance. But she sees that as a strength, not a gap.
“I want to be a role model for other women in tech. Even if I’m not technical. Especially because I’m not technical.”
If that isn’t real magic, I don’t know what is.
Want to learn how Merel and Bibi help fund inclusive innovation? Listen to Episode 102 on Spotify.
Oh, and don’t forget to share what you think should be the top priority for the government to make the funding landscape more inclusive in the poll below. Or leave a comment.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps the Women Disrupting Tech build a more inclusive tech future and supports women in getting the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
Three Practical Funding Takeaways
Early-stage funding can make or break a startup.
But if you’re a founder who doesn’t fit the usual mold, it’s easy to think: this isn’t for me.
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, I speak with Merel Zimmerman and Bibi van Gijzel from RVO. They offer government-backed funding schemes, and they’re working to make them more inclusive.
Here are three takeaways every founder and investor should know:
RVO is more than a funder. They’re a partner.
Their Innovation Credit and Seed schemes come with guidance, feedback, and real people you can talk to. Merel and Bibi aren’t gatekeepers. They’re advisors who want to help great ideas succeed, especially from founders who often get overlooked.
Diversity is built into funding decisions
RVO doesn’t treat diversity as a side note. It’s part of the scoring criteria.
They look at gender balance in teams, fund managers, and portfolio strategies. A strong diversity approach improves your ranking in the selection process.
Visibility leads to access
Female founders often miss out simply because they don’t know who to talk to. Merel and Bibi are changing that by being visible, approachable, and open to direct contact. You’ll find their details below.
And if you’re a founder working on something bold, this might be your sign to reach out.
🎧 Listen to Episode 102: How to Use Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower with Gwen Kolader on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share what your favorite moment from the episode was in the comments.
“Supporting female founders advances the general quality. But it also makes sure that some potential, especially in tech, gets unlocked.”
Merel Zimmerman, Advisor for Seed Capital at RVOAbout Merel Zimmerman
Merel Zimmerman serves as an Advisor for Seed Capital at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). In this role, she is instrumental in shaping funding strategies that support early-stage startups. Merel emphasizes the importance of diversity in investment decisions, advocating for increased female representation in leadership and funding roles. She believes that diverse leadership not only promotes fairness but also enhances the quality and potential of innovations in the tech sector. You can connect with Merel on LinkedIn or by email.
About Bibi van Gijzel
Bibi van Gijzel is an Investment Manager at RVO, focusing on the Innovation Credit program. With a background in law and finance, she brings a unique perspective to tech funding, highlighting the value of non-technical expertise in driving innovation. Bibi is committed to supporting high-risk, high-impact projects, particularly in sectors like medtech and deeptech. Her work includes facilitating investments that aim to improve healthcare outcomes, such as supporting startups like Scinvivo and Spatium Medical in developing groundbreaking medical technologies.
You can connect with Bibi on LinkedIn and by email.
About the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is a government organization under the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. RVO assists entrepreneurs, NGOs, knowledge institutions, and policymakers in investing, developing, and expanding their activities both domestically and internationally. The agency provides financial support, personal advice, and networking opportunities to promote sustainable, innovative, and international business practices. RVO’s initiatives include funding programs like Seed Capital and Innovation Credit, which are designed to support early-stage startups and foster inclusive economic growth.
For a Dutch blog on what to take into account when applying for an innovation credit, please visit RVOs website. And RVO is also sharing content and knowledge on LinkedIn.
Share what’s on your mind!
What should be the top priority for government institutions to build a more inclusive startup ecosystem?
1️⃣ Fund diverse founding teams.
2️⃣ Diversify investment decision-makers.
3️⃣ Make schemes more accessible.
4️⃣ Reward inclusive fund strategies.Let me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, we’ll hear from Flouria co-founder Anna Christie how she and her co-founder are revolutionizing women’s health. And I’m pretty sure this clip should contain enough inspiration to listen:
Anna Christie on episode 103 on the future of Women’s Health that she’s building with Flouria. Until then, let’s celebrate the companies bold enough to lead the way. And don’t forget to Keep Being Awesome!
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Why Men Should Embrace Gender Equality, and How They Can
I’ve been asked this more than once: Why do you, a white CIS man, care about gender equality? And honestly, I’ve asked it of myself too.
After all, I’ve never been held back because of my gender. I’ve always had access to networks and mentors who looked like me. In most professional settings, I’ve been given the benefit of the doubt. Statistically speaking, I’ve been the default. So why care?
Because once you begin to notice how unequal the system actually is, it becomes hard to ignore. I didn’t arrive here because of guilt or because someone told me I should care.
I got here by listening. By paying attention to the stories women in tech and business have shared with me on 100+ episodes of the podcast Women Disrupting Tech. And by looking more closely at how many barriers still exist, even when they’re not immediately visible.
A System Centuries in the Making
The system we live in today wasn’t built in the last few decades. Its roots go back thousands of years. As far back as Ancient Greece, political and economic structures were designed by men, for men.
Over time, those systems evolved, but the core assumptions remained largely the same. Leadership, influence, and ownership have historically been concentrated in male hands. That legacy still shapes our laws, institutions, and even ideas about what success looks like.
To be clear, my goal isn’t about blaming men today for decisions made generations ago. I think that would be putting the horse behind the cart. It’s about acknowledging that we’ve inherited a framework that wasn’t designed with gender equality in mind.
And because we’ve all grown up inside that system, its flaws can be easy to miss unless you’ve been on the receiving end of them.
AI-generated image Listening Changes What You See
Over the past two-and-a-half years, I’ve had 100+ conversations with women working in tech and entrepreneurship. Most of the women were guests on my podcast. Others were colleagues, partners, or friends. A common thread in those stories is how often women are overlooked, underestimated, or held to a different standard.
I’ve heard about fundraising meetings where women were asked about their family plans instead of their business model. I’ve seen how being the only woman in the room can lead to being assigned support roles rather than strategic ones.
After 100+ episodes, I can safely say that these are not isolated incidents. It’s about patterns. The same experiences repeat themselves in different settings, different countries, and different sectors.
These aren’t isolated incidents. The data confirms what the stories on my podcast reveal. Women are underrepresented in leadership. They receive a fraction of VC funding. And investments in research related to female health are a meagre 3 percent of the total research budgets.
Women leave the tech industry at higher rates, often because of hostile or biased work cultures. That’s not just anecdotal, it’s structural.
AI-generated image Rebuilding Together
Recognizing the historical depth of inequality should lead us to action, not paralysis. We’re not bound by the system we’ve inherited. But changing it requires more than just policy updates or awareness campaigns. It requires collaboration. Women have long been doing the work of pushing for change. Now it’s time for more men to step up and share the responsibility.
This doesn’t mean stepping aside. It means stepping forward differently in partnership.
When we rebuild more inclusive systems, we’re not just doing it for the benefit of women. We’re doing it for everyone.
Research shows that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative and productive. Equitable companies are more resilient and profitable. Societies that reflect all voices tend to be more stable and just.
So, this isn’t a zero-sum game. It’s a collective upgrade.
Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Allyship Is a Practice, And It’s Not Difficult
A lot of men, myself included, were never taught how to be allies. It’s not part of upbringing, company onboarding or most leadership training.
But during my conversations for Women Disrupting Tech, I learned that allyship isn’t complicated. It means being aware of who is missing from the room. It means listening and paying attention to how credit is given and who gets interrupted. It means stepping back when needed and speaking up when it counts. Sometimes, it’s just about making sure someone’s ideas are acknowledged instead of overlooked.
You don’t need to do all of that every meeting or in every situation. And you don’t need to have all the answers to be useful.
But you do need to notice what’s happening around you and be willing to act. And that includes pushing for changes in hiring, leadership development, funding decisions, and workplace culture, not just saying the right thing in public.
The Personal Becomes Universal: Small Actions, Lasting Impact
In my personal life, I try to apply the same mindset. That means sharing the load at home, being mindful of how I show up in conversations, and staying open to feedback. It means noticing how often certain behaviours go unchallenged and choosing to speak up when something feels off.
Fairness isn’t just a principle I talk about in my work. It’s something I aim to live, even in the quiet moments no one sees.
Professionally, it drives me to host a podcast highlighting women shaping technology’s future. Not because they need my platform, but because more people deserve to hear their transformative visions and insights.
The Journey Forward: Why This Matters for All of Us Equally
This isn’t about blaming men. It’s about recognising that the systems many of us take for granted were built for a world that no longer exists. For centuries, power structures were designed to serve a narrow definition of leadership, success and belonging.
But we have the opportunity now to rebuild those structures in a way that works better for everyone. Not by replacing one dominant group with another, but by making equity the design principle for our society, not the exception.
And that work isn’t just for women to lead. If we want lasting change, it has to be a shared effort. One where men and women work side by side to create something more balanced, more human, and more sustainable.
Progress Needs Partners, Not Bystanders
The truth is, the system won’t fix itself. And progress won’t come from the sidelines. We need more people, especially those who’ve benefited from the current design, to step into the work of change.
Not as heroes. Not as saviours. But as partners. Because the future we’re building won’t belong to some of us. It will belong to all of us.
So, I believe the question isn’t why I should care about gender equality. It’s why anyone wouldn’t.
Do you agree? Let me know in the comments.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Reaching gender equality in tech starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
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How to Use Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower with Gwen Kolader | Show notes for episode 101 of Women Disrupting Tech
What does it really take to lead across cultures, build inclusive teams, and challenge bias in everyday decisions?
In episode 101, Gwen Kolader shares lessons from her life and career at the intersection of global business, personal growth, and cultural transformation.
Spoiler: This episode isn’t about theory. It’s about what actually works.
Key Takeaways from episode 101
Here’s what you’ll take away from listening to episode 101:
🌍 Why cultural intelligence is key for leading global teams
📈 How inclusion (when done right) naturally attracts diversity
🧠 What it takes to challenge bias and create trust across culturesGwen also shares surprising leadership lessons she learned from the Maasai in Kenya.
When you’re ready to listen and learn how to use cultural intelligence as a leadership superpower, hit play or find episode 101 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube.
Or hit the play button below👇.
How to Use Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower with Gwen Kolader | Episode 101 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from episode 101
- Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
- Three Magical Leadership Revelations
- Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Takeaways
- About Gwen Kolader
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
Inclusive Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
DEI Unpacked | Neurodiversity: Real Talk for Inclusive Workplaces.
Date: 21 May 2025
Location: Online (Zoom)
Start: 16:00 – 17:00
More info and free tickets: on LinkedIn (you do not need to be a member to join)Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
Date: 28 May 2025
Location: B. Amsterdam
Start: 17:00 – 19:30
More info and tickets: on the websiteThe Culture Code
Date: 3 June 2025
Location: Club ACE, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 19:00 hours
Tickets: On the Culture Code WebsiteFemale Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: voco® The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
Tickets: buy your tickets.Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack
Changing the funding landscape starts with access. Not just to capital, but to the right people, ideas, and spaces. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack.
Join us if you want to help more women be heard, funded, and celebrated in tech. You’ll receive:
✨ Early access to new podcast episodes, plus a weekly email with the moments that moved me and what they taught me.
✨ Exclusive research on what it really takes to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
✨ Invites to special events we sponsor or co-host, where conversations turn into collaborations.This community is for people who believe in action. And know that together, our voices go further.
Three Magical Leadership Revelations
At the start of our conversation, Gwen and I speak about the leadership trail she followed in Kenya. This journey gave her 3 magical examples of how cultural intelligence changes perspectives.
1. Sleeping under the stars with the Maasai
No phone. No watch. Just trust. Gwen describes what it was like to spend a week off the grid, guided by the Maasai. In a world of non-stop pings and pressure, her story is a powerful reminder: stillness isn’t a luxury; it’s essential in leadership.
2. Catching herself in a stereotype
At the start of her journey in Kenya, Gwen admits she thought the Maasai welcome ceremony felt “too touristic.” A week later, the same ritual gave her goosebumps because she had a different perspective. It’s a moment of honest reflection that shows how quickly our assumptions can fall away when we allow ourselves to truly see others.
3. The cold, the silence, and a campfire full of stories
Gwen paints a vivid picture of nights in the bush: hyenas in the distance, cold air, and shared stories by the fire. It’s not just poetic; it’s a metaphor for leadership itself. Sometimes, the most important work happens in quiet, communal moments.
Ready for more magic? Check out Episode 101: Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower on Spotify.
Oh, and don’t forget to share what you believe to be the most important part of cultural intelligence in leadership in the poll below.
Amplify the Voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech by following the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple. It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send an episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps the Women Disrupting Tech build a more inclusive tech future and get the stage they deserve.Use the buttons below to spread the word. Your voice helps amplify theirs.
Three Practical Takeaways
What does it really take to lead across cultures, build inclusive teams, and challenge bias in everyday decisions?
Throughout our conversation, Gwen shares lessons from her life and career at the intersection of global business, personal growth, and cultural transformation. Here are three takeaways that stuck with me, and that you can apply today:
Inclusion attracts diversity, not the other way around.
It’s not enough to hire for diversity. People need to feel safe, seen, and valued before they’ll stay or thrive. Gwen encourages leaders to design for inclusion from the start. That means adjusting how we lead, listen, and create space for others to contribute.
Challenge your own bias by slowing down.
Our brains make fast assumptions. Gwen reminds us that cultural intelligence starts with pressing pause. Ask yourself: What belief am I acting on? Where might that come from? When leaders reflect instead of react, trust grows across teams, cultures, and contexts.
Put inclusion into your KPIs.
Many organizations track diversity stats. Fewer measure inclusion. Gwen shares simple practices, like setting goals to connect with someone different from you each quarter. Inclusion isn’t just a feeling. It’s a habit. And it’s measurable.
Ready for more?
🎧 Listen to Episode 101: How to Use Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower with Gwen Kolader on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share what your favorite moment from the episode was in the comments.
“Everybody at the end of the day wants the same thing. And that is being heard, see and valued”
Gwen KoladerAbout Gwen Kolader
Gwen Kolader is an experienced People & Culture strategist, currently working as VP Global DE&I. Her mission is to help organizations become the brand, employer, supplier, and partner of choice through cultural intelligence, human-centric leadership and inclusive cultures.
With a career in telecom, tech, and international businesses, she brings deep expertise in navigating growth, complexity, and transformation with empathy and clarity.
Recognized as a Top Inclusive Leader by MT/Sprout, Techleap and awarded by the Indian Economic Times, Gwen is also a speaker, moderator, consultant and mentor who actively contributes to platforms like Diverse Leaders in Tech and Roots Inspire.
Gwen believes inclusive cultures don’t just improve engagement; they drive innovation and business success. You can connect with Gwen on LinkedIn to follow her work.
Share what’s on your mind!
What do you believe to be the most important part of cultural intelligence in leadership?
a) Challenging personal bias
b) Inclusive leadership
c) Cultural awarenessLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Coming up next on Women Disrupting Tech
We’re not slowing down. Next week, we’ll learn from Merel Zimmerman and Bibi van Gijsel how government loans and grants can help startups in direct and indirect ways.
And, as this clip will show you, working for the government does not equal a lack of ambition:
RVO’s Bibi van Gijzel on becoming a role model for women in tech as a non-techie. Until then, let’s celebrate the companies bold enough to lead the way. And don’t forget to Keep Being Awesome!
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Three Ways We Can All Be an Ally in Tech
We don’t talk enough about allyship in tech.
It’s often seen as optional, or something that only leaders need to think about. But inclusion won’t happen unless more of us decide to take responsibility, especially those of us with influence, access, or privilege.
Being an ally doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means staying open. Listening. And choosing to act in ways that make space for others to contribute, grow, and be seen.
Here are three simple ways to start showing up, drawn from what I’ve learned recording 100 episodes of Women Disrupting Tech.
They’re simple ways to get started, even if you’re not sure where to begin.
1. Share the Mic
In meetings, panels, and group discussions, some voices still get talked over or ignored. If you notice that happening, step in. Echo someone’s idea that was overlooked. Give credit by name.
Or pass the mic by saying, “Let’s hear what [Name] thinks. She raised a good point earlier.”
This isn’t about being a savior. It’s about recognizing who’s not being heard, and using your voice to create space for theirs.
2. Ask before you act
A lot of well-meaning allyship falls flat because it’s based on assumptions. Don’t guess what someone needs, ask. You might think they want public praise, but maybe they’d rather have your support in a one-on-one with their manager.
Allyship starts with curiosity. Asking, “What would be most helpful right now?” shows respect and builds trust.
3. Call in, not out
Bias happens. Whether in jokes, in hiring decisions, in how meetings are run, they’re a fact of life. When it does, you have a choice: you can ignore it, call it out in frustration, or call it in with care.
Calling someone in sounds like, “Can I offer another take on that?” or “Have you thought about how that might land for someone else?” It’s not about being soft. It’s about inviting reflection without shutting the door on change.
You don’t need to be perfect to be an ally. You just need to be consistent.
Every act of allyship, especially the quiet ones, builds the culture we say we want. And in a field that shapes the future, culture matters.
Want to make tech more inclusive by 2032? It starts with what you do tomorrow, not just what you believe today.
TDLR: Let’s all be allies
Allyship in tech isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up. Here are three ways you can start today:
- Share the mic – Use your voice to amplify others, especially in meetings.
- Ask before you act – Support starts with listening, not assuming.
- Call in, not out – Invite reflection instead of shutting people down.
These small acts build the culture tech needs: inclusive, accountable, and human.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
Interested in hearing more about Women Disrupting Tech? Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack for more about the podcast.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize. -
How To Become DEI Champions with Sacha Martina and Danielle Jiskoot | Show notes for episode 100 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if there were a Champions League for DEI?
In episode 100, I speak with Sacha Martina and Danielle Jiskoot, co-founders of House of Inclusion, about the key strategies to building an inclusive workplace and how to become a DEI champion without falling into the trap of following a checklist.
The result? A bold, honest conversation that’s full of both practical insights and emotional depth.
Key Takeaways from episode 100
Here’s what you’ll discover by listening:
✅ Inclusion needs a structure, not slogans.
✅ Don’t wait for perfect. Be transparent.
✅ You’re probably doing more than you think, now you need to say it.This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to compete in the DEI Champions League.
To listen, hit play or find episode 100 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Or hit the play button below👇.
How To Become DEI Champions with Sacha Martina and Danielle Jiskoot | Episode 100 – Women Disrupting Tech
- Key Takeaways from episode 100
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 100 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Takeaways
- About Sacha Martina
- About Danielle Jiskoot
- About House of Inclusion
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
FemTech Unite!
Date: 14 May 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 15:30 – 19:00
Tickets: On LumaThe Angel Initiative Pitch Event
Date: 15 May 2025
Location: VU StartHub
Time: 14:30 – 17:00
More info and tickets: on the websiteDiverse Leaders in Tech Events
Date: 28 May 2025
Location: B. Amsterdam
Start: 17:00 – 19:30
More info and tickets: on the websiteThe Culture Code
Date: 3 June 2025
Location: Club ACE, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 19:00 hours
Tickets: On the Culture Code WebsiteFemale Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: voco® The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
Tickets: buy your tickets.Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.The Magic In Episode 100 🪄
What stands out from episode 100 is the emotional depth and unexpected moments of connection and insight. Here are three of the moments that stayed with me:
🧠 When personal experience became their professional mission
Danielle spoke candidly about struggling with a panic disorder early in her career. Every day, she pushed through panic attacks while working in high-pressure environments. Her story is a powerful reminder that mental health is a DEI issue — and why it can’t be treated as a side topic.
🌈 When people come out. During their sessions
Sacha shared that people have come out as queer or bisexual in the middle of their DEI workshops. Not because they were asked. But because they felt safe enough to do so. That’s not policy. That’s real culture change.
🤝 Everyone can be an ally, and should be
Allyship isn’t reserved for the powerful. Or just for those affected.
It belongs to all of us. So, don’t wait for underrepresented people to speak up. Use your privilege, whatever it looks like, to open doors, challenge bias, and amplify others. No permission needed.
As Sacha puts it towards the end of the episode: “We love to call out the ally in everyone, because everybody can be an ally for other underrepresented people.”
🎧 Listen to Episode 100 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. You’ll come away with more than strategy. You’ll come away inspired!
Oh, and don’t forget to share what you believe is the toughest part about DEI in the poll below.
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
Three Practical Takeaways
If you’re serious about building an inclusive company, this episode is a masterclass.
Danielle Jiskoot and Sacha Martina speak with both clarity and passion about why true inclusion in business matters and how to actually get there. Here are three tips every team that wants to up their DEI game should hear:
🗺️ DEI needs a roadmap, not random actions
Use a phased approach. The five stages of DEI maturity (awareness, intentionality, integration, sustainability, and influence) help companies avoid one-off workshops and instead build real cultural change.
📢 Communicate what you’re already doing
Many companies take inclusive steps (like giving flexible days off for Iftar or Coming Out Day) but don’t explain them clearly to their teams. That limits the impact. Communication around DEI isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a strategic tool.
😇 Don’t wait for perfection. Just start and be honest
Trial and error is better than waiting for the “perfect” plan. Tell your team, “We’re figuring this out, and we want to include you.” Transparency builds trust and momentum.
🎧 Hear the full story on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And drop a comment with your biggest insight. I read every one.
“We love to call out the ally in everyone, because everybody can be an ally for other underrepresented people.”
Sacha Martina, co-founder of House of InclusionAbout Sacha Martina
Sacha Martina is a speaker, strategist, and co-founder of House of Inclusion. Known for her bold, pragmatic approach to DEI, she brings years of commercial experience and a mission-driven mindset to every conversation.
As a woman of color and a lifelong advocate for equity, Sacha is passionate about helping companies move beyond awareness and into real action.
You can connect with Sacha on LinkedIn.
About Danielle Jiskoot
Danielle Jiskoot is a political scientist, public speaker, and co-founder of House of Inclusion. Her personal experience with mental health challenges in the workplace shaped her commitment to inclusion from the inside out.
Danielle combines sharp insights with lived experience to help organizations build cultures where people don’t just stay; they thrive.
You can connect with Danielle on LinkedIn.
About House of Inclusion
House of Inclusion is a modern DEI consultancy founded by Sacha Martina and Danielle Jiskoot. Built on the belief that inclusion should be as normal as having an HR or marketing department, House of Inclusion works with organizations to embed DEI into their culture, strategy, and day-to-day operations. From keynotes to policy writing to culture sprints, their work is pragmatic, human, and designed to create lasting change.
Follow them on LinkedIn and check out their upcoming Culture Code event on the website.
Share what’s on your mind!
What’s the biggest challenge your company faces when it comes to DEI?
a) Moving beyond symbolic actions
b) Keeping momentum over time
c) Communicating effectivelyLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Another week, another episode. Even after episode 100.
Fortunately, #101 is a perfectly suitable number when you’ll get a Cultural Intelligence masterclass from the one and only Gwen Kolader.
Here’s a clip from the Cultural Intelligence 101 episode on why Cultural Intelligence is so important:
Until then, let’s celebrate the companies bold enough to lead the way. And don’t forget to Keep Being Awesome!
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How The Angel Initiative Is Closing the Gender Funding Gap with Laurie Lancee | Show notes for episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech
Most investors say they want to close the gender funding gap.
But if you don’t fund female-led startups, how can you really claim to back the future?
In episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech, Laurie Lancee, managing director of the Angel Initiative, shares how she’s building a movement of female angel investors so that more women founders get funded, supported, and seen.
Key Takeaways from episode 99
Here’s what you’ll learn by listening:
🔍 How even the CEO can be overlooked when she’s a woman
📊 Why lowering investment thresholds opens doors for first-time female angels
💡 What Laurie learned when shifting from cautious planner to bold founder.Ready to hear what real disruption sounds like? Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
How The Angel Initiative Is Closing the Gender Funding Gap with Laurie Lancee | Ep. 99 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: voco® The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
Tickets: buy your tickets (sold out)FemTech Unite!
Date: 14 May 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 15:30 – 19:00
Tickets: On LumaThe Angel Initiative Pitch Event
Date: 15 May 2025
Location: VU StartHub
Time: 14:30 – 17:00
More info and tickets: on the websiteDiverse Leaders in Tech Events
Date: 28 May 2025
Location: B. Amsterdam
Start: 17:00 – 19:30
More info and tickets: on the websiteThe Culture Code
Date: 3 June 2025
Location: Club ACE, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 19:30 hours
Tickets: On the Culture Code Website- Key Takeaways from episode 99
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 99 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Takeaways
- About Laurie Lancee
- About The Angel Initiative
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.The Magic In Episode 99 🪄
The magic in this episode is in the way Laurie’s work echoes the mission behind Women Disrupting Tech: to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032. And, like me, she wants to build a solution that does not depend on her.
Here are three highlights of our conversation:
She Turns Frustration Into Fuel
When investors overlooked her as a CEO and sent invitations to her male team member instead, Laurie didn’t just shake her head. She took action. That experience became the spark for her work with The Angel Initiative. It’s a powerful reminder that the moments that challenge us most often lead to our most important work.
She Builds a New Way In
Startup investing is often associated with big checks from rich white men. Laurie is unlocking opportunities for women who’ve never seen themselves as part of the world. She believes access should not be tied to wealth alone, but to willingness, purpose, and community. That’s inclusion in action.
She’s Designing a Future That Doesn’t Need Her
Laurie’s goal is to make the gender funding gap invisible. She imagines a future where female-only initiatives are no longer needed because equity is finally embedded in the system. That vision resonates deeply with my own mission for this podcast. We both want to build something that becomes unnecessary one day because the world has caught up.
When women invest in women, they don’t just move money. They build momentum.
🎧 Listen to episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify. And share what you believe is holding back funding in the poll below.
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
Three Practical Takeaways
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Laurie shares how she’s building a more inclusive investment landscape. Here are three practical takeaways from our conversation:
Make Investing More Accessible
To allow women to participate, The Angel Initiative has a minimum ticket size of just €2.5K and a target of 20K over five years. Practical training and peer support help new investors build confidence and clarity. This opens the door to women who may never have seen themselves as angels before.
Being An Angel Is Not Only About Money
The initiative encourages every angel to develop an investment thesis. Not just about sectors and amounts, but also about the added value they bring. Angels are seen as partners, not just funders. They offer their network, knowledge, and experience to help startups grow.
Redefine What a “Good” Founder Looks Like
The startup world often rewards loud pitches and big projections. Laurie brings a different lens: one that values substance over style and sees the importance of creating room for the “not-so-usual suspects” to get funded. That includes founders in impact, femtech, and consumer sectors—areas often overlooked by traditional investors.
And if there’s one thing Laurie wants investors to remember, it’s this:
“With every question that you ask, think for yourself: is this also a question that I would ask a male founder?”🎧 Hear the full story on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share your thoughts about the episode in the comments.
“I really hope that in 10 years’ time, The Angel Initiative is not needed anymore.”
Laurie Lancee, Managing Director of The Angel InitiativeAbout Laurie Lancee
Laurie Lancee is the managing director of The Angel Initiative, a foundation on a mission to close the gender funding gap by increasing the number of female angel investors and funding more female-led startups.
Drawing from her own experience as a founder who faced unexpected bias during fundraising, Laurie now leads efforts to make angel investing more accessible, with low entry thresholds and hands-on support.
When you’re a female founder or investor, make sure you connect with Laurie on LinkedIn.
About The Angel Initiative
The Angel Initiative wants to close the gender funding gap by making investing in female-led startups more accessible.
Through community, education, and strategic matchmaking, the Angel Initiative helps reshape the early-stage investment landscape, making it more diverse, more inclusive, and ultimately, more effective.
Their goal is to activate at least 100 female angels and fund 25 startups in 2025, focusing on companies where at least 25% of the cap table is owned by women.
Learn more about The Angel Initiative on its website and by following its page on LinkedIn. And you’ll find the pitching event we discussed in the episode in the list of events above.
Share what’s on your mind!
What’s the biggest barrier to funding female-led startups?
a) Lack of female investors
b) Unconscious investor bias
c) Male-dominated networksLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, it is time for episode 100. Two true diversity champions will be my guests to educate us on how you can become one too.
Audio clip from episode 100 of Women Disrupting. Click play to listen. After that, it is time for a new season of Women Disrupting Tech. Subscribe to my Substack to discover who my guests will be.
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast
The Podcast Closing the Funding Gap for Women in Tech.
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 