Lotte Egbertzen on stage at MEETUP XL

The session was set up as an interview, interspersed with thought-provoking statements about diversity, leadership, and the role of HR. Participants were invited to actively think along and respond. "We had a small group, but the interaction was intense," says Lotte. "When my radio segment was played, so many reactions came out. People came up to me, proud that I had made my voice heard. That really touched me." 

Earlier this year, Lotte received the 'Women in Position' award during the first event of Conclusion's women's network for her appearance on a Radio 538 broadcast. That broadcast was about different qualities between men and women in response to the series 'Haantjes'. Why did Lotte send a message to the program? "The broadcast was cringe-worthy and ate me up. I just had to respond. I hadn't realized how many people listen to 538, I received so many reactions." 

Although the session was well received, Lotte had mixed feelings about the event as a whole. "The theme was clear, but I missed a higher goal. What does the organization behind this event really want to achieve?" She also noticed that there were hardly any students present, while they were the target group that needed to be inspired to choose a career in ICT. "There were mainly professionals from the business world. That makes it more of a networking event." 

Lotte's own path to ICT is anything but traditional. She studied at the hotel school and then did a master's in Organizational Sciences. She ended up at MyBrand Conclusion, where she is now a director. "I wasn't hired for my technical knowledge, but for my energy, entrepreneurship, and soft skills. That's also my advice to young women: look where you fit best. You can learn technology, but you should mainly do what you enjoy." 

She emphasizes that ICT is much broader than just technology. "Within ICT, you can also work on customer experience, innovation, and leadership. My background in hospitality still helps me every day." Her message to female students is clear: "Stay true to yourself, be authentic, and dare to bring in your feminine strength. That's what makes the difference." 

Lotte sees diversity as an enrichment. "I enjoy working with men, but I notice that vulnerability and sensitivity are sometimes still new to them. Yet I see that my openness brings about something. Men in my team now also share their motivations in a personal way. That's a win." 

"At Conclusion, we are also busy connecting women through various initiatives, including a women's network. At first, I thought: is this necessary? But after my radio appearance, I realized that I am privileged at Conclusion. Not everywhere do women get the same opportunities. Then such a network is valuable – not to meet quotas, but to give women that extra push."