Female vigor in the steel industry!

The new definition of 'Iron Lady'

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, it is time for a new sound. In 2022, Kim van Dongen-Willemse took over Thinking Steel in Gilze from her father Ger Willemse. Suddenly there - in a steel company - was a woman at the top who must "stand her ground. Is Van Dongen the 'Iron Lady' of the Dutch steel landscape? Can she become the role model who makes young girls enthusiastic about the profession?

1. And then suddenly, in 2022, there was a woman at the helm. What happened?

Van Dongen: "It did come as a surprise to many that I took over my father's business. I didn't even work in the industry, but felt the ambition and responsibility to take the family business forward. I did have to overcome the 'she-is-the-daughter-of' image as a result, but otherwise I didn't feel I had to prove myself as a woman. Inside and outside the company I was immediately trusted, provided I dared to steer my own course. To be perfectly honest: I don't think I have seen any frowns. Yes, I hear the social discussions too. And of course men and women should have equal opportunities. But still I say that men and women are very different. I believe in combining male brainpower with female intuition. In collaboration with my fellow board member Bjorn van Ballegooy, we complement each other strategically. For me, leadership is making choices from business acumen, with feeling for people."

2. Do you see yourself (right?) as a role model in this world of men?

Van Dongen: "Whether I am a role model, I leave to others. Look, in the steel industry you don't make it with your Barbie behavior. You only make it if you are 100% yourself. At the same time, I shouldn't want to be a very rigid "woman" either. Yes, maybe sometimes I even behave somewhat like a man, but I do that to get things done, in the interest of the company and of everyone who works there. You can only excel as a company if everyone feels in their place."

3. Should we (and if so, how?) encourage girls to work in steel?

Van Dongen: "Let's tell them anyway that you have to like steel and don't mind getting dirty. For example, invite school classes into your company. Basically, it's about giving young people - including girls! - a positive association when they are introduced to steel. Furthermore, let students walk around your company. They still think freely and are often wonderfully straightforward. They see that women are naturally good at doing men's work. And, we will always tell girls that they should never feel uncomfortable among men because they happen to be women. Above all, the power of being an Iron Lady is to remain a woman who enjoys working in steel. I can guarantee you 100% that I drive to work every day with that mindset."