photographer: jonne lucia op de weegh© | make-up artist: leah from art of colors
anne fleur van veenstra(she/her)
director of science ict, strategy & policy at tno
about
as director at tno and professor at leiden university i combine different positions. as director of science i develop strategic research programs that aim to increase society’s welfare. as professor i teach and mentor others to develop their research. most of my work is about building bridges: between science and society and between strategy and operational management. technological innovations that benefit society require representation of different perspectives in the development phases. particularly in scientific leadership, women are underrepresented, thereby we lose out on valuable insights and approaches. seeing others develop their leadership is what i enjoy most.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
there is not one career path! it takes time to get know your strengths and challenges, build your expertise and develop your style to lead. sometimes, taking an unexpected turn or taking on a role that does not immediately appear to fit your ambition, helps you see or build your unique profile. nor is there one way to grow your leadership. many influential people never take up formal leadership roles. play and experiment with different roles.
tno
tno believes in the strength of women, and that everyone should have the same opportunities to take part and to grow. in society, and also as an employee and colleague. by combining our unique strengths we can innovate and impact society. we love to showcase some of our talented tno women by collaborating with equals for international women’s day. by highlighting our women in tech and leadership, we hope to show girls and women that they are welcome in these roles. let’s continue to inspire and innovate! would you like to work at tno? check out our vacancies!