Bénédicte N. Nolens
Today we introduce @Bénédicte N. Nolens, our newly appointed co-Chair and one of the longest standing volunteers in WiFA.
When did you join WiFA?
I joined WiFA in 2011, as the Co-Chair of the Education Committee, a role I continued until December 2019. In this capacity, I launched the #WiFAAnnualOutlook and the WIFA Executive Women’s Forum. I also led a series of education events on sustainability, green finance and anti-slavery – at the time emerging topics, now thankfully moving mainstream.
What are your goals for WiFA2020?
In my capacity as the Co-Chair, I look forward to contributing to our theme of the year #CreatingTheWorkforceOfTheFuture. Our focus will be on innovation and resilience. These topics are close to my own heart and are of increasing importance in the current global environment.
What is your advice to women who want to lead?
My first piece of advice would be to take a leadership role in one or more not-for-profit organizations, as it will build the stamina and resilience you need to succeed in leadership, while also making you a more emphatic person. Secondly, be conscious that influence and leadership may be different, yet equally important. While leadership often comes with lofty titles, influence comes with reputation and commitment built over longer periods of time.
Any fun facts?
I got my first job interview at the New York University Job Fair, while I was completing an LL.M. at the University of Chicago, because given my name, they had mistakenly thought I was male; they all seemed rather surprised when a woman showed up with the name Benedict! This interview, however, proved to be crucial in my life, as it led to a follow-up interview with White & Case, the start my career.