Emily van Putten
Expert in Cloud Security & Cyber Resilience | DEI Advocate | Passionate about Fostering Authenticity and Vulnerability in Leadership | Security MVP (Microsoft) | Voice of a New Era of Leaders (Female Factor)
The Netherlands
Lately, I’ve noticed more focus on women’s role in society, and it’s encouraging to see real conversations happening around equality. Women are claiming space in fields that used to feel so closed off, like tech and leadership, where men have traditionally set the tone. It feels like a shift is happening. Slowly, yes, but it’s there.
At the same time, there’s still a lot of work to do. Gender norms are everywhere, and while they can create boundaries, I’ve also noticed them starting to loosen. There’s more room now for people to step outside traditional roles and just be who they are.
For me, this has been especially personal. As someone who’s in transition, I’ve experienced just how much hormones can shape not only physical changes but also emotions, energy, and perspective. Hormone therapy has shifted everything for me, far beyond appearance. Physically, my body softened, my muscle tone changed, and my skin became more delicate. I saw curves develop, and I finally began to feel more at home in my body.
But the changes aren’t just on the surface. Hormones have had a big effect on my mood, sensitivity, and the way I connect with others. I feel more in tune with my emotions, and it’s impacted everything from patience to empathy, as well as my energy levels and mental clarity. These effects go deep and touch so many aspects of daily life, yet they’re rarely acknowledged openly, even though they’re such a core part of this experience.
Going through these changes has also made me appreciate the challenges that so many women face around health and identity. I understand how personal this journey is and the strength it takes, especially in a society that can be rigid in its ideas about gender. Health, to me, is about freedom: The freedom to take care of ourselves in ways that feel true to who we are.
So, while I’m hopeful, I know there’s a long way to go. Women are showing up in more places as themselves, and that’s a win. But to get to a place where everyone, no matter their background or identity, feels genuinely supported, we’ll need to keep pushing forward.
In the coming years, I believe we’ll face some significant challenges in creating an inclusive and supportive environment, especially as society continues to grapple with polarization and a growing focus on individualism. The divide in perspectives and a tendency to see things as “us versus them” can make it difficult to foster unity and understanding. This polarization affects the way we approach discussions about gender, inclusivity, and equity, often turning nuanced issues into simple binaries. Creating a culture of empathy and connection feels increasingly vital if we’re to bridge these gaps.
A key area where this comes into play is the challenge of breaking down gender norms in traditionally masculine sectors, such as tech and leadership. As a woman in IT, I see firsthand how certain expectations about gender can limit how people show up at work, not just for women but for everyone. These norms can feel like invisible walls, defining what it means to succeed or “fit in,” which leaves little room for those of us who want to bring our full, authentic selves to work. Shifting these deeply embedded ideas won’t happen overnight, but it’s necessary if we’re to build a workplace where everyone feels free to contribute without filtering themselves to meet outdated standards.
Then there’s the challenge of raising awareness and actively addressing unconscious bias. Unconscious biases are often subtle, yet they shape how we interact, make decisions, and create opportunities (or barriers) for others. Many people are still unaware of how deeply these biases can affect workplace dynamics and career growth. Combatting these biases requires both awareness and deliberate action, but it’s an uncomfortable process that asks us to confront our own assumptions. This is challenging, but it’s the only way to create environments where diversity is genuinely valued and inclusion goes beyond box-ticking.
Each of these challenges will take focused effort, from companies and individuals alike, to create lasting change. We need to keep finding ways to come together, challenge stereotypes, and embrace perspectives beyond our own. It’s the only way to ensure everyone can thrive, no matter their background or identity.
To really tackle these challenges, I think we need to focus on connection, understanding, and a new style of leadership. On a personal level, I feel a strong drive to help bring people together and to let go of traditional expectations that limit who we can be. By creating spaces where people feel safe to be themselves, we can start to break down the walls that often keep us apart. Building this kind of connection is essential to reducing polarization and seeing one another as individuals, beyond the stereotypes or labels society places on us.
Another important catalyst is awareness. When we create opportunities for people to understand unconscious biases and challenge their own assumptions, we open up space for genuine inclusivity. Awareness leads to empathy, and with that empathy, people are more likely to recognize and value others for who they truly are. I aim to contribute to this shift by sharing stories and perspectives that encourage others to look beyond the surface and see the unique journeys we each bring.
Finally, I believe we need a transformation in leadership. Traditional, directive styles no longer serve the modern workplace, where people are looking for environments where they can feel supported and seen. Leadership today should be about empathy, authenticity, and vulnerability. When leaders model these qualities, they create a culture where people feel they can be themselves and where diversity isn’t just tolerated but celebrated. Empathetic, human-centered leadership has the power to foster trust and genuine connection, helping to create a world where everyone has the freedom to contribute openly and confidently.
My own transition has taught me a lot about embracing change and challenging norms, and I often use this as a metaphor in my conversations. Just as my journey required breaking free from restrictive expectations, creating inclusive spaces requires us to step away from rigid structures and rethink how we value people. This perspective helps me connect with others and build understanding, not only around gender but in embracing individuality in every form. It’s a way of showing that transformation (whether personal or cultural) isn’t just possible but essential for growth.
