2023

Blandine de Navacelle

Head of Studio Lodha

“A true ‘Power Woman’ lifts up other women around her. A real leader helps educate and promote others in less fortunate positions, and spreads their knowledge and experience to help others advance in their careers.”

In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?

For me, a true “Power Woman” lifts up other women around her. A real leader helps educate and promote others in less fortunate positions, and spreads their knowledge and experience to help others advance in their careers.

What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take toward empowering women and gender equality? (e.g. affirmative action)?

I believe that grass roots change is the most powerful action we can take to help empower women. As well as needing companies to put in quotas for the number of female hires, or for boards to keep seats open for female executives it is also vital to give women the support and education they need from the very start of their careers. This includes childcare, generous paid maternity and paternity leave, flexi-working and of course, mentoring, guidance and education.
Do you think that asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the pay gap between women and men? NY State outlawed this practice, should it be nationwide?
Yes, I do think that asking about previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the pay gap between women and men. Women are often paid less than men due to historical and societal gender biases or simply because their careers may have been interrupted by maternity leave, for example, which can decelerate their salary progression and slow their career advancement. It is also well known that men are more confident when it comes to asking for salary increases.

What was the defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today?

My first boss was a very inspiring woman (CEO of Krug and now Baccarat). She had a very clear vision for her work and I learnt the importance of perseverance, self-confidence and belief from her. Combined with a great team she demonstrated these were essential components for success. Having children was also a very strong defining moment in my life which reinforced my efficiency but also increased my compassion to others.

“Legislators, priests, philosophers, writers, and scientists have striven to show that the subordinate position of woman is willed in heaven and advantageous on earth.” Simone de Beauvoir. Is this still a major stumbling block on the 21st century road to equality?

Yes, the subordinate position of women is still a major stumbling block on the 21st century road to equality. Although there have been many advances in gender equality, such as access to education and voting rights, women are still paid less than their male peers for the same job, and often lack representation in positions of power. Additionally, most gendered stereotypes remain entrenched even in the most progressive societies. As a result, women are still struggling for complete equality and freedom from gender-based discrimination and oppression. To truly move forward on the road to equality, society must work to fully embrace diversity by recognizing the strengths of all genders and cultures.

What is your mantra? What phrase or parabel best describes your approach right now?

Nothing is too big, don’t make compromises, share your passion and others will follow.

How would you describe the changes in the political landscape for women over the past five years?

I am based in Europe, where the changes in the UK’s political landscape over the past five years have not been as dramatic as in the US. However, major US political events including the rollback of policy protections, such as those protecting reproductive choice, have served as a reminder to us in the UK that many of our hard-won rights are not always 100% secure, and that we need to continue to support women around the world as we strive for equality.

Women are often placed in binaries. Strong and emotionless or weak and sensitive. How do you subvert these limitations and connect to all sides of womanhood?

It is important to recognize that female identity does not fit into neat boxes. Women are complex and multifaceted, capable of being both strong and sensitive and this is where our strengths come from. I believe that we should challenge the rigid binary labels imposed on us by society and learn to embrace our complexity; all aspects of womanhood should be celebrated.

If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?

I would love to teach children from underprivileged backgrounds and spend time with them to give them hope, reinforce their self-confidence, help them pursue their dreams and ensure that they have the energy and a clear path to their career goals.

What advice would you give to any aspiring Power Women?

Be smart, be wise, don’t give up, don’t be arrogant and you will find the way to reach your objectives.

What steps do you take to obtain a healthy work/life balance?

For me, friends and family come first and I believe that by prioritizing loved ones, the rest of the balance flows naturally.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Simone Veil, for her determination. Napoleon for his vision.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Be patient

What is your favorite book (fiction or non-fiction)?

The Braid by Latitia Colombiani. Each time I read it, it reminds me of the power of connection and womanhood.

What do you most value in your friends?

My friends are an endless source of energy; however I know I can also turn to them for comfort in times of need.

Which trait do you most deplore in yourself? In others?

It can be hard as a busy working mother to find the time to reach out and help others in need – this is something I am always trying to improve on. In others, I find arrogance to be the most pointless, deplorable trait.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I believe that the most overrated virtue is conformity. Believing that one should think and act in the same way as everyone else can lead to stagnation and stifles creativity and innovation. Embracing diversity instead of conforming is a much more rewarding path for individuals and society alike.

“I believe that grass roots change is the most powerful action we can take to help empower women. It is also vital to give women the support and education they need from the very start of their careers. This includes childcare, generous paid maternity and paternity leave, flexi-working, and, of course, mentoring, guidance, and education.”