29 November, 2023
#44 Portrait from a woman in finance: Linde Verheyden
As the Public Affairs Director at BNP Paribas Fortis, she is in contact with people from both inside and outside the bank. “Together with my team, our job is to build lasting relationships with politicians, governments, decision-makers, civil society and selected NGOs. That’s how we build trust and raise the bank’s profile.”
Linde got her start in finance through a management traineeship. This gave her the opportunity to get to know the bank well, as she changed roles every 3 months. “The traineeship really made a difference. I was able to build a network very quickly, and discovered that the bank was a very diverse environment full of interesting jobs. This created opportunities and I grabbed them with both hands. And because there’s so much variety, I’m still here after 24 years.”
2010 was an important turning point in Linde’s career. “When I joined Public Affairs, it was a big leap into the unknown. Before that I was only in contact with my colleagues at the risk department and in the corporate business line. But now my remit covers the whole bank and there is regular contact with external stakeholders. I’m very glad I made the move, as I still find it hugely enriching and interesting.”
“When I started, the bank was still a very male-dominated environment, with men in suits running the business,” Linde says. “In the beginning, I was quite impressed by that. But fortunately that did not stop me from growing. Today our bank is a very different place than it was back then. Gender is no longer an issue. Although I must say that the world of public affairs remains very masculine. There is still a culture of networking after work and that sometimes makes it less easy for men and women with families to join in.”
Her advice to young women? “Do something you love and believe in yourself. Stand up for yourself and take responsibility. Don't be afraid to say yes and jump right in. And definitely give the financial sector a chance. A bank moves along with society. For instance, it is playing an important role in today’s sustainability revolution. It is an exciting and evolving environment where you can make your contribution in many different ways.”
