Karine Cavalier

Karine Cavalier
AMP'21
French

With a robust scientific foundation comprising an engineering degree and two theses, I have always been deeply immersed in science, physics, and chemistry. These disciplines, which fundamentally revolve around combining and recombining elements, shape my approach to transforming the world we live in. I'm a builder at heart, whether developing new materials, innovating industrial processes to advance our industries, or creating new business opportunities by combining different perspectives - all in service of humanity and our planet.  

Einstein's wisdom resonates profoundly with me: "Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value." For me, this means focusing on meaningful impact while valuing the people and teams who make it possible.

What role do senior leaders play in fostering an inclusive environment that empowers women?

As a senior leader, I've learned that creating an inclusive environment starts with promoting psychological safety. Every team member should feel empowered to speak up and set boundaries without fear. I actively encourage my team to decline early or late meetings due to family commitments, normalising work-life integration. This creates a culture where personal needs are respected, and voices are heard.  

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Role modelling is crucial. Leaders must demonstrate inclusive behaviour through actions, not just words. I believe that addressing bias or inappropriate behaviour is not just an option, but a responsibility. It is a moral imperative that I cannot ignore. When I see something, I say something. It's that simple. There's no room for hesitation when it comes to creating a safe and inclusive workplace. Unfortunately, there are still too many occasions when we have to speak out.  As role models, we must show our daughters, nieces, and all young women that they have the right to dream big and achieve their full potential without facing discriminatory barriers. 

We must send a clear message: they belong, and no one can take that away from them.  

Leaders can play a vital role in empowering women by creating spaces where they can connect and grow. This could involve organising regular forums or events where successful female leaders share their experiences and insights. I've had the privilege of fostering such a supportive network through quarterly sessions that combine inspiring personal stories with cultural experiences. These events are incredibly powerful. It demonstrates that there are many paths to success. 

How have you used your influence to support other women in achieving more in their careers?

One of my most rewarding experiences was mentoring a talented woman with five years of experience. Despite her ambition, she was limiting her potential due to self-doubt and difficulty delegating. Like a flower waiting to bloom, she needed the right environment and support to flourish. Over two years of coaching, we worked on building confidence and developing leadership skills. The transformation was remarkable - suddenly, she blossomed into an assertive, impactful leader. Seeing her evolution from self-doubt to self-assurance reinforced my belief in the power of dedicated mentorship and coaching.   

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What tangible steps can organisations take to create a culture of equality at the leadership level?

While initiatives such as awareness campaigns, communication strategies, development plans, and mentorship programs contribute to advancing gender equality, their impact may be limited without a concrete measurement system. Implementing a performance indicator specifically focused on gender equality is likely the most effective approach to driving significant change.  

What advice would you give to those looking to champion women’s leadership in their organisations?

Demonstrate authentic commitment through your own leadership behaviours and decisions. Actions speak louder than words when it comes to championing diversity and inclusion.  Don't just talk about equality – actively seek out and promote talented women. 

Let me rephrase that with Maya Angelou's empowering words serving as a source of inspiration: "I'm a woman phenomenally. Phenomenal woman, that's me." 

This powerful statement encourages us to embrace our uniqueness and unleash our full potential without self-imposed constraints. 

More information about the programme Karine attended: 

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INSEAD's Advanced Management Programme is a comprehensive General Management programme designed to help senior executives like C-Suite leaders and Heads of Division build exceptional levels of strategic, high-performance and self-aware leadership skills.  

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