Marije starts: “I believe there is room for improvement in the representation of women in the tech industry. While progress has been made, we still observe a male-dominated environment across the industry. Industry-wide, we’re still hovering around 25-27%. It is essential to recognize that diversity in perspectives is key to enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of technology. Encouraging a more diverse workforce is a goal worth pursuing, although it remains a challenging task. It’s something both men and women need to work on together. But let’s not forget that even some (very) small changes, such as avoiding the phrase ‘male-dominated industry,’ can help shift the narrative. Personally, I strive to contribute by making myself more visible as a leader so I can hopefully inspire other women.”

⭐ 1. Take control of your own career

Over the years, Marije has held several leadership positions at ORTEC. However, stepping into leadership wasn’t immediate. “When I was first offered a leadership role, I quickly realized I wasn’t ready yet. Instead of pushing forward, I made the conscious choice to step back. That wasn’t a failure – it was a moment of self-awareness and strength. It helped me understand what gives me energy at work and what truly matters to me.” Marije emphasizes the importance of recognizing when an opportunity is right for you. “Growth isn’t linear, and neither is your career. It’s okay to say no when something doesn’t feel like the right fit at that moment. No one else can decide what’s the right thing for you, so take control of your own career.” About two years later, the right leadership opportunity came along, and she knew she was truly prepared to take it on. Her advice: “Stay true to yourself, trust your instincts, try new things, and don’t be afraid to change your career path if something isn’t the right fit for you right now."” She continues: “You can do more than you think,” she encourages.

⭐ 2. Be you and do things your way > Don't copy others

For Marije, one of the main points connected to joy in the workplace is being yourself - your own authentic you - and doing things your way: "I realized I don’t need to follow in the exact footsteps of my male predecessors and copy them. I experience much more joy when I approach my role in my own way.” Her advice to aspiring leaders: “Be your authentic self and lead in a way that aligns with who you are. Dare to speak out: bringing in your perspective adds so much more value than trying to be someone you are not.”

⭐ 3. Be flexible and adaptable

Another valuable lesson learned for Marije is the ability to remain adaptable. While it’s crucial to have a clear idea of where you want to go, she stresses the importance of listening – both to your team and to external factors. Flexibility is key. “You need to be able to adjust based on what’s happening inside and outside your organization,” she says. Adaptability is a cornerstone of her leadership style and helps her navigate the ever-changing tech landscape.

Marije: “There are some things that have really helped me grow into a leadership role with confidence: ORTEC offered me external coaching, and I joined a designated program at ORTEC called the 'Leadership Development Program,' initiated by our HR department for our potential future leaders. This extensive program provided valuable insights, guidance, and a strong network of peers across the organization. This empowered me both as a person and as a leader. The external coaching I received greatly helped me in my personal leadership growth. It made me more aware of the patterns and beliefs that have influenced who I am today. By learning to recognize them better, I have been able to make different choices, feel stronger, and let go of old beliefs that no longer serve me. Both of these experiences played a pivotal role in helping me navigate leadership challenges."

Marije strongly advocates for increasing the visibility of role models across all sectors, not just for women, but for all underrepresented groups. Reflecting on the impact of role models on her own perspectives and career, she realized how important it is to lead by example and inspire others through authenticity. “Visibility can inspire people in ways that they don’t even realize,” she shares. That’s why she actively participates in conferences and awards to encourage women to enter and thrive in leadership and/or tech.

Panel discussion at AmplifyHER Women’s Visibility Conference

At the end of last year, Marije Zomerdijk participated at the AmplifyHER Women’s Visibility Conference, where she participated in an inspiring panel discussion on the topic “How to foster joy in your career?”. During this session, she shared insights on what joy truly means, how it differs from happiness, and how to maintain that joy while balancing personal values with the demands of a professional environment.
Photography at AmplifyHER: Kirsten van Santen