International Women’s Day 2024 – “My wish for Women: Dare and just go for it” – Sabine Dandiguian, Managing Partner, Jeito, shares her inspiring journey

To celebrate women's achievements on International Womens Day, one of our Non-Executive Directors, Sabine Dandiguian, Managing Partner Jeito shared her inspiring career journey and shed light on the barriers she’s encountered.

She also shares her insights on the unique challenges women face in progressing their careers and the importance of having relatable role models.

What do you think are the biggest issues facing women in business today?
There are still many cognitive biases that women have to overcome in business to progress and lead. In addition, the limited number of role models among the top management of companies does not help to counter those biases nor encourage women to feel empowered and to realize their ambitions.

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to your gender? If so, how did you overcome them?
There is one aspect that is less often discussed: geographical mobility that is less appealing to women from a family perspective. I have been, I believe, the only leader at my level in my previous American Company who never worked in the headquarters in the US! For family reasons, I've always preferred business travel to expatriation, a personal and sometimes exhausting choice but that allowed me to “have it all” without jeopardizing my personal life.

Now I am re-assured working for Jeito, a French Private Equity Company!

Can you tell us about a role model that has inspired you over the course of your career?
As I said before there are very few female role models in business leadership, unfortunately… but if we extrapolate, I have the greatest admiration for women who fought and those who continue to fight for equality for women. Their pioneering spirit, their courage, and their ability to change minds and challenge the status quo is what I admire. I find similarities with the fighting spirit of our innovative entrepreneurs who are creating new hope for patients suffering from neuromuscular diseases.