I co-produced the Symposium #daretobeagirl with the Professional Women’s Network Amsterdam (PWN). Manuela was one of the first speakers I invited on board. From the first moment we connected, I understood I had to deal with a strong individual who would not ‘hide’.
As the director of the Symposium, I asked all the speakers – from the former Dutch minister Ms. Dekker to the Head of Psychology Dept at Webster University Dr. Shah – to share their personal stories, not the data. I was interested in conveying their personal strength, allowing their successes to be the inspiration for our audience. Manuela surprised me in the most wonderful way. She returned for our second rehearsal with her personal story. She did not hesitate one second to use her vulnerabilities in order to empower and inspire others. Through that vulnerability, her speech was one of the most moving at the Symposium. Manuela was able to demonstrate through her example that creativity can be found in vulnerability.
I was very happy she joined our team and I am looking forward to collaborating with Manuela again in the near future. It was an amazing experience working with her.