I was allowed to receive the book as a pre-order, including a personal message. Thank you Annelies.

It is a very enjoyable read and highly recommended.

It is also confronting….

The world described encompasses the early years when I started my own business and eventually came in contact with Annelies, as she uses fictional firms and people to describe her business in the book. The “men’s world” is recognizable, as is the hard work, many travels and keeping going.

The world described from a woman’s point of view is what makes it confronting… I too have seen all sorts of things happen around me that I don’t find so normal now, although there was always consent, as it is called these days.

The world of IT is still a men’s world, even though I like to see it differently myself. Women are just much better at some things but especially the dynamics are different, better! The cultural mix is already succeeding but technically skilled women are hugely outnumbered.

AnyLinQ employs women, of course, but not in a desired balance.

After reading the book, you do start thinking … to what extent are we so woman-friendly? We still have steps to take. How are we going to do that? At the very least, I’m going to hold people responsible if I catch someone doing something that looks like inequality: gender, background, age or any other form.

I believe we can learn from each other if we want to understand each other’s background and beliefs. We do not have to agree, though we have standards of behavior and decency.

Incidentally, I see a similar parallel with alcohol consumption, also something that used to be different than now. We still have beer (with alcohol) in the fridge, even though we all mainly drink 0.0% drinks.

Meanwhile, the bitterballs are also supplemented by vegetarian snacks and halal goodies.

I suggest that we start to ask each other questions about this theme and to discuss the topic.

When was the last time you entered the conversation?