Inclusive Leadership: A Conversation with Bianca Maasdamme of Progres Advies & Progres Caribbean
In this insightful interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Bianca Maasdamme, the founder and owner of Progres Advies and Progres Caribbean. Known for her inspiring leadership in the realm of inclusion, diversity, and equity, Bianca shared her journey and the lessons she’s learned from helping organizations build inclusive workspaces.
The Roots of Inclusive Leadership
Bianca’s passion for inclusion began early in life, especially after returning to the Netherlands from Curaçao as a young adult. Despite being Dutch and speaking the language fluently, she often found herself labeled as a "foreigner," simply because of her appearance. This experience sparked a lifelong reflection on belonging and uniqueness—two essential elements of inclusion that would guide her career.
“Inclusive leadership is about recognizing both a sense of belonging and the uniqueness of each individual,” Bianca explained. “It’s not just about having diverse teams; it’s about making sure people can truly be themselves while contributing to the organization.”
Leading with Responsibility, Not Guilt
One of Bianca’s core messages during the interview was the importance of leaders distinguishing between responsibility and guilt when addressing diversity. “You’re not guilty for the history that came before you,” she said. “But you are responsible for creating a more inclusive future.”
Bianca’s coaching focuses on helping leaders understand that diversity and inclusion are not just trendy topics but core qualities that lead to better performance. Diverse teams, when managed inclusively, often outperform more homogeneous ones. It’s about harnessing the unique strengths of every individual.
Equity Over Equality
A key takeaway from the conversation was Bianca’s emphasis on equity versus equality. While equality treats everyone the same, equity takes into account the different needs of individuals, allowing everyone to perform at their best. “Equity is about providing each person with what they need to succeed,” Bianca noted. “In the end, that’s what creates a healthy and dynamic workplace.”
A Call to Action for Leaders
For leaders looking to make real, lasting change in their organizations, Bianca advised making diversity and inclusion a core part of their leadership strategy. “This is not just a theme for today, but for the long term. Sustainable inclusion is what we’re working towards,” she concluded.
Bianca’s leadership philosophy, driven by compassion and inclusivity, is a powerful reminder that creating diverse and inclusive spaces requires ongoing effort, openness, and a commitment to equity. As she continues to inspire leaders worldwide, her message is clear: every voice matters, and every individual deserves a seat at the table.
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