Women share their perspectives

Leadership with expertise and empathy

One theme that came back in different ways was leadership. Hanneke, QESHS Director, adds one perspective to that conversation. For her, being a woman in this sector means leading with both expertise and empathy. Strong leadership, she believes, is not about choosing between being decisive or collaborative. It is about combining the two. Setting high standards while staying thoughtful and driving results while remaining human.

Taking ownership and making ideas happen

That sense of leadership also connects to the ownership people feel in their roles. Joselene, Sustainability Manager, values the entrepreneurial mindset at Royal. As she explains, if you see an opportunity, whether it is doing something new or improving something that already exists, you are encouraged to act. That mindset means the company is always evolving and often moving quickly.

What gives her energy is simple: turning ideas into reality. Having a vision for a better outcome and making it happen. Sometimes progress takes time. Sometimes it moves faster than expected, especially when enthusiasm spreads. That momentum is powerful. It creates growth not only for business, but also for the people behind the ideas.

And if she could speak to her younger self at the start of her career, her advice would be simple: experiment. Try different things. Stay curious. Explore what excites you and what does not. Curiosity is how you discover your strengths and where you can truly contribute.

Bringing perspective to an international business

For Nayeli, Operational Manager, the conversation connects strongly to perspective. She believes young women bring strength, empathy, resilience and clarity to the way business is built. In international and fast paced environments, those qualities matter more than ever. Our perspectives shape how relationships are built, how decisions are made and how challenges are approached.

For her, growth is not about having all the answers. It is about the courage to speak up, to learn from mistakes and to trust yourself, even when doubt appears. That mindset feels especially relevant in a business that moves across borders, cultures and markets every day.

Support that makes a real difference

Karlijn, Data Analyst, highlights another important part of company culture. During and after her pregnancy, she felt fully supported by the organisation and her colleagues. It should be normal, yet it is not always guaranteed in many workplaces. Knowing that support was there made a real difference. Moments like these show that culture is not only about strategy or performance, but also about how people show up for each other when it matters.

The quiet strength behind daily operations

Leadership also shows up in quieter ways. Joyce, Office Manager, sees the impact of preparation, organisation and reliability every day. Keeping things running smoothly and solving problems before they grow might not always be visible, but it is essential. Dedication and quiet strength move workplaces forward every single day.

Different perspectives strengthen the business

In a sector that is still largely male dominated, bringing different perspectives into the conversation matters. Esther, Marketing Manager, sees this every day in her work. Diversity in backgrounds and ways of thinking leads to better decisions. It sharpens collaboration and challenges assumptions.

Within Royal Ingredients she has the space and trust to develop marketing in a way that fits both her ideas and the company’s direction. That freedom creates the confidence to start new initiatives and continue building the Royal Lion brand.

At Royal Ingredients, we operate in international markets across food, feed and industrial sectors. It is a fast moving, commercial environment. The women in our office are shaping marketing strategies, improving processes, leading teams, supporting operations and building relationships with partners around the world.

Sometimes that leadership is visible and sometimes it happens quietly. All of it matters.

International Women’s Day is a good moment to pause and reflect. Not only on how far we have come, but also on how we continue to build a workplace where initiative is encouraged, ideas are taken seriously and support is real.

Want to work in an international team where ideas and initiative are encouraged? Visit our Careers page to explore current opportunities and see what it is like to be part of Royal Ingredients.