What are some patterns you’ve noticed over the years about women at work, and things they could be doing better to advance their careers?

When I started VLCC in 1989, one of the challenges I faced was to find qualified talent and subject matter experts who were women and wanted to make careers from what they had qualified in. That has since dramatically changed. I am gratified to see that women are actively seeking careers and not just jobs. 

What work still needs to be done to level the playing field in the C-suite and boardroom? How do you see the future of women leadership? 

We certainly need to see more women in leadership positions and boardrooms. It is happening, but it is not widespread enough. 

How do you achieve work/life balance? What tips do you have for fellow women in business struggling in this area?

Maintaining a consistently healthy work-life balance isn't always easy, but you have to keep at it till you get it right. And the effort to achieve this balance has to come from not just you but those around you. When I am at work, my attention is wholly focused on the job at hand. Likewise, time at home is reserved for family and friends, and my colleagues at work have come to respect that.

How do you see the future of work?

Future of work, from a human resource perspective, will be all about how quickly job-holders can adapt to an increasing technology-dependent workplace environment and thereby remain relevant to their respective organizations.