On the other hand, I feel that people tend to be open to women whenever there are problems in the workplace. That is an advantage because it is easier to find the root cause of the problem and find its solutions. This is extremely important in a complex institution like higher education where a lot of people have to work together.

We love how you’re all about challenging the old paradigms of learning institutions. Can you tell us about a specific initiative you’re proud of?

I am currently trying to change the HR system from being “hours-based” to “output-based.” It was really challenging because people are used to the old system and each division’s KPIs are not very clear yet. Creating change is hard. However, when we want to create progress it is inevitable. We just have to push through, progressing towards the goal that we set.

Do you find that you get treated differently than your male colleagues?

Being a female has always had its stigmas. I was once given feedback to “keep my emotions in check” because I disciplined someone due to a project not done properly. When a female exerts authority they are branded as “emotional,” yet when male colleagues do something similar, they are revered as having a “strong character,” [being] “assertive” and “disciplined.”