STORIES - Interview Lotte Brands-van Bijsterveld International Women's Day

For International Women’s Day, we spotlight Lotte Brands-van Bijsterveld, a banker at J.P. Morgan and a dedicated mother. She believes that female leadership is about connection and empowerment, creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and lifted to a higher level.

What does female leadership mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your work and life?

For me, female leadership is about connection and empowerment. Everyone thrives in an environment where they feel valued, supported by a team, and lifted to a higher level.

How does your personal style reflect who you are as a powerful woman?

"Just do the work." Roll up your sleeves and get started—you are capable of so much more than you think. Set the bar high and go all in, but don’t forget your sense of humor. It makes everything lighter and more enjoyable. And always make time for yourself and the people you love; otherwise, you risk losing yourself in the process.

Jewellery can make a powerful statement. What is your favorite piece and why?

I absolutely love jewellery! I always wear my watch, a gift from my husband after the birth of our third child. I wear my wedding and engagement ring every day of course, alongside the pinky ring I share with my sister. I wear all of these on my left hand and wrist. On my right side, I switch up my rings and bracelets daily. Additionally, I have around 10 sets of earrings that I rotate every day, depending on my outfit and whether I’m at home, in the office, or meeting with a client.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?

It’s a reminder to my daughter of the quote: “Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” But perhaps even more so to my two sons, whom I want to teach to embrace, support, and appreciate women. As women, we absolutely deserve our place at the table—but it would help if that place was more readily given. We’re (still) not there yet.