Anne-Françoise Gavanon is a recognised specialist in Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso. We first met eleven years ago, at a childbirth training course, when we were both a few weeks away from our first child’s arrival. What struck me about Anne-Françoise was her confidence and polite sense of humour… and her charming French accent of course! We bonded right away. As weeks passed and we kept attending the classes on a weekly basis, I learnt that she had been working in Fine Arts since 2007, but had previously been an investment banker specialising in M&A.
Being an investment banker myself (at that time) and well aware of the privileges that come with it, I asked what brought her to such a bold move. Her response fascinated me and from liking Anne-Françoise, I started admiring her and wanting to be as brave as she is. After many years of friendship and mentorship, I am delighted to have Anne-Françoise sharing with you some of her thoughts on career and the values that guide her through her life choices.
EL: What inspired your change from Investment Banking to Arts Specialist?
AFG: There were so many catalysts, however the major drive behind my change was a deep sense of unexplained unsatisfaction with my job. I was working in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) on M&A transactions and advising governments on their privatisation strategy; at the time I knew so much valuable information on the beetroot sugar industry or the tyre & telecom industries – she says laughing heartfully! For five years, I loved living, travelling and working throughout CEE and, even though my career kept improving at a fast pace and I was building strong friendships – I have a Polish godson, I started feeling increasingly unfulfilled. So, towards the end of 1998, I did what we call in France a “bilan de competence” or a professional assessment of one’s strengths/weaknesses and likes/dislikes. Enlightening! It was an eureka moment. In a snapshot, I had qualities required to work in M&A but did not share its underlining values. My character is such that if my personal and professional values are not aligned, it feels wrong!
EL: How did you make the change happen?
AFG: It took me a few years to digest all the learning I had gained from my professional assessment, but also to start mapping out a plan; it turned out a career in the Visual Arts was at the top of my list. I also knew I would want to go back to studying for I work best when I possess theoretical knowledge, a structured springboard to jump from. But, of course, nothing went as planned! – says Anne-Françoise laughing again heartfully and reminiscing. My father became terminally ill and despite being promised by my MD a week holiday at Christmas, I did not get it, so I fulfilled my duty and commitment to my client at the time and resigned from one day to another; it was in January 2002 and I never looked back. Nobody believed I was going into art history; the more I was saying it, the more my colleagues grew suspicious – indeed, why leave a lucrative career to become a student and work in an industry whose financial rewards paled in comparison to investment banking? This was clearly an example of “unaligned values” and an impossible match.
After resigning, I ran a two-weeks sprint to submit an application to the postgraduate course of the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. I had no plan B; fortunately, I was accepted. One year turned into two, when I decided to apply and was accepted at a MA in Modern Art [i.e. 1900 to WWII]. I wrote my MA dissertation on Pablo Picasso’s graphic practice and have since been involved with his œuvre either selling his works, or researching and writing essays on him.
EL: What are the skills that help you succeed in your job?
AFG: Being able to build long term relationships with clients, by proposing deals which are compelling for both parties is one skill: an eye for the bottom line is key, since you never know when your next sale will be, especially given the current circumstances; on the other side you surely want to create value for your clients. Good communication is another key skill. The art world can be opaque, so I would say that being transparent and honest have sustained me very well. And then the skills of an art historian, research, writing, presenting, especially with clients, who are museum conservators.
EL: What does success mean to you?
AFG: Oh Gosh, this is such an open question! What comes first to mind is my client’s satisfaction. Whether be it a work of art they acquired from me or with my help, or a great conversation we have had, I considered myself successful.
EL: Do you have any role model? If so, who and why?
AFG: Bizarrely, no, not a role model I could look up to when I am at a crossroad, but there are many, many women I greatly admire such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and her grand-daughter Blanche of Castile for their sheer determination to be independent; Artemisia Gentileschi for again her independence and equally for her persistence and resilience; Marie Crous, a French mathematician of the 17th c., who invented the decimal point and the rule of three but was only acknowledged as such much, much later; Ada Lovelace and nearer to us Madeleine Albright and Dame Stephanie Shirley, both are formidable figure heads.
EL: Would you encourage women to take bold steps in their careers?
AFG: Absolutely! Follow the bold steps of your dreams and ambitions!
EL: Any word of advice for women willing to make a mark in their career?
AFG: Own your success and do not be afraid to claim it. Find a mentor, who will champion you – I have never found one but still hope… and finally network, network and network.
EL: Gender inequality in the work space is still a reality. It shows both through pay gap and fewer women in senior positions compared to men. While governments and companies move to address this (some faster than others), do you think there is anything that we can do to help the change?
AFG: This is a very complex subject. Women’s desire for independence is, I would argue, as old as the patriarchal society of Ancient Greece that we have inherited and in which women citizens had many fewer rights than men citizens. So, in a sense, women are fighting centuries of history and sociological learnt behaviours. Do not get me wrong, great successes have been achieved; we can vote, we can travel, we can buy real estate, though this is obviously in our Western societies. Look at Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission; Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank; Kristalena Georgieva – Managing Director of the IMF; Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, Mette Frederiksen, all women head of states. When I was 18, we were talking about these possibilities but they had only taken place in a few isolated cases.
Coming back to your question, I think continuing to advocate for and elect women politicians is very important for it will be these elected women, who will have the power to influence and change the settings from the top as well as from a law-making perspective. Education is key because it is through education that you move the boundaries, and men CEOs must continue to be educated and hold accountable for gender parity.
Additionally, journalists have an increasingly important role in a world that is becoming more and more polarised; they must continue to argue and write in favour of women’s rights and advocate against some of the waves turning back as in the USA. If you improve women’s rights, you improve minorities’ rights, which is also very important.
At my small level, I am bringing up my son with gender equality in mind, however I sometimes catch myself behaving differently, for instance taking the load of the household on my shoulders, and when it happens, it really infuriates me; I would so much love to own a brain re-booter! Reboot everybody’s brains and start from scratch! I think leading by example and having a gender equal household is the best contribution I can give to my son’s generation.
Lastly…
EL: If you had a magic wand, what would you change?
AFG: Erase abuse, any type of abuse, psychological, physical, coercion, harassment, nepotism.
EL: If you had one wish left, what would you ask to the Genie Lamp?
AFG: I would ask him to bring me into the future, however not for too long! I am fascinated by the future and what it holds.
EL: Anne-Françoise thank you very much for sharing your experience and thoughts. I feel energised by your ability to actively listen to your conscience and the tenacity with which you pursued your ambitions and I am sure this will be of inspiration to others as well. Where can you be contacted?
AFG: Thank you Emanuela, it was my pleasure indeed and I’d be happy to be contacted via Instagram DM @afgavanon.
In the photo, Anne-Françoise is wearing Gaia in black, Mastra Ma’s signature Oxford shoe. If you’d like to know more about Mastra Ma’ please visit our Home Page. You can also take a look at our beautiful High Heels, Ankle Boots and Oxford Shoes.
Anne-Françoise Gavanon is a recognised specialist in Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso. We first met eleven years ago, at a childbirth training course, when we were both a few weeks away from our first child’s arrival. What struck me about Anne-Françoise was her confidence and polite sense of humour… and her charming French accent of course! We bonded right away. As weeks passed and we kept attending the classes on a weekly basis, I learnt that she had been working in Fine Arts since 2007, but had previously been an investment banker specialising in M&A.
Being an investment banker myself (at that time) and well aware of the privileges that come with it, I asked what brought her to such a bold move. Her response fascinated me and from liking Anne-Françoise, I started admiring her and wanting to be as brave as she is. After many years of friendship and mentorship, I am delighted to have Anne-Françoise sharing with you some of her thoughts on career and the values that guide her through her life choices.
EL: What inspired your change from Investment Banking to Arts Specialist?
AFG: There were so many catalysts, however the major drive behind my change was a deep sense of unexplained unsatisfaction with my job. I was working in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) on M&A transactions and advising governments on their privatisation strategy; at the time I knew so much valuable information on the beetroot sugar industry or the tyre & telecom industries – she says laughing heartfully! For five years, I loved living, travelling and working throughout CEE and, even though my career kept improving at a fast pace and I was building strong friendships – I have a Polish godson, I started feeling increasingly unfulfilled. So, towards the end of 1998, I did what we call in France a “bilan de competence” or a professional assessment of one’s strengths/weaknesses and likes/dislikes. Enlightening! It was an eureka moment. In a snapshot, I had qualities required to work in M&A but did not share its underlining values. My character is such that if my personal and professional values are not aligned, it feels wrong!
EL: How did you make the change happen?
AFG: It took me a few years to digest all the learning I had gained from my professional assessment, but also to start mapping out a plan; it turned out a career in the Visual Arts was at the top of my list. I also knew I would want to go back to studying for I work best when I possess theoretical knowledge, a structured springboard to jump from. But, of course, nothing went as planned! – says Anne-Françoise laughing again heartfully and reminiscing. My father became terminally ill and despite being promised by my MD a week holiday at Christmas, I did not get it, so I fulfilled my duty and commitment to my client at the time and resigned from one day to another; it was in January 2002 and I never looked back. Nobody believed I was going into art history; the more I was saying it, the more my colleagues grew suspicious – indeed, why leave a lucrative career to become a student and work in an industry whose financial rewards paled in comparison to investment banking? This was clearly an example of “unaligned values” and an impossible match.
After resigning, I ran a two-weeks sprint to submit an application to the postgraduate course of the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. I had no plan B; fortunately, I was accepted. One year turned into two, when I decided to apply and was accepted at a MA in Modern Art [i.e. 1900 to WWII]. I wrote my MA dissertation on Pablo Picasso’s graphic practice and have since been involved with his œuvre either selling his works, or researching and writing essays on him.
EL: What are the skills that help you succeed in your job?
AFG: Being able to build long term relationships with clients, by proposing deals which are compelling for both parties is one skill: an eye for the bottom line is key, since you never know when your next sale will be, especially given the current circumstances; on the other side you surely want to create value for your clients. Good communication is another key skill. The art world can be opaque, so I would say that being transparent and honest have sustained me very well. And then the skills of an art historian, research, writing, presenting, especially with clients, who are museum conservators.
EL: What does success mean to you?
AFG: Oh Gosh, this is such an open question! What comes first to mind is my client’s satisfaction. Whether be it a work of art they acquired from me or with my help, or a great conversation we have had, I considered myself successful.
EL: Do you have any role model? If so, who and why?
AFG: Bizarrely, no, not a role model I could look up to when I am at a crossroad, but there are many, many women I greatly admire such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and her grand-daughter Blanche of Castile for their sheer determination to be independent; Artemisia Gentileschi for again her independence and equally for her persistence and resilience; Marie Crous, a French mathematician of the 17th c., who invented the decimal point and the rule of three but was only acknowledged as such much, much later; Ada Lovelace and nearer to us Madeleine Albright and Dame Stephanie Shirley, both are formidable figure heads.
EL: Would you encourage women to take bold steps in their careers?
AFG: Absolutely! Follow the bold steps of your dreams and ambitions!
EL: Any word of advice for women willing to make a mark in their career?
AFG: Own your success and do not be afraid to claim it. Find a mentor, who will champion you – I have never found one but still hope… and finally network, network and network.
EL: Gender inequality in the work space is still a reality. It shows both through pay gap and fewer women in senior positions compared to men. While governments and companies move to address this (some faster than others), do you think there is anything that we can do to help the change?
AFG: This is a very complex subject. Women’s desire for independence is, I would argue, as old as the patriarchal society of Ancient Greece that we have inherited and in which women citizens had many fewer rights than men citizens. So, in a sense, women are fighting centuries of history and sociological learnt behaviours. Do not get me wrong, great successes have been achieved; we can vote, we can travel, we can buy real estate, though this is obviously in our Western societies. Look at Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission; Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank; Kristalena Georgieva – Managing Director of the IMF; Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, Mette Frederiksen, all women head of states. When I was 18, we were talking about these possibilities but they had only taken place in a few isolated cases.
Coming back to your question, I think continuing to advocate for and elect women politicians is very important for it will be these elected women, who will have the power to influence and change the settings from the top as well as from a law-making perspective. Education is key because it is through education that you move the boundaries, and men CEOs must continue to be educated and hold accountable for gender parity.
Additionally, journalists have an increasingly important role in a world that is becoming more and more polarised; they must continue to argue and write in favour of women’s rights and advocate against some of the waves turning back as in the USA. If you improve women’s rights, you improve minorities’ rights, which is also very important.
At my small level, I am bringing up my son with gender equality in mind, however I sometimes catch myself behaving differently, for instance taking the load of the household on my shoulders, and when it happens, it really infuriates me; I would so much love to own a brain re-booter! Reboot everybody’s brains and start from scratch! I think leading by example and having a gender equal household is the best contribution I can give to my son’s generation.
Lastly…
EL: If you had a magic wand, what would you change?
AFG: Erase abuse, any type of abuse, psychological, physical, coercion, harassment, nepotism.
EL: If you had one wish left, what would you ask to the Genie Lamp?
AFG: I would ask him to bring me into the future, however not for too long! I am fascinated by the future and what it holds.
EL: Anne-Françoise thank you very much for sharing your experience and thoughts. I feel energised by your ability to actively listen to your conscience and the tenacity with which you pursued your ambitions and I am sure this will be of inspiration to others as well. Where can you be contacted?
AFG: Thank you Emanuela, it was my pleasure indeed and I’d be happy to be contacted via Instagram DM @afgavanon.
In the photo, Anne-Françoise is wearing Gaia in black, Mastra Ma’s signature Oxford shoe. If you’d like to know more about Mastra Ma’ please visit our Home Page. You can also take a look at our beautiful High Heels, Ankle Boots and Oxford Shoes.
ANNE-FRANÇOISE GAVANON ON CAREER CHANGE AND GENDER EQUALITY IN THE WORK PLACE
Anne-Françoise Gavanon is a recognised specialist in Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso. We first met eleven years ago, at a childbirth training course, when we were both a few weeks away from our first child’s arrival. What struck me about Anne-Françoise was her confidence and polite sense of humour… and her charming French accent of course! We bonded right away. As weeks passed and we kept attending the classes on a weekly basis, I learnt that she had been working in Fine Arts since 2007, but had previously been an investment banker specialising in M&A.
Being an investment banker myself (at that time) and well aware of the privileges that come with it, I asked what brought her to such a bold move. Her response fascinated me and from liking Anne-Françoise, I started admiring her and wanting to be as brave as she is. After many years of friendship and mentorship, I am delighted to have Anne-Françoise sharing with you some of her thoughts on career and the values that guide her through her life choices.
EL: What inspired your change from Investment Banking to Arts Specialist?
AFG: There were so many catalysts, however the major drive behind my change was a deep sense of unexplained unsatisfaction with my job. I was working in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) on M&A transactions and advising governments on their privatisation strategy; at the time I knew so much valuable information on the beetroot sugar industry or the tyre & telecom industries – she says laughing heartfully! For five years, I loved living, travelling and working throughout CEE and, even though my career kept improving at a fast pace and I was building strong friendships – I have a Polish godson, I started feeling increasingly unfulfilled. So, towards the end of 1998, I did what we call in France a “bilan de competence” or a professional assessment of one’s strengths/weaknesses and likes/dislikes. Enlightening! It was an eureka moment. In a snapshot, I had qualities required to work in M&A but did not share its underlining values. My character is such that if my personal and professional values are not aligned, it feels wrong!
EL: How did you make the change happen?
AFG: It took me a few years to digest all the learning I had gained from my professional assessment, but also to start mapping out a plan; it turned out a career in the Visual Arts was at the top of my list. I also knew I would want to go back to studying for I work best when I possess theoretical knowledge, a structured springboard to jump from. But, of course, nothing went as planned! – says Anne-Françoise laughing again heartfully and reminiscing. My father became terminally ill and despite being promised by my MD a week holiday at Christmas, I did not get it, so I fulfilled my duty and commitment to my client at the time and resigned from one day to another; it was in January 2002 and I never looked back. Nobody believed I was going into art history; the more I was saying it, the more my colleagues grew suspicious – indeed, why leave a lucrative career to become a student and work in an industry whose financial rewards paled in comparison to investment banking? This was clearly an example of “unaligned values” and an impossible match.
After resigning, I ran a two-weeks sprint to submit an application to the postgraduate course of the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. I had no plan B; fortunately, I was accepted. One year turned into two, when I decided to apply and was accepted at a MA in Modern Art [i.e. 1900 to WWII]. I wrote my MA dissertation on Pablo Picasso’s graphic practice and have since been involved with his œuvre either selling his works, or researching and writing essays on him.
EL: What are the skills that help you succeed in your job?
AFG: Being able to build long term relationships with clients, by proposing deals which are compelling for both parties is one skill: an eye for the bottom line is key, since you never know when your next sale will be, especially given the current circumstances; on the other side you surely want to create value for your clients. Good communication is another key skill. The art world can be opaque, so I would say that being transparent and honest have sustained me very well. And then the skills of an art historian, research, writing, presenting, especially with clients, who are museum conservators.
EL: What does success mean to you?
AFG: Oh Gosh, this is such an open question! What comes first to mind is my client’s satisfaction. Whether be it a work of art they acquired from me or with my help, or a great conversation we have had, I considered myself successful.
EL: Do you have any role model? If so, who and why?
AFG: Bizarrely, no, not a role model I could look up to when I am at a crossroad, but there are many, many women I greatly admire such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and her grand-daughter Blanche of Castile for their sheer determination to be independent; Artemisia Gentileschi for again her independence and equally for her persistence and resilience; Marie Crous, a French mathematician of the 17th c., who invented the decimal point and the rule of three but was only acknowledged as such much, much later; Ada Lovelace and nearer to us Madeleine Albright and Dame Stephanie Shirley, both are formidable figure heads.
EL: Would you encourage women to take bold steps in their careers?
AFG: Absolutely! Follow the bold steps of your dreams and ambitions!
EL: Any word of advice for women willing to make a mark in their career?
AFG: Own your success and do not be afraid to claim it. Find a mentor, who will champion you – I have never found one but still hope… and finally network, network and network.
EL: Gender inequality in the work space is still a reality. It shows both through pay gap and fewer women in senior positions compared to men. While governments and companies move to address this (some faster than others), do you think there is anything that we can do to help the change?
AFG: This is a very complex subject. Women’s desire for independence is, I would argue, as old as the patriarchal society of Ancient Greece that we have inherited and in which women citizens had many fewer rights than men citizens. So, in a sense, women are fighting centuries of history and sociological learnt behaviours. Do not get me wrong, great successes have been achieved; we can vote, we can travel, we can buy real estate, though this is obviously in our Western societies. Look at Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission; Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank; Kristalena Georgieva – Managing Director of the IMF; Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, Mette Frederiksen, all women head of states. When I was 18, we were talking about these possibilities but they had only taken place in a few isolated cases.
Coming back to your question, I think continuing to advocate for and elect women politicians is very important for it will be these elected women, who will have the power to influence and change the settings from the top as well as from a law-making perspective. Education is key because it is through education that you move the boundaries, and men CEOs must continue to be educated and hold accountable for gender parity.
Additionally, journalists have an increasingly important role in a world that is becoming more and more polarised; they must continue to argue and write in favour of women’s rights and advocate against some of the waves turning back as in the USA. If you improve women’s rights, you improve minorities’ rights, which is also very important.
At my small level, I am bringing up my son with gender equality in mind, however I sometimes catch myself behaving differently, for instance taking the load of the household on my shoulders, and when it happens, it really infuriates me; I would so much love to own a brain re-booter! Reboot everybody’s brains and start from scratch! I think leading by example and having a gender equal household is the best contribution I can give to my son’s generation.
Lastly…
EL: If you had a magic wand, what would you change?
AFG: Erase abuse, any type of abuse, psychological, physical, coercion, harassment, nepotism.
EL: If you had one wish left, what would you ask to the Genie Lamp?
AFG: I would ask him to bring me into the future, however not for too long! I am fascinated by the future and what it holds.
EL: Anne-Françoise thank you very much for sharing your experience and thoughts. I feel energised by your ability to actively listen to your conscience and the tenacity with which you pursued your ambitions and I am sure this will be of inspiration to others as well. Where can you be contacted?
AFG: Thank you Emanuela, it was my pleasure indeed and I’d be happy to be contacted via Instagram DM @afgavanon.
In the photo, Anne-Françoise is wearing Gaia in black, Mastra Ma’s signature Oxford shoe. If you’d like to know more about Mastra Ma’ please visit our Home Page. You can also take a look at our beautiful High Heels, Ankle Boots and Oxford Shoes.
Anne-Françoise Gavanon is a recognised specialist in Edvard Munch and Pablo Picasso. We first met eleven years ago, at a childbirth training course, when we were both a few weeks away from our first child’s arrival. What struck me about Anne-Françoise was her confidence and polite sense of humour… and her charming French accent of course! We bonded right away. As weeks passed and we kept attending the classes on a weekly basis, I learnt that she had been working in Fine Arts since 2007, but had previously been an investment banker specialising in M&A.
Being an investment banker myself (at that time) and well aware of the privileges that come with it, I asked what brought her to such a bold move. Her response fascinated me and from liking Anne-Françoise, I started admiring her and wanting to be as brave as she is. After many years of friendship and mentorship, I am delighted to have Anne-Françoise sharing with you some of her thoughts on career and the values that guide her through her life choices.
EL: What inspired your change from Investment Banking to Arts Specialist?
AFG: There were so many catalysts, however the major drive behind my change was a deep sense of unexplained unsatisfaction with my job. I was working in Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) on M&A transactions and advising governments on their privatisation strategy; at the time I knew so much valuable information on the beetroot sugar industry or the tyre & telecom industries – she says laughing heartfully! For five years, I loved living, travelling and working throughout CEE and, even though my career kept improving at a fast pace and I was building strong friendships – I have a Polish godson, I started feeling increasingly unfulfilled. So, towards the end of 1998, I did what we call in France a “bilan de competence” or a professional assessment of one’s strengths/weaknesses and likes/dislikes. Enlightening! It was an eureka moment. In a snapshot, I had qualities required to work in M&A but did not share its underlining values. My character is such that if my personal and professional values are not aligned, it feels wrong!
EL: How did you make the change happen?
AFG: It took me a few years to digest all the learning I had gained from my professional assessment, but also to start mapping out a plan; it turned out a career in the Visual Arts was at the top of my list. I also knew I would want to go back to studying for I work best when I possess theoretical knowledge, a structured springboard to jump from. But, of course, nothing went as planned! – says Anne-Françoise laughing again heartfully and reminiscing. My father became terminally ill and despite being promised by my MD a week holiday at Christmas, I did not get it, so I fulfilled my duty and commitment to my client at the time and resigned from one day to another; it was in January 2002 and I never looked back. Nobody believed I was going into art history; the more I was saying it, the more my colleagues grew suspicious – indeed, why leave a lucrative career to become a student and work in an industry whose financial rewards paled in comparison to investment banking? This was clearly an example of “unaligned values” and an impossible match.
After resigning, I ran a two-weeks sprint to submit an application to the postgraduate course of the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. I had no plan B; fortunately, I was accepted. One year turned into two, when I decided to apply and was accepted at a MA in Modern Art [i.e. 1900 to WWII]. I wrote my MA dissertation on Pablo Picasso’s graphic practice and have since been involved with his œuvre either selling his works, or researching and writing essays on him.
EL: What are the skills that help you succeed in your job?
AFG: Being able to build long term relationships with clients, by proposing deals which are compelling for both parties is one skill: an eye for the bottom line is key, since you never know when your next sale will be, especially given the current circumstances; on the other side you surely want to create value for your clients. Good communication is another key skill. The art world can be opaque, so I would say that being transparent and honest have sustained me very well. And then the skills of an art historian, research, writing, presenting, especially with clients, who are museum conservators.
EL: What does success mean to you?
AFG: Oh Gosh, this is such an open question! What comes first to mind is my client’s satisfaction. Whether be it a work of art they acquired from me or with my help, or a great conversation we have had, I considered myself successful.
EL: Do you have any role model? If so, who and why?
AFG: Bizarrely, no, not a role model I could look up to when I am at a crossroad, but there are many, many women I greatly admire such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and her grand-daughter Blanche of Castile for their sheer determination to be independent; Artemisia Gentileschi for again her independence and equally for her persistence and resilience; Marie Crous, a French mathematician of the 17th c., who invented the decimal point and the rule of three but was only acknowledged as such much, much later; Ada Lovelace and nearer to us Madeleine Albright and Dame Stephanie Shirley, both are formidable figure heads.
EL: Would you encourage women to take bold steps in their careers?
AFG: Absolutely! Follow the bold steps of your dreams and ambitions!
EL: Any word of advice for women willing to make a mark in their career?
AFG: Own your success and do not be afraid to claim it. Find a mentor, who will champion you – I have never found one but still hope… and finally network, network and network.
EL: Gender inequality in the work space is still a reality. It shows both through pay gap and fewer women in senior positions compared to men. While governments and companies move to address this (some faster than others), do you think there is anything that we can do to help the change?
AFG: This is a very complex subject. Women’s desire for independence is, I would argue, as old as the patriarchal society of Ancient Greece that we have inherited and in which women citizens had many fewer rights than men citizens. So, in a sense, women are fighting centuries of history and sociological learnt behaviours. Do not get me wrong, great successes have been achieved; we can vote, we can travel, we can buy real estate, though this is obviously in our Western societies. Look at Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission; Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank; Kristalena Georgieva – Managing Director of the IMF; Angela Merkel, Jacinda Ardern, Mette Frederiksen, all women head of states. When I was 18, we were talking about these possibilities but they had only taken place in a few isolated cases.
Coming back to your question, I think continuing to advocate for and elect women politicians is very important for it will be these elected women, who will have the power to influence and change the settings from the top as well as from a law-making perspective. Education is key because it is through education that you move the boundaries, and men CEOs must continue to be educated and hold accountable for gender parity.
Additionally, journalists have an increasingly important role in a world that is becoming more and more polarised; they must continue to argue and write in favour of women’s rights and advocate against some of the waves turning back as in the USA. If you improve women’s rights, you improve minorities’ rights, which is also very important.
At my small level, I am bringing up my son with gender equality in mind, however I sometimes catch myself behaving differently, for instance taking the load of the household on my shoulders, and when it happens, it really infuriates me; I would so much love to own a brain re-booter! Reboot everybody’s brains and start from scratch! I think leading by example and having a gender equal household is the best contribution I can give to my son’s generation.
Lastly…
EL: If you had a magic wand, what would you change?
AFG: Erase abuse, any type of abuse, psychological, physical, coercion, harassment, nepotism.
EL: If you had one wish left, what would you ask to the Genie Lamp?
AFG: I would ask him to bring me into the future, however not for too long! I am fascinated by the future and what it holds.
EL: Anne-Françoise thank you very much for sharing your experience and thoughts. I feel energised by your ability to actively listen to your conscience and the tenacity with which you pursued your ambitions and I am sure this will be of inspiration to others as well. Where can you be contacted?
AFG: Thank you Emanuela, it was my pleasure indeed and I’d be happy to be contacted via Instagram DM @afgavanon.
In the photo, Anne-Françoise is wearing Gaia in black, Mastra Ma’s signature Oxford shoe. If you’d like to know more about Mastra Ma’ please visit our Home Page. You can also take a look at our beautiful High Heels, Ankle Boots and Oxford Shoes.