Female Sales Director in a Male-Dominated Industry

- The job posting didn't say that it was Danske Fragtmænd that was looking for a new sales director. When I found out what company it was, I had to take some time to think things over. I didn't have much knowledge about the transport industry, and I wondered whether it would make sense for Danske Fragtmænd and me to work together without this experience. In the end, I accepted the position because I believed that my leadership skills outweighed my lack of industry knowledge, says Maria Bohse Rosenbæk.

Maria Bohse Rosenbæk is Sales Director at Danske Fragtmænd.

The majority of Maria Bohse Rosenbæk's colleagues at Danske Fragtmænd are men, and in some workplaces being a female leader can pose a challenge. However, after a year in her role as Sales Director, Maria Bohse Rosenbæk has not found this to be the case.

- I have never experienced any differential treatment or discrimination because of my gender at Danske Fragtmænd. Maybe it's because the company culture here is very down-to-earth. I was also used to work in a predominantly male environment from my previous job, Maria Bohse Rosenbæk explains.

Although Maria Bohse Rosenbæk hasn't encountered the typical prejudices that female executives sometimes face in her current role, she can still relate to the challenges that some women face in Danish workplaces.

- In the early stages of my career, I'm sure some of my male colleagues wondered what a petite, blonde woman like me could possibly bring to the table. Something they probably wouldn't have considered if I had been a man. This meant that I always went the extra mile and prepared far more than necessary. I didn't want anyone to say I didn't have my act together. I was also very conscious of what I wore. I dressed more masculine in a suit because it gave me a certain authority, says Maria Bohse Rosenbæk.

Today, Maria Rosenbæk's thoughts don't dictate how she dresses, and she sees her feminine sides as strengths, rather than weaknesses. For Maria Bohse Rosenbæk, diversity is an important word in all workplaces and especially in managerial contexts. She stats:

- I believe that diversity in management gives the company a better foundation. As women and men, we don't necessarily see things the same way, and it provides a different dynamic and a better basis for decision-making. Personally, I'm probably a little more in touch with the emotional sides of myself than many men might be. I see that as an advantage in many managerial contexts.

When asked how she works to promote diversity at Danske Fragtmænd, Maria Bohse Rosenbæk responds:

- I want to be a good role model and mentor for the young women in Danske Fragtmænd who are interested in management. I have benefited from having a female mentor throughout my career. It's important to have someone to look up to, and it boosts your confidence to know that you're on the right track and doing well.