Claudia Eustergerling is the owner, managing director and designer of Claudia Eustergerling Design. This designer, creative thinker and leader is driven by her belief in the power of design and her interest in sustainable reinvention. Her award-winning design studio in Luxembourg City, recently branded “strglng,” is based on more than 20 years of experience as a working woman in the multidisciplinary design field. She worked in an advertising agency in Germany and a digital design studio in San Francisco serving Yahoo and BMW. The cofounder of the former 1Plus and Sensity networks was elected president of Design Luxembourg. She is a member of Design Friends and puts Luxembourg on the map as a jury member of international design awards. She also works with students as a mentor. 

Paperjam: What are the main challenges you’ve faced as a female independent board member?

Claudia Eustergerling: Demonstrating continuity when other board members fall out, keeping the organisation alive in challenging times of pandemic covid-19, leaving the board.

How do you handle resistance or scepticism directed at you?

Observe, listen, address them in an open discussion.

Do you believe gender equality is improving within boards of directors?

Yes and no. Some people realise the power of mixed-gender boards, others ignore them or simply group together with copies of themselves.

What is your opinion on quotas for women on boards?

In cases where gender equality is not given yet, I think the quota makes sense. Break up old habits and slightly push board towards gender equality. Some people need to be slightly forced toward fresh ideas and new perspectives that inspiration does not lead to.

As a female board member, do you feel a responsibility to advocate for gender parity and inclusion?

I would not consider my role as advocate for gender parity and inclusion just because of the fact that I am a woman. I would expect everybody to have an eye on this. 

In your view, how does diversity impact a board’s performance? 

It affects and enlarges the angle of the radar, so you can better detect obstacles and opportunities--but pay attention that you do not get lost in discussions. Different views should inspire others and make them think and question the status quo. 

What solutions or policies could foster better gender parity?

Sharing best practices, success stories.

What advice would you give to a woman hesitating to take this path?

Why do you hesitate? Take it or leave it!