Nancy Braun, assistant director of the Luxembourg Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka (Japan), has also served as a director of the NGDO Fnel since 2020. She is recognized for her influential role as director of Esch2022, European Capital of Culture. In 2022, she was responsible for implementing a diverse program of artistic and social projects in southern Luxembourg, with an emphasis on cross-border collaboration and community engagement. Throughout her career, Nancy Braun has held various key positions in the cultural and public sectors.

What are the main challenges you have faced as an independent female administrator?

Nancy Braun. - "The challenges were actually limited, as I was fortunate enough to serve on boards where mutual respect was the norm. As Albert Schweitzer once said, 'Communication is the art of making oneself understood.' In my opinion, communication has always been—and continues to be—a great challenge!

There were times when, as a woman, I felt the need to repeat myself in order to be understood and respected. The issue certainly wasn’t about unclear language or a poorly presented subject! As a man, I believe certain topics might not have even come up for discussion, or the discussion would have been approached differently.

Becoming better heard was sometimes also linked to speaking a little louder, unfortunately! Assertive behavior can be seen positively in a man, but negatively in a woman. So, communication and behavior are truly an art!

How do you deal with any resistance or scepticism towards you?

"I simply ignore them! Throughout my professional career, I have always encountered people whom I considered to be guides. These individuals not only gave me confidence, but also clearly demonstrated that you can only assert yourself in this world through self-empowerment. This is the foundation upon which you can build to recognize your intrinsic value, your abilities, and your potential.

"As a fairly rational person, to counter skepticism and strengthen my credibility, I have always ensured that my contributions are grounded in facts, concrete data, and measurable results, without being guided or distracted by emotions. Staying true to your convictions and values, and not losing sight of your objectives and mission, that's the foundation!

Do you think gender equality is progressing on boards of directors?

"There is certainly progress to be noted, and the statistics prove it. However, despite the growing presence of women in the professional world, they remain under-represented in management positions, including on boards of directors. Obstacles persist, and while mentalities are evolving, the pace of change remains slow.

However, I remain optimistic; proactive measures are being put in place. But women themselves also have a role to play! Women 'leaders' must take on the role of being a 'good example' to inspire a new generation and motivate other women to take on responsibilities.

What do you think about quotas for women on boards of directors?

"My opinion on this issue is somewhat divided. Quotas help break the inertia and overcome the structural biases that prevent women from accessing boards. Without intervention, progress can be very slow. However, quotas should not be limited to just a numerical increase; they should also encourage companies to rethink their recruitment processes. In any case, it is vital to avoid appointments being seen as 'token appointments', forced appointments, or appointments based on gender rather than skills. The credibility of the women appointed would be called into question!

Quotas, while imperfect, are necessary to accelerate parity. They should be a temporary or transitional tool to break down structural barriers, but care must be taken to ensure they are not used at the expense of competence. Ultimately, it is to be hoped that, over time, companies will have adopted inclusive practices as a matter of course; this is certainly a generational issue. As Françoise Giroud (Minister of Culture in France, journalist, writer) once said, 'Women would truly be the equal of men the day when, in an important position, an incompetent woman was appointed.

As a female director, do you feel a particular responsibility to champion issues of parity and inclusion?

"On one hand, I believe it's a collective responsibility—diversity is a collective priority and not something solely carried by women or under-represented minorities. On the other hand, the visibility of women in decision-making roles helps normalize their presence and inspire future generations. So, one responsibility is to be seen as an example to follow by paving the way for other women.

But once again, we must be careful about how we shape the discourse, because we should not allow women to be reduced to their gender or seen solely as advocates of parity. The key notion to convey as a female director is being recognized for your overall skills and strategic contribution.

In your opinion, how does diversity influence the performance of a board of directors?

"Diversity on a board enriches strategic discussions by bringing a variety of perspectives and experiences. Women bring a fresh vision and certainly offer a different approach to debate. In any case, diversity allows for a broader range of perspectives, making decisions better thought through and more balanced.

What solutions or policies do you think could encourage greater parity?

"To promote parity, it is crucial to implement transparent and inclusive recruitment processes, offer mentoring opportunities for women aspiring to senior positions, and raise awareness of unconscious bias.

What advice would you give to a woman who is hesitant about taking the plunge?

"Be bold and get involved! Never underestimate your abilities and qualifications. You have to believe in yourself! Depending on your character, I also think it's useful to seek out professional development opportunities and surround yourself with mentors and support networks. The importance of self-confidence and perseverance will help you move forward with determination.

Finally, do you have a memorable anecdote or moment in your career that illustrates the reality of being a woman in this role?

"At the first board meeting I was newly elected to, the welcome was: 'Bass du d'Quotefra?' My comeback was: 'If it's table manners here, I think I'm sitting at the wrong table.' It wasn't me who changed tables, it was the table manners that improved.

What specific advice would you give to a young woman who wants to take her place in society? What would you advise her against?

"I encourage young women to pursue their ambitions with determination, to continuously develop their skills, and not to let obstacles discourage them. As I said in an interview, 'Stay true to yourself; you can make a difference with the talents you have!' In any case, you mustn't conform to stereotypes or limit your aspirations because of societal pressures."