Since 2012, has run Inspiring More Sustainability (IMS), a network of Luxembourg companies active in sustainable development. IMS supports its members, via working groups and pilot projects, in finding new solutions and testing sustainable alternatives in practice.
Thomas has been involved in the development of social projects in non-profit organisations for almost 20 years. She has also been, since September 2022 a member of the High Council for Sustainable Development (CSDD). and from 2019 to 2022 she was a board member of CSR Europe.
Paperjam: How do you deal with resistance or scepticism directed at you?
Nancy Thomas: With patience and determination. I listen, I remain factual and I demonstrate through action. Sometimes I tell myself that scepticism is an opportunity: it forces me to be even better and to surprise positively.
Do you think that gender equality is progressing on boards?
Yes, but not fast enough. We are making progress, because the debate exists and more and more men are allies. But there are still too many cultural habits to deconstruct. Equality must become a norm, not a debate.
What do you think of quotas for women on boards?
I see them as stepping stones, not a definitive solution. Quotas force us to look beyond the usual circles and bring to light talent we didn’t know we had. The real challenge is for this to be done intelligently, by choosing women for their skills and how they complement the other members of the board.
As a female director, do you feel a particular responsibility to champion issues of parity and inclusion?
Yes, absolutely. I don’t think we can ignore the impact we have as a model. But it’s not just about championing these causes for women: it’s a fight for more justice and equality.
In your opinion, how does diversity influence the performance of a board of directors?
Diversity is an asset: it brings multiple perspectives, encourages constructive debate and limits one-size-fits-all thinking. The best decisions often come from intelligently managed disagreements. This allows for more innovation and creativity within organisations.
What solutions or policies do you think could encourage better parity?
A mixture of awareness-raising to provide a real understanding of the discrimination faced by women and concrete policies such as mentoring networks for women. But above all, we need to start educating all children from the earliest age (by the age of six, a child has already integrated all of society’s stereotypes) not to reproduce stereotypical patterns.
What advice would you give to a woman who is hesitant about taking the plunge?
Dare. Don’t let your doubts dictate your choices. One of the biggest mistakes we make is thinking we have to be perfect to get started. Spoiler: nobody is. It’s by taking action that you become perfect.
What advice would you give to a young woman who wants to take her place in society?
I would advise her to have confidence in her own worth and to surround herself with a solid support network. The key is not to hesitate to take the plunge, even if everything isn’t perfect, and to always be looking to learn. What would I advise against? Conforming to the expectations of others to the detriment of your own convictions. Staying true to yourself is your greatest strength in a world that sometimes tries to fit you into boxes.
This article in French.