Leading with Curiosity: Science and the Power of Diverse Perspectives
On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I found myself reflecting on a journey that began in the south of Sweden, in Småland—a region many associate with IKEA and entrepreneurship. As a young girl, I was deeply passionate about sustainability and the environment, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Civil Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology.
Back then, opportunities for women in engineering were scarce, and I vividly recall industry representatives advising the few women in my class not to bother applying for jobs in the construction industry. This disheartening experience fueled my determination, prompting me to apply for a position at NASA in the United States—which I to my own surprise was hired to, a leap that marked the beginning of an unexpected and rewarding career path. My tenure at NASA involved algorithmic calculations on water flooding, a role that seamlessly blended my environmental interests with emerging technologies. The combinations of curiosity and courage moved me forward.
“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before.“ — Ginni Rometty, former CEO at IBM
The NASA experience later opened doors to the tech industry, leading to roles at IBM and later HCL Technologies. At IBM, I started out with software development, and was later responsible for the Strategy and Change Practice globally and was also part of establishing the Business Transformation Outsourcing division. The combinations of curiosity and courage move me forward, in similar ways as my former colleague:
The majority of my career has been spent working globally across American, Indian, and European companies, spanning industries such as technology, software services, infrastructure, complex global product development projects, and major transformations. Throughout these experiences, I developed and applied leadership, cultural insights, and coaching skills in diverse settings worldwide, helping companies and individual leaders progress in an era of digital transformation.
Transitioning into board leadership, I have had the privilege of serving on the boards of various organizations. I have worked on the boards of nine listed companies, seven private / private equity held companies, and five nonprofit organizations and foundations, the majority of them operating in an international context. It was another set of challenging work with many learnings. As my colleague said;
“Growth and comfort do not coexist.” — Ginni Rometty, former CEO at IBM
I currently serve on organisations as Tietoevry, Zalaris, Ografy Group, Boards Impact Forum, and the Climate Governance Initiative in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, and the board portfolio keep transformin. And as the founder and chair of the think tank Digoshen, I have lead board research, develop training, and lecture at institutions like INSEAD. Co-authoring works such as “Leading a Board” and “AI Leadership for Boards,” I have aimed to share insights on modern corporate governance and the pivotal role of technology in today’s boardrooms.
Reflecting on the day’s engagements—participating in board meetings for tech companies, discussing AI and innovation, and preparing for a webinar on sustainability stewardship, working on updating the research and book on boards and AI—I am reminded of the progress we have made and the challenges that remain. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of diversity in STEM fields. While significant strides have been made, women still comprise only 33.3% of the global research workforce. In fields like artificial intelligence, women’s representation is even lower, at 22%, and in leadership roles, significantly fewer.
These statistics underscore the need for continued advocacy and support for women in science. Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation, leading to more impactful scientific discoveries and solutions, including integrating humanity perspectives in their implementation. By sharing our stories and supporting other female employees, we can inspire the next generation of female scientists and leaders.
As I look back on my journey—from a young girl in Småland to a leader in technology and governance—I am reminded of the power of resilience, curiosity, and the unwavering belief that we can shape a more inclusive and sustainable future. I am truly grateful to have been collaborating with and learning from innovative, smart, and responsible female leaders across the world.
Beyond my work in corporate governance, leadership, and coaching, I have also refocused my art by transforming my 40 years of watercolor painting using digital tools, and now planning my first physical art exhibition in March. This shift has allowed me to blend creativity with technology, and also using art as a backdrop for reflection and coaching. I find that visual storytelling provides a unique space for leaders to pause, explore new perspectives, and foster deeper insights into their own leadership journeys.
Through my experiences in engineering, technology, leadership, and art, I remain committed to helping leaders and organizations navigate complexity, embrace transformation, and contribute to a world where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.
Concluding with a quote from the first African American woman to travel in space:
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.” — Mae Jemison, Astronaut
Refences
2025 International day for women and girls in science
Some of my humble climate story
Exhibition – Potential of the In-Between
Coming Events
We will be exloring the topic of Boards Processes, Ecosystem and AI in a number of coming events;
February 12 Boards Processes and Transition
March 7 Boards Strategic Leadership of Ecosystems
And from our partner Insead Alumni in Stockholm on Feb 17 Lead in the Age of AI from Strategy to Implementation
Learn More
Webinars, Peer Exchanges and Events
Upcoming webinars, all with NED Guest Speakers and Peer Exchange
Board Programs
Sign up your interest for upcoming
Boards Oversight of Sustainability
Boards Oversight of Responsible AI
About Liselotte Engstam and Digoshen
This blog post was originally shared at the blog of Digoshen www.digoshen.com, the blog of Boards Impact Forum www.boardsimpactforum.com and the blog of the Digoshen founder www.liselotteengstam.com,
At Digoshen, we work hard to increase #futureinsights and help remove #digitalblindspots and #sustainabilityblindspots. We believe that Companies, Boards, and Business Leadership Teams need to understand more about the future and the digital & sustainable world to fully leverage the potential when bringing their business into the digital & more sustainable age. If you are a board member, consider joining our international board network and master programs.
Welcome to also explore the Digoshen Companion for AI Leadership for Boards and Boards Impact Forum, where the Digoshen Founder is the Chair.
Find a link to Digoshen Chair Liselotte Engstam Google Scholar Page
You will find more insights via Digoshen Website, and you are welcome to follow us on LinkedIn Digoshen @ Linkedin and twitter: @digoshen and founder @liseeng