Celebrating the Women Changing Our World!

Celebrating the Women Changing Our World!

On March 8th, as we celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, we invited our MBA alumna Joan Mill, Private Equity Advisor and Tech Investor, to share her perspective on the role of education in empowering women, the part women must play in driving meaningful change, and her advice to young female business professionals eager to advance their careers.

What does International Women’s Day personally mean to you?

To me, International Women’s Day is like the ultimate power surge in the female circuit – a day to celebrate the fierce, fabulous women who have sent the elevator back down and rewritten the rules. As a female executive who strives to give back, it’s my annual reminder to amplify voices, mentor the next wave of trailblazers, and sprinkle a little extra empowerment. It’s not just about roses and rhetoric; it’s about real action, like funding scholarships for girls in tech, funding female founders, or hosting workshops that turn “impossible” into “I’m possible.”

How can female leaders use their influence to create meaningful change?

Influence is like a superhero’s cape – wear it wisely, and you can move mountains (or at least boardrooms). Female leaders can wield it by championing inclusive policies, like pushing for paid family leave or diverse hiring panels that actually walk the talk. Why mentor one when you can help build an empire of empowered women? I love creating networks where we swap war stories, share opportunities, and fund startups led by underrepresented voices. This is why I am a proud member of the Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN). Meaningful change is sponsoring that brilliant intern, calling out bias, and proving that when women rise and collaborate, everyone wins. Let’s turn influence into impact.

What role does education play in advancing gender equality in executive positions?

Education is the golden key that unlocks the executive suite, but for gender equality, it’s more like a battering ram against outdated barriers (yes, still!). It equips women with the skills to outsmart the status quo – strategic thinking, ninja negotiation moves, and data-driven acumen. As someone who’s big on giving back, I’ve seen how scholarships and STEM programs level the playing field, eventually turning talented girls into C-suite rockstars. Why did the educated woman conquer the boardroom? Because knowledge isn’t just power; it’s confidence!

How did your MBA contribute to your progression into a C-Level executive role?

My MBA was like upgrading from economy to first-class on the career jet – sudden access to international networks, sharp lateral thinking, and that confident swagger that says, “I’ve got this.” It honed my business acumen, taught me to navigate corporate chess games, and connected me with mentors who became lifelong allies. But here’s the charming twist: it wasn’t just textbooks; it was the grit of group projects that built my resilience and the case studies that sparked my passion for ethical leadership. I now pay it forward by advising Private Equity firms, helping female founders, founding a network for women in Private Equity & Software, and mentoring fantastic women whom I am lucky enough to learn from. Every degree is a door opener – so use the key!

What advice would you give women aspiring to leadership roles in tech or business?

Ladies, strap on your seatbelt and get into sixth gear – leadership isn’t a ladder; it’s a launchpad! Network like your career depends on it (spoiler: it does!), but make it authentic. Embrace failure as your sassy sidekick – it’s just data/a lesson to draw on for your next win. Seek sponsors who champion you in rooms you’re not in and always negotiate like you’re worth it. As a female exec devoted to empowerment, I advise: Give back early—mentor, volunteer, uplift—and watch karma get to work.

If you could share one lesson from your career journey, what would it be?

If I could bottle one lesson from my career, it would be this: ‘Futureproof you’re success’ de Parfum. I’ve dodged curveballs, pivoted like an acrobat, and learnt that solo success is great, but shared triumphs are the real feast. Do not detract from ‘nirvana’, your north star. Hold onto that vision and reverse engineer every single step required to get you there. Where obstacles arise, view a  “no” as a “not yet” and re-focus on your vision. Finally, life is too short for silos; surround yourself with brilliant women and male allies, and together, we’ll rewrite the rules and have fun in the process!

Biography

An entrepreneur at heart, Joan has invested in multiple high-growth tech ventures (FinTech, PropTech, and AI), leveraging her keen market insight to advise on innovation and value creation. Her entrepreneurial flair is matched by a commitment to empowering others, particularly women, in navigating male-dominated sectors such as Private Equity and Software. A passionate advocate for diversity and Co-Founder of SheSaaS, she believes in “sending the elevator back down" mentoring, and creating a network to help women thrive in these industries. Joan’s leadership is defined by a blend of strategic acumen, bold investment decisions, and a dedication to fostering inclusive growth – making her a pivotal figure in both business success and social impact.

For excitement – she is a keen follower of F1, Tennis, and Football while having a passion for Art, Running, and Travel!”

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