Celebrating Women Leaders in the Planning Industry

The planning industry has long been a field where vision, strategy, and precision come together to shape the future. Today, I want to celebrate the incredible women leaders who are transforming this industry with their expertise, creativity, and determination. Their contributions are not only inspiring but also essential in driving innovation and inclusivity in planning and technology sectors.

The Rise of Women in Planning

Over the past decade, we have witnessed a significant increase in the number of women stepping into leadership roles within the Enterprise Planning industry. This shift is more than just a trend; it reflects a broader movement towards diversity and equality in professional spaces. Women bring unique perspectives that enrich decision-making processes and foster environments where collaboration thrives.

Women leaders in Enterprise Planning are breaking barriers and setting new standards. They are leading major projects, influencing policy, and mentoring the next generation of planners. Their success stories highlight the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and community support.

Empowering Women in Planning: Building a Supportive Community

Creating a supportive network is crucial for women in planning to thrive. Communities and organisations dedicated to women in planning provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities for professional growth. These platforms encourage sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions, which helps build confidence and leadership skills.

If you are looking to connect with like-minded professionals, I recommend exploring the women in planning Linkedin. It offers valuable insights, interviews with industry leaders, and practical advice tailored to women in this field.

To empower yourself and others, consider these actionable steps:

• Join professional groups focused on women in planning.

• Attend workshops and webinars to enhance your skills.

• Seek mentorship from experienced women leaders.

• Share your knowledge by writing articles or speaking at events.

  
  

These actions not only boost individual careers but also strengthen the entire community.

Why are women better planners?

Women often excel in planning roles due to a combination of skills and traits that align well with the demands of the industry. Research and real-world examples show that women tend to be highly organised, detail-oriented, and empathetic. These qualities enable them to anticipate challenges, manage resources efficiently, and foster collaboration among diverse teams.

Moreover, women’s natural inclination towards multitasking and communication helps in balancing complex projects and stakeholder expectations. Their ability to listen and adapt ensures that plans are inclusive and sustainable.

Here are some reasons why women make exceptional planners:

1. Strong organisational skills - Women often excel at managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

2. Effective communication - They facilitate clear and open dialogue among team members.

3. Empathy and emotional intelligence - These traits help in understanding client needs and team dynamics.

4. Problem-solving mindset - Women approach challenges with creativity and resilience.

5. Collaborative leadership - They encourage teamwork and shared ownership of goals.

   
   

Recognising these strengths can help organisations create more balanced teams and improve project outcomes.

Inspiring Stories of Women Leaders in Planning

After discovering her passion for supply chain, Marjolein built a career combining consulting, technology, and large-scale transformation. Today, she heads the Anaplan practice at Bluecrux, leading a transformative practice within Supply Chain Planning completely from the ground up.

Her approach seamlessly combined deep community engagement with innovative design, resulting in a vibrant, inclusive space. Under her leadership, she successfully grew her team at Bluecrux from 4 to more than 45 people.

But for Marjolein, her proudest achievement isn't the scaling or the numbers themselves. It is building a team culture defined by:

• Ambition: Setting high standards for what can be achieved.

• Collaboration: Aligning unique skills to solve complex transformation challenges.

• A Shared Drive: A collective, continuous effort to make things better.

Leadership Beyond the Office

Marjolein’s sharpest insights aren't limited to corporate metrics. As a mother, she has also learned one of her most valuable leadership lessons outside the office walls: Not everything deserves your energy.

By intentionally protecting her focus and understanding where to direct her efforts, she has managed to build both a thriving industry practice and a balanced personal life.

The Takeaway: If you are waiting to feel 100% confident before taking your next professional leap, remember Marjolein’s journey. Step into the role, start the practice, and let your confidence grow along the way.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Planning

Building a future where women lead confidently in planning requires intentional efforts from individuals and organisations alike. Here are practical recommendations to foster leadership:

• Create inclusive hiring practices that encourage diversity.

• Offer leadership training tailored to women’s needs.

• Promote flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance.

• Recognise and celebrate achievements publicly.

• Encourage sponsorship where senior lea

  ders advocate for women’s advancement.

  
  

By implementing these strategies, companies can cultivate a culture where women feel valued and empowered to lead.

The future of the planning industry is bright, thanks to the growing influence of women leaders. As more women take on key roles, the industry will benefit from diverse perspectives that drive innovation and social impact.

I am excited to see how women in planning will continue to shape cities, communities, and technologies that improve lives globally. Together, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic industry that reflects the talents and aspirations of all its members.

Let’s keep supporting each other, sharing knowledge, and celebrating every success along the way..

By recognising and celebrating women leaders in the planning industry, we not only honour their achievements but also inspire future generations to dream bigger and lead boldly. Join the conversation and be part of this empowering journey.