Karin van der Wekke: Taking the leadership leap

The RightBrains Digital Leadership Programme (DLP) supports women in advancing to the next level of digital leadership. It provides critical knowledge and practical skills to help them navigate competitive landscapes, respond strategically to technological change, and lead complex digital transformations with confidence. We caught up with alumni from recent years to reflect on the programme’s impact on their growth as leaders. Karin van der Wekke, VP Cloud & Mobile Platforms at KPN, unpacks why continuous learning is a universal tool for self-actualisation. 

In a nutshell, how has your career progressed since you joined the RightBrains Digital Leadership Programme?

I was fortunate to pair the Digital Leadership Programme with an internal high-potential programme, and together, they had a profound effect on my ability to self-reflect during that period. Programmes like these help you forge connections with other ambitious people, and in the case of the DLP, other ambitious women. It’s the connections that give you the energy to make a change when you are stuck, and can even include some constructive competition. It prompted me to grasp that I’m the architect of my own career and that I could make a conscious decision about my options, rather than just considering opportunities when they come my way organically. One of the direct results of this was that I took the leap from operational management to strategic management and was able to secure a VP role within the B2B solutions department, focusing on the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This role came after I approached HR to discuss the next step in my career, and I like to think that the Digital Leadership Programme gave me the subtle push to cultivate the confidence to do so. 

What course content struck a chord with you, and why?

I  enjoyed considering our companies from a greenfield perspective (which refers to approaching a project, system, or initiative as if you're starting completely from scratch) during the business transformation module. It allowed us to consider things from a new perspective, even though many processes and policies in big companies are already cemented. And we were surprised to discover that there is always room for creativity and innovation. Kay Formanek, the teacher on the day we delved into diversity and inclusion, also really gave me pause. I realised that although I was trying to create diverse teams, I could do even more in terms of allowing everyone the same growth opportunities. When you frequently depend on a team member for something, for example, you may be subconsciously limiting someone else from developing or refining the skill to help with that specific task.

Name one significant challenge that women with digital ambitions face in the market. What are your tips to help them overcome these obstacles?

Navigating a space that remains predominantly male-dominated. My experience was no different. In my view, the key is not to blend in, but to stand out – by owning your expertise, speaking up with confidence, and building a strong network of allies, both male and female. Digital transformation thrives on diverse perspectives, so rather than adapting to the status quo, women should feel empowered to challenge it and bring their unique vision to the forefront. For me, that meant using my communication skills and commercial mindset to support my male counterparts in influencing decision-making and driving faster execution.

Why do you think it’s imperative that women prioritise opportunities for upskilling and continuous learning? 

I think  that it’s a universal tool for self-actualisation, regardless of your gender. I personally find it helpful to complete a programme with other women who share similar experiences in the market that is not known for being gender balanced. To me, the true value of learning transcends the knowledge; it can only reach its potential if it’s utilised in your day-to-day task completion. And it’s important not to lose the momentum or the ‘high’ you feel when you arelistening to an inspiring teacher, but to actually go out and make a difference. Continuous learning just makes sense with the speed of technology at the moment, so you need to grab every opportunity to stay ahead of the curve – as an employee and as a leader.

This article was originally published in the RightBrains DIGIDIVA Magazine 2025. Check out this year's issue for more inspiration!