From Karate to Keynotes: Thriving in Tech and Inspiring Transformation
In this interview, Hendrika Willemse, founder at She In IT, offers valuable perspectives into the challenges and opportunities for women in tech, the importance of personal growth, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Hendrika’s story is inspiring and practical, providing tangible advice for anyone seeking to achieve their goals. Her book, “High Performance Lifestyle,” promises to be a trusted resource for individuals seeking to optimize their lives in all aspects.
Watch&Listen to the full interview here.
Hendrika Willemse
Author and Founder at She In IT
Hendrika, could you share a bit about yourself, your career in tech, and your impressive background in sports?
My career in technology spans over 23 years, filled with excitement and challenges. I began this journey quite early, launching my first company straight out of technical education here in the Netherlands. I ran it successfully for a decade before transitioning into corporate roles with international tech firms.
On the personal side, I’ve practiced karate at an international level for over two decades. Both tech and sports have profoundly shaped me, teaching me resilience, discipline, and a passion for growth. Today, I channel those lessons into my work as a speaker, author, and trainer to inspire others to thrive personally and professionally.
You founded She in IT, an organization dedicated to promoting female leadership in technology. What motivated you to create this platform, and what are its main goals?
She in IT was born out of my own experiences as a woman navigating a predominantly male-dominated industry. While I’ve thrived in tech, I’ve also encountered biases and challenges that many women face. I wanted to create a platform to inspire women to define success on their own terms and pursue it boldly.
Visibility is essential—young women need role models. Through She in IT, I aim to demonstrate that technology is a fulfilling and exciting career choice. Another core goal is helping organizations attract and retain female talent. While we’ve made progress, there’s still a long way to go in achieving gender balance in tech.
Over your 23 years in tech, have you noticed significant progress in female representation and leadership, or are we still struggling to break barriers?
It’s a mix of progress and persistent challenges. There’s undoubtedly more awareness and initiatives encouraging women to join tech. However, retention remains a significant hurdle. The “leaky pipeline” is real—many women leave the industry due to life changes or a lack of support.
You live by a powerful motto: “Don’t be ordinary, strive to be extraordinary.” What does this philosophy mean to you, and how can others embrace it?
To me, being extraordinary means living authentically and relentlessly pursuing what brings you joy and fulfillment. Too often, people settle—whether it’s in their careers, relationships, or personal lives—because it feels safer to fit in or stay within societal norms. But why settle when you can strive for more?
Embracing this philosophy starts with self-reflection. Ask yourself: What truly makes me happy? Then, take bold steps toward that vision. It doesn’t have to be a giant leap—small, consistent actions can lead to transformative change.
I also believe in challenging fears. When I’m hesitant, I ask myself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Usually, the answer isn’t as daunting as it seems. Life isn’t about blending in; it’s about standing out in ways that align with your values and aspirations.
Your book, High Performance Lifestyle, delves into the principles of fulfilling lives. Can you tell us more about it and your motivation behind writing it?
High Performance Lifestyle is self-published work that is deeply personal—it’s dedicated to my son, which some may find unconventional for a management book, but it felt right to me. I want him to know that he has the power to choose his path and be proud of who he is.
The book combines my experiences as an entrepreneur, professional, and athlete. Corporate life is much like high-stakes sports—it demands mental and physical resilience. Yet, too often, we focus solely on technical skills and neglect personal well-being. My book addresses this gap, offering strategies to align personal and professional aspirations while staying authentic.
It’s for anyone—from stay-at-home parents to CEOs—seeking to optimize their lives and find fulfillment in every aspect.