“I decided that I’d do everything in my power to help other women in the business world because I didn’t want anybody else to face the issues I did. Over the years, this has become my purpose and I devote a significant amount of my time and energy for this cause.”
Zeynep Yalim Uzun
SEP Scholarship | Non Executive Director and Board Advisor
Zeynep’s career path was shaped by her belief in gender equality and female representation in the workplace. She was Unilever Turkey’s only female board member and the youngest C-level in Turkey at the time. She won a scholarship to attend London Business School (LBS) on the Senior Executive Programme.
During my time as an undergraduate, there weren’t many Turkish students studying in the USA – but I was determined to go. So, I worked hard and received two scholarships that enabled me to do so. I achieved an undergraduate degree in Economics and Psychology at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, USA.
It was a big decision to move out of my home country for college and I needed a scholarship to be able to do this. Moving halfway across the world at such a young age made me realise that I could do anything if I worked hard enough, and this belief shaped my career. This experience also helped me to get a global perspective at a young age and become a world citizen.
When I went back home to Turkey, I got married and landed a job in marketing with Unilever. It was a busy and competitive time, but I rose through the ranks quickly, becoming the youngest C-level in Turkey, and Unilever Turkey’s first female board member in a profit responsible role in the history of the company, leading a major division called Home and Personal Care.
During my time there, I succeeded in turning the troubled Omo (Persil in the UK) brand around. I was heading up the team behind the Dirt is Good campaign – this work shifted brand perception and established Omo as the undisputable market leader in just four years, becoming a famous turnaround story. For me, it was a landmark moment in my career.
As the only woman on the board, I learned so much. In particular, about the value of having female voices in the room at the highest level – rather than a room made up exclusively of men who are speculating on women’s lived experiences and how to market to them.
Things are changing now, but back then it was even harder to build a successful career as a woman – there were more expectations. It was tough juggling my career and homelife with two small children. There was a lack of female role models for me to turn to. This inspired me to find someone who could mentor me, – and made me determined to mentor other young and ambitious women.
"Each person had such a different perspective and life experience that brought a richness to the discussion."
"In many ways LBS was like a microcosm of the business world, where people come from different cultures and backgrounds."
Later in my career, I was accepted onto London Business School’s Senior Executive Programme through a scholarship. Their representation and prioritisation of gender equality and diversity in the classroom is exemplary, they make space for female voices.
In many ways LBS was like a microcosm of the business world, where people come from different cultures and backgrounds. Each person had such a different perspective and life experience that brought a richness to the discussion. I often remember listening to people’s differing views and thinking to myself, ‘OK, I never thought of it like that before’. It’s important to have different voices in the room to share different opinions which gives the conversation depth. If everyone speaks with the same point of view the conversation is limited and boring. If you have diversity in walks of life, cultures, gender, etc. then we have a better understanding of people with sincere conversations and substance.
I remember one defining moment on the Senior Executive Programme in particular. It was during a group discussion and when I started talking about all the challenges I’d faced in my career, my cohort team- all of whom were men – were listening intently. They asked me to continue talking – especially about how I overcame my obstacles – they found it so eye-opening, insightful, and relevant to themselves, too. My peers even encouraged me to start a project with LBS Professor and Director of Executive Education Kathleen O’Connor on bringing women’s experiences and stories to life.
Our aim was to shine a spotlight on female stories that aren’t spoken about very much in the business world. I still work to represent these voices and stories today. It just goes to show how different voices coming together can be a catalyst for change.
"Working with purpose became a driving force in my career."
Working with purpose became a driving force in my career and I now focus my time on gender equality and bringing equal female representation to the C suite and Board Levels. In all my roles whether I am in a Board room as a Non-Executive Director, or advising a start up, I bring myself to the room with this mission and mindset.
An important thing that I have learned is to always be yourself – don’t try to change who you are to be able to fit in. Although it’s hard at first, always bring your whole authentic self into the boardroom. After a while, you’ll see the positive change that your difference creates.
If I were to advise women who are starting their career, I’d tell them to seek allies both male and female. There are many strong communities and business networks which provide significant insights on how to reach senior levels, bring support through meeting and speak with women from different backgrounds. It is important to be part of such circles.
