In this episode , Kirti sits down with Benedicte for a fresh, honest conversation about women in leadership, lateral thinking, and the real meaning of confidence at work.

Together, they unpack what it’s like to step out of your “comfort thinking,” tackle imposter syndrome (and whether it ever really goes away), and why unconventional perspectives—especially from fields like philology and linguistics—are powerful assets in today’s AI-driven world.

They get real about the challenges women face in multicultural boardrooms, whether true “sisterhood” exists between women at the top, and how language—yes, philology, not just linguistics—shapes the way we lead and connect. They talk about critical thinking, feedback that actually makes a difference, and how our strengths can sometimes turn into stumbling blocks if we aren’t self-aware.

If you’re curious about leadership, cultural context, unfiltered career stories, and communication that cuts through the noise, this conversation is for you. Expect practical reflections (not just advice), stories you won’t hear anywhere else, and a gentle nudge to trust your unconventional strengths.

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About Benedicte

From Philosophy to Technology.

Benedicte is an accomplished executive with over 25 years’ experience in marketing, strategy, and business development, specialising in B2B business transformation and international growth. Her diverse sector expertise spans ICT, IoT automation, transport, logistics, and energy transition, with leadership roles at Vontier (a Danaher spin-off), Honeywell, BT Group, and Dun & Bradstreet.

Fluent in English, French, Dutch, Italian, and with basic knowledge of German, Spanish, and Arabic, she brings a multicultural perspective to assignments and have worked across Europe, Middle East and Africa, India and Asia-Pacific.

She is known for her ability to navigate ambiguity and her customer centric obsession to problem resolution.

Major achievements include driving $500M in new market opportunities through strategic account planning, boosting order growth across key markets in Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and repositioning brands into higher-margin segments.

Benedicte holds a master degree in philology, an MBA, an MIT/Sloan certificate in AI and Robotics, and is a Certified Advisory Board Chair.

Based in Dubai since 2008, she is also committed to mentoring, university lecturing, and promoting women in tech leadership. Outside work, she enjoys cycling, contemporary art, and family adventures in the desert.

I noticed Martha Stewart (in her masterclass.com class) avoids the word “change.” She likes “evolve” instead, and I get it. Change feels loaded, as if we’re always measuring ourselves against someone else’s standards. Evolving, though, lets you claim your own process and pace. That’s what I’m exploring here, and why it matters—especially at times when everyone’s chasing resolutions. I talk about taking inventory, pausing, and deciding what matters, rather than forcing transformation. If you’re sick of pressure, this story might help you rethink what growth feels like.

Would you like to practical approach on how to think.talk.thrive in 2026. Consider joining our Whatsapp channel: https://link.kirtana168.com/podcast

hat do you really want to leave your child?

Nick shares how his journey from Pakistan to Dubai, and now Canada, reshaped his definition of security for his daughter, from financial stability to self-belief and equal opportunity.

We explored themes of identity, parental influence, and the challenges of belonging as an immigrant. You’ll hear real stories about raising empowered girls, redefining family “success,” and why recognizing our shared hopes can help us “drop the noise” of difference.

• [00:00:48] Why Security Meant Money—And What Changed

• [00:02:23] The Gift of Belief: How to Raise a Child to Know Their Power

• [00:06:08] What If Things Don’t Go as Planned? Navigating Struggle

• [00:10:54] Art, Talent, and Choosing a Different Path

• [00:14:06] Moving from Dubai: Why Opportunity and “Home” Matter

• [00:19:15] Rights, Equality, and Why Canada Was the Answer

• [00:25:12] Passports, Bias, and The Power of Belonging

• [00:33:01] The Noise We Need to Drop—Seeing Our Shared Humanity

• [00:39:41] Are Gen Z Lazy or Just Rewriting the Script?

• [00:44:24] Security for the Next Generation: What Really Matters

Ready to rethink what security means? Listen in for practical insights, honest stories, and fresh ideas on building a legacy that outlasts money.

Want to share your story? Drop your thoughts in the comments or reply, your voice matters!

Think. Talk. Thrive. in modern times.