Interview | Nathalie: Working in Tech as a Woman? “Find Your Own Path and Stay True to Yourself”
150 participants listened attentively as five women shared their journeys and experiences at the TopWomen Tech event held in Brussels in mid-February. Among them was Nathalie Borremans, Head of Business Development Renewable & Batteries at ENGIE. At 43, being part of the event was particularly important to her: “To provide examples. We often talk about gender differences, but for me, what really matters is being able to create your own path and taking responsibility for the choices you make. If you truly want something, there is always a way to achieve it,” she explains. And her own journey is certainly one worth sharing.
A family story, personal interest and curiosity
Studying engineering felt almost like a natural choice for Nathalie Borremans: “Several members of my family studied engineering. But it also genuinely interested me. I wanted to understand how things worked, and I have always loved mathematics.” The decision therefore seemed quite logical, especially as those studies would open up many opportunities. Yet there was another passion competing for her attention: “I hesitated between engineering and the Conservatory. Music is something completely different, and it has always fascinated me.” She has no regrets about the path she chose: “If I had to do it all again, I think I would make the same decision. Still, I sometimes think I would have loved performing on stage, singing and playing the piano. I tried to combine both passions to some extent and sang professionally alongside my job.” Music remains an important source of balance in her life. A balance that is essential when working in Tech and taking on significant responsibilities.
Few women in engineering studies and technical careers
When Nathalie started her studies, she was among the few women enrolled. “I think women represented around 10% of the students, something like that.” Yet she never saw this as a challenge or an obstacle. “There is a lot of focus on that today, but at the time I never really thought about the fact that I was surrounded almost exclusively by men. They were my friends. I never put up any barriers.” According to her, there are several reasons why relatively few women still choose engineering studies and technical careers. “Interest plays a role. Men are sometimes more attracted to these types of jobs. But we also need to nurture that interest among everyone from a very young age and make it clear that the world of Tech is open to women as well.” That was exactly the message she received growing up: “I was raised in an environment where I was told that anything was possible, that everyone had the same opportunities, and that you should choose your own path.” Perhaps that is also the most important piece of advice she can offer: “Believe in yourself and, above all, remain yourself if you want to work in Tech. Don’t try to become someone else. Opportunities will come.”
Growth and opportunities throughout her career at ENGIE
Nathalie Borremans has found those opportunities at ENGIE. “I started my career in the pharmaceutical industry, but it wasn't really for me. Then I joined ENGIE, and I’m still here today because opportunities exist for everyone. There is always a path to follow at ENGIE. I’ve held so many different roles that I couldn’t possibly list them all. Today, I’m responsible for the development of renewable energy and battery projects across the Benelux. Our goal is to make our electricity production increasingly carbon-neutral and achieve our ‘net zero carbon’ ambition by 2045.” Even today, Nathalie Borremans continues to forge her own path. And in doing so, she has undoubtedly inspired many of the women who attended the TopWomen Tech conference to do the same.
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