Corporate Finance, Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland didn’t just become a world leader in gender equality by accident. From 1980 on (and up to today), a generation of Icelandic kids grew up thinking that Prime Minister was a woman’s job. That’s because Vigdis Finnbogadottir a divorced single mother, had won Iceland's top office that summer and stayed in that role for 16 years. She continued on the legacy of tens of thousands of women who took to the streets in the 70’s to march/strike for equality. Instead of going to the office, doing housework or childcare they took to the streets to rally for equal rights with men. It is known in Iceland as the Women's Day Off.

Almost forty years later, Icelanders like Ms. Lilja Gylfadottir push forward, represent and continue the legacy from Iceland’s watershed moment in promoting women’s rights and camaraderie. Lilja saw a lack of representation of young Icelandic females in the professional world, and formed a Young Professional Women in Iceland organization. The organization’s purpose is to strengthen young women, increase knowledge of women and men’s role in the economy and promote a society where women and men are equal and offered the same opportunities.

1. Name.

Lilja Gylfadottir.

2. Where is your hometown?

Reykjavík, Iceland.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation?

Corporate finance.

4. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? What are some accomplishments you’re most proud of, and what was the turning point to set you on a current path in life?

All three questions connect to a thought in May 2014. I was attending an event about social responsibility and one of the speakers was talking about the importance of educating girls around the world. Her talk was inspiring to say the least but when I looked around, I realized that I was by far the youngest person in the audience. I thought to myself that this illustrated one of the biggest problems in the gender equality battle: an entire generation of young women missing.

Determined to try to engage younger women I founded the organization Young Professional Women in Iceland. The organization was officially launched in September 2014 when roughly 200 young women attended its inaugural meeting, underlining a strong interest and necessity for the organization.

In relation to the organization one of the banks in Iceland asked me to be in a panel discussion related to gender equality. The CEO of the Wealth Management division was the moderator and to make a long story short she offered me a job when I graduated, half a year later. That is how I first started working in finance.

I am incredibly proud of having founded Young Professional Women in Iceland, it is the strongest equality force in Iceland and grows stronger and louder every year. Remarkably, it has also provided me with my most important professional opportunities.

5. What did you study in school?

Business, majoring in finance.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I didn’t really have a picture of how my life would be. I have always tried to do things that make me feel fulfilled and happy, and that’s what I am doing so probably not that different.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

I don’t have a specific moment. I have been lucky in that way. However, as my mind is my greatest asset it is also my greatest struggle. It can be mean and discouraging but I mostly manage to keep it in the right place but that takes effort.

8. Advice for other women?

Raise your voice. Even if it is a tiny anecdote on something that you don’t believe to matter, it is good practice. There will come a moment when you will have to use it.  

9. Knowing what we know now in current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values"?

No. We still have countries around the world how are far behind optimal status. I don’t even think here in Iceland, where we are ranked number one in the world in gender equality, women can be what they want to be. I do believe people think that, especially people who make the decisions but unfortunately, they seem to be extremely unaware of their unknown biases. The way forward is to stop having a homogenous group making important decisions that affect us all.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

Don’t hate me for this, but the gym. It takes care of my body and mind. It is a time where I can let anything go and just forget everything for a while. The time after a good workout is when many of my best ideas arise.

11. What extra-curricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

Young Professional Women in Iceland, it is making the world a better place.

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

A good person.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Fear and worry of stating my views and opinions on the spot. I tend to overthink and over-analyze.

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I don’t think so, hopefully it will stay that way.

15. What inspires you?

People. Especially people with unique minds and ideas.

16. What are you hopeful about?

Future leaders, I am certain my generation and the ones coming after will do a better job of unifying the world and Inspiring positive change.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life?

Healthy body and healthy mind.

18. What is a quality you most love about yourself and why?

Execution and “blue sky” thinking. I love that I don’t think twice about making things happen and will have a go at things people often deem as impossible or unconventional.

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

Nurture your mind and don’t be afraid to raise your hand and make your opinion heard.

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

A Good Time to be a Girl by Helena Morrissey, The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur and the Economist.

21. Who is a WOW Woman in your world who inspires you and why?

My mom, she is the happiest person I know.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Linkedin and Instragram.