In the first episode of The Heels Forward Podcast, hosted by Francesca Vanthielen, we sit down with former politician Maggie De Block to explore key themes around leadership, societal challenges, and personal resilience. This article provides a brief summary of the episode, highlighting some of the most memorable quotes and moments.
From family doctor to secretary of state
Maggie shares how her background as a family doctor shaped her approach to politics. “You deal with people and their stories, and that requires empathy,” she explains. Her medical career gave her a unique perspective in the political arena, where her practical mindset and drive to create fairer systems became guiding principles throughout her work.
Reflecting on her transition to politics, she recalls the weight of responsibility she felt when asked to become Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration: “I had three minutes to decide, but I knew I could make a difference.” This segment of the podcast offers powerful insights into the complexities of leading in high-pressure environments.
Resilience in a tough world
As a woman navigating a political landscape dominated by strong personalities, Maggie learned to stand her ground. “Politics is a world of big egos,” she says. Still, she emphasizes that her upbringing, where she took on responsibilities at a young age, shaped her resilience.
One of the most inspiring lessons from this episode is how Maggie handled criticism: “Make mistakes, but be transparent. Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is how you deal with them.” Her experiences provide valuable lessons for anyone in leadership roles.
Each episode of The Heels Forward Podcast features a question from a Montea team member. In this first episode, Montea CEO Els Vervaecke posed this thought-provoking question to Maggie:
“During your time as a minister, you faced many challenges. What are your secrets to staying resilient in a political environment often dominated by strong personalities?”
Maggie’s detailed response in the podcast is insightful and offers practical advice for those looking to strengthen their own resilience and leadership skills.
Women in leadership
Maggie reflects on the evolution of women’s roles in politics. “When I started, women were still exceptions. Today, there’s more equality, but there’s still work to do,” she says. She stresses the importance of female role models and her desire to inspire future generations of women.
She also addresses the harsh realities of politics and the fear that often holds women back from entering that “world.” “You see the same thing in business. The pressure to perform is everywhere, but it shouldn’t stop women from pursuing their ambitions.”
The personal side of leadership
Beyond her professional achievements, Maggie opens up about her personal life. Together with her husband, she balanced a demanding career while raising two children. Now a proud grandmother, she speaks warmly of the joy and pride this new chapter brings her.
Why listen to this episode?
This episode not only delivers valuable insights into politics and leadership but also inspires with personal stories and practical lessons. Maggie’s honesty about the challenges and highlights of her career makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, societal issues, and personal growth.
The result is an engaging 45-minute podcast that takes you on a journey through Maggie’s career and vision. This article is just a brief summary—tune in to the full episode in Dutch or watch the vodcast with English subtitles for the complete experience.
Montea developed The Heels Forward Podcast to give inspiring leaders a voice and showcase who they are beyond their professional roles, in line with Montea’s focus on entrepreneurship, expertise, and team spirit.
