The Heels Forward Podcast powered by Montea

In the third episode of The Heels Forward Podcast, hosted by Francesca Vanthielen, we sit down with Ciska Servais, co-founder of Astrea lawyers, for an open conversation on entrepreneurship, legal leadership, and personal growth. From founding a law firm to raising three children and navigating boardrooms, Ciska reflects on the choices that have shaped her professional and personal journey. 

Starting from scratch with vision and values 

In 2006, Ciska made the bold decision to start her own law firm. Together with five colleagues, she founded Astrea with a clear idea of what she wanted to keep and what she wanted to change from her experience in both small and large firms. 
“It was the best professional decision I ever made,” she says. The firm has since grown to over 60 lawyers, but with a strong focus on fit, purpose, and shared values. “We never hired just for the sake of growing,” she explains. “It had to feel right.” 

Entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the myth of balance 

At the time of founding Astrea, Ciska was in her late 30s and already a mother of three. Yet, she felt little fear. 
“If your clients and your team follow you, that gives a lot of confidence,” she recalls. She credits the support of her husband, a banker, and the long-term help of a trusted housekeeper - now considered part of the family - with making this possible. 

Still, the topic of guilt surfaces. 
“As a working mother, guilt is always there. Going to work, going home. But my children never blamed me. They saw we worked hard, but were always there for them.” 
Ciska speaks candidly about setting boundaries, switching roles during the short drive from work to home, and keeping communication open within the family. 

Leadership, values, and human rights 

Ciska never saw herself as someone destined for the courtroom. Originally considering medical school, she pivoted to law out of a desire to chart her own path. Her fascination with environmental and real estate law led her to build a career advising companies on complex legal matters, from soil contamination to permit disputes. “It’s like solving a puzzle,” she says. “That challenge, that search for the right solution, gives me energy.” 

In every case, her personal values are central. 

“We won’t take on files that don’t align with our ethical standards,” she explains. Her guiding principle is simple: treat others the way you want to be treated. 
That ethos also comes through in her interest in human rights — something she’s passed on to her daughter, a passionate feminist and law graduate. 
“She points out things I hadn’t even thought of. I learn from her.” 

Women in leadership and the role of quotas 

Ciska doesn’t shy away from the reality that both law and real estate remain male-dominated fields. When asked by Montea colleague Inna Maslova whether quotas are necessary, she replies without hesitation: 
“Yes, absolutely.” 
She reflects on her early experiences as the only woman in the boardroom and how that required her to speak louder, assert herself more, and at times adopt a more “macho” attitude just to be heard. 

She welcomes the increasing diversity in the legal world, though she stresses that real change starts earlier — in education, in encouraging girls to pursue science and law, and in challenging ingrained biases. 
“Without quotas, people tend to choose the same people again and again.” 

Slowing down to move forward 

Now in her early 60s, Ciska reflects on life with clarity and intention. She recently stepped down from her role as director at Montea and from her position as managing partner at Astrea, emphasizing the value of renewal and making space for others to lead. 
“That’s how companies grow.” 

Her advice to her 30-year-old self? 

“Worry less.” 
She acknowledges the stress that came with high expectations - at work and at home - but also sees how it shaped her. 
Today, she finds peace in music, travel, and time with family. A small Buddhist amulet gifted to her during a trip to Thailand reminds her daily of balance and perspective. 

Montea developed The Heels Forward Podcast to give inspiring leaders a platform to share their stories and show who they are beyond their professional roles. This aligns with Montea’s focus on entrepreneurship, expertise, and team spirit. 
Ciska Servais embodies this vision: a leader with purpose, integrity, and a deep sense of what really matters.