“Anything that seems new
and scary can ultimately turn into
a positive experience.”

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• Name: Cynthia Rusagara
• Age: 32
• Studies: Bachelor’s degree in International Business Management (Odisee) and Master’s degree in Economics (KU Leuven)
• Function: Project Assistant
• Hobbies: Traveling and spending time with friends and family

You left the world of finance and sales behind to enter a sector you were not familiar with. Why?

Cynthia: That was a very deliberate choice. In my previous job, I learned a lot about finance, consulting and sales. It was a highly competitive environment where performance was key and that definitely shaped me. At the same time, after a while I realized that this world did not fully suit me. I no longer wanted to feel like I was just a number in a large organization. What I was looking for was an environment where challenge and human connection are better balanced. I also need variety: if everything becomes too predictable, I quickly lose my motivation. That is why I consciously decided to explore a sector that was completely new to me. The world of energy and infrastructure immediately appealed to me, precisely because there was still so much I could learn. At VINCI Energies, I truly get that opportunity. Every day I work with plans for high- and low-voltage installations, complete safety training and regularly consult with engineers to better understand the technical side of the projects. What struck me most is that, despite its size, the organization still feels very personal. Colleagues know each other by name and there is genuine attention to how you feel in your job within this multicultural environment.

You are the only woman in a team of about 24 people. How do you feel about that?

Cynthia: Working in a male-dominated environment has never held me back. I am quite direct and speak my mind, so I actually feel comfortable in that kind of setting. Communication is often very straightforward, which means you know exactly where you stand. At the same time, I notice that my presence brings something extra to the team, not only because I am the only woman, but also because I come from a different professional background. I often ask questions about things that others take for granted. Why do we do it this way? Could it be done more efficiently? Sometimes a fresh perspective helps people take a closer look at existing processes. For me, diversity is mainly about complementarity. Different perspectives make a team stronger. While some people focus on speed and action, others pay more attention to structure and detail. When those perspectives come together, better solutions often emerge. I also see that in my day-to-day collaboration with colleagues.

What gave you the confidence to explore new directions in your career?

Cynthia: That largely comes from home. I grew up in a family of strong women. My mother and my sisters have all found their own paths in their careers: one of my sisters works in the financial sector in Dubai, another is a doctor and a third is a bailiff. They always taught me that you simply have to go for what you want to achieve. That mindset gave me the confidence to take new steps in my career. It has also shaped the way I look at leadership. Women often bring a different way of thinking to the table: they look at the bigger picture, think ahead and pay close attention to details. That combination can be a real strength in leadership roles. My advice to young women is therefore very simple: dare to try and do not set limits for yourself. You do not want to look back later and regret the opportunities you did not take. Anything that seems new and scary can ultimately turn into a positive experience.