Women's Day is celebrated every year on March 8. At Gediflora, it is no different. On the occasion of this special day, we put a spotlight on our female CEO, Elien Pieters. 9 years ago, she followed in her father's footsteps and has been running the company ever since. We asked her some questions to get to know this power woman better.

How do you manage to get all your employees to work together as one team?

By being close to people and giving people responsibilities. I believe in a horizontal organizational structure. That way you get responsible and self-managing teams. Regularly consulting with our teams is a priority for me. To see how we can support them even better to achieve our goals.

Everything starts with the people you attract. Not only their skills, but especially their attitude will determine how successful your organization becomes.

What is the most important thing your parents gave you?

Above all, they taught me to believe in myself. Daring to make your dreams come true is something they always encouraged. They taught me from an early age that daring to do something is more important than being afraid to fail.

How does it feel to be a woman at the helm of a company?

Woman in a man's worldI have never felt less or different from a man. For me, there is no difference. So really, I don't dwell on that. Having enough self-confidence & skill is the key.

Who can inspire you?

Lots of people inspire me, each in their own way. I love listening to others' stories, their successes and failures, their experiences, ... I always take something from them.

But the most inspiring person for me remains my mother. Her enthusiasm and zest for life have had a great impact on me. She taught me that the most important thing is to love what you do, that the go-getter wins, and above all, that you shouldn't be afraid to make mistakes.She believed in my ability. For my self-confidence, that was gold.

How do you manage to maintain a healthy work-life balance?

Good planning is essential!

Q-time?

It remains an exercise to be with your full attention at home, with your children, your partner and not secretly sink into thoughts of to do's.

What would you say to women who are about to start a business but are not sure if they want to take the plunge?

Any choice is a good choice, as long as it is yours. Ask yourself if starting and running a business is really what you want and what you want to go full steam ahead for. Above all, listen to your gut feeling. Be honest with yourself. Being close to yourself is where the key to success lies.

What is your Superpower?

Being Alert. Sensing quickly what is needed to move forward, to grow. Also being critical, very critical ... is a superpower but also a pitfall.

Tip for your daughtersPractice & persistence lead to success. Without sufficient willpower and a lot of commitment, you will never reach the top. If you enjoy doing something enough, and you put enough effort into it then success is sure to come!

What would you want to change for the benefit of all women in the world if you had the chance?Education is absolutely basic and necessary, knowledge brings strength and confidence.

Guilty Pleasure ?

Reading the gossip books at the hairdresser's 😊 ; binge-watching Netflix (no-brainer series).

Favorite relaxation/Favorite day?

No alarm clock, full breakfast, walk, massage/wellness, good food, early to bed

What do you like to spend money on?

Like many women, I have a weakness for handbags ...

What book can you recommend to everyone?

The Power of Now. Eckhart Tolle.

What would you still like to do, besides Gediflora?

There is still a lot on my list, mostly leisure-related things where I don't have to think too much 😊 Baking pots is one of them, taking singing lessons (yes I like to sing), even more yoga, ...

What realization are you most proud of?

I'm really most proud of my perseverance.

At the age of 27 I came to the helm of an international company, I didn't think about it, now I do. The pressure of being No. 1 in the world can only sink you. The pressure of succeeding a chrysanthemum “legend.” And now having to conclude that you have continued to grow all these years, that you have done well. That's a nice feeling. Of course, none of this was possible without a team. Because behind every leader, there is a group of strong women (and men too, of course).