This Women’s History Month, we’re chatting with McKinsey leaders about their role as women in the workplace and beyond. Today, we’ll hear from Tania Holt, who leads McKinsey’s healthcare work across Africa. Tania advises governments, development agencies, philanthropists, and private sector entities on topics of public health and safety, control of endemic diseases, pharma supply chains, and operational efficiencies. For more Q&As throughout the month, bookmark this page.
Tell us about a career-defining moment.
For me, a career-defining moment was when I read the book that I think many of us have read, called Invincible Women, and seeing a fact base around the lack of representation of women, in all sectors of the economy. It motivated me to be part of the change, both in terms of my own professional career and being a role model to others, but also in terms of some of the work that I choose to do and contributing with an increasing fact base around the role that women play in all parts of society.
What are you most proud of?
In my professional life, I’m most proud of the fact that I’m working on topics that are increasing inclusion in the world. I lead on social sector in Europe, and much of the work I do is around increasing health equity, which is close to my heart. The fact that I get to do that all day, every day, is a privilege.
What’s a big or surprising lesson you’ve learned as a woman in the workplace?
The surprising piece that I have learned in the workplace is how important, as a woman, it is to state your ambitions, and to be unapologetic about the fact that you have ambitions. I’ve been surprised how many times people, just because I was a woman, didn’t think that I had professional ambitions in the workplace. And then I had to state them. I would certainly advise everybody to state your ambitions clearly.
How do you stay energized?
Body, mind, and soul. Body: I ask myself, “How am I truly feeling? Am I getting enough exercise?” When my body feels fatigued, I’m honest with myself about it. Mind: “Am I working on topics that I think are truly intellectually stimulating, that I believe make a difference, that I’m interested in?” And soul: “Am I doing enough to nurture my soul?” When I have those three [elements] working beautifully together, I feel refreshed and energized.
What advice do you have for women in their professional journeys?
Be your authentic self. Are you doing something that you deeply care about? Do you feel like you can bring your full, authentic self to the workplace? Are you being reflected, cared for, and truly included where you are so there’s a sense of belonging? I think those are important ingredients to succeed or climb the next step in the ladder. If those pieces are in place, if you have the ambitions, then you should just go for it.
PUBLISHED WORK
The power of parity: Advancing women’s equality in Africa
Building greater resilience in vaccine manufacturing
Africa needs vaccines. What would it take to make them here?