Brussels Bubble Tea S4E2: Celebrating Personal Growth and Acknowledging Global Differences in Opportunities (IWD Special)
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March 17, 2026
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Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify
Introduction
The theme for International Women’s Day 2026, “give to gain”, highlights the importance of teamwork in career growth. In this episode of Brussels Bubble Tea (Season 4 Episode 2), host Ani Gundes speaks with Laura Willems, Consultant in the Corporate Finance and Restructuring segment at FTI Consulting. Laura shares her perspective on collaboration and the importance of supporting others in a traditionally male-dominated field, chronicling her journey into finance, the value of staying curious and how unexpected opportunities can shape a career.
To start, can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role at FTI Consulting?
Laura: I’m Laura, and I work in the Corporate Finance and Restructuring team at FTI Consulting. I’m originally from Belgium, and I joined FTI Consulting in June last year, so it has been almost nine months now.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
Laura: For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating the women around you, those who support you, inspire you and help you grow.
At the same time, it is also an important moment to reflect on the fact that not all women have the same opportunities and rights. There is still a significant gap globally.
As a Western woman, I feel quite privileged to have had access to education and the opportunity to build a career and make independent choices. While it is important to celebrate progress, it is equally important to think about how we can make a difference for women whose voices are not always heard.
Can you tell us more about your background and where you grew up?
Laura: I grew up in Leuven, where I also went to high school and university. When I started working, I moved closer to Brussels for my job at a consultancy firm. I lived there for about two and a half years.
After joining FTI Consulting, I decided to move back to Leuven, which is closer to home. It is an easy commute, so it works well.
Corporate finance and restructuring is often seen as a male-dominated field. Have you ever experienced inequality in your career?
Laura: I would not say that I have experienced inequality in a very explicit way. However, there have been moments where I felt I had to prove myself a bit more.
I think it is less about direct inequality and more about assumptions or expectations around what men and women are naturally better at. These expectations can create a gap over time. Overall, I would not say I have personally experienced inequality.
This year’s theme is “give to gain”. What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
Laura: I would say, stay curious, trust your instincts and do not feel like you need to have everything planned out. Life rarely goes as expected.
It is important to leave room for unplanned opportunities because those are often the moments where you learn the most. Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you grow.
I also believe that success is not just about personal achievement. It is about what you build together with your team. That is how I interpret “give to gain”: supporting others, sharing insights and growing together.
How did you decide to pursue a career in finance?
Laura: I studied business economics, even though I did not have economics in high school. I had a background in maths and sciences, but I was always interested in how businesses work, how markets move and what drives financial performance.
During my studies, I followed what I found most interesting, and that eventually led me to finance. It was more of a gut feeling than a fixed plan, but it turned out to be the right path for me.
Did you have any international experience during your studies?
Laura: Yes, I spent half a year abroad in Leicester in the UK, where I studied risk management. It was during COVID-19, so it was quite a unique experience, but I was still very happy I was able to go.
Even though the circumstances were different, I was able to build strong connections with other international students, which made it worthwhile.
What motivated your move to FTI Consulting?
Laura: After my studies, I joined a large consultancy firm where I worked for three years in advisory finance. While the work was similar to what I do now, I felt I was missing the bigger picture.
The work focused a lot on analysing figures and drafting reports, but I wanted to better understand how strategy and human behaviour influence performance.
That is what led me to FTI, where I can combine financial analysis with a broader, more strategic perspective.
Published
March 17, 2026
Key Contacts
Consultant