Text: Paul Hofman
Photo: Leon Hendrickx
Video: Paradox Productions
Ambassador Karen de Lathouder: ‘Together is better than alone’ For the first time in Pride Amsterdam’s history, a top executive from the business world has become an ambassador. Karen de Lathouder (46), Chief Operating Officer Assets at Eneco, looks forward to her ambassadorship. ‘Amazing.’ It’s also special that Karen, born and raised near Rotterdam, is one of Pride Amsterdam’s figureheads this year.
Free
‘Funny actually,’ she says at the start of the conversation. The tone is set right away. She speaks candidly about her childhood. ‘Both my parents were doctors and ran a busy practice from home. I grew up with my younger brother.’ There was always something going on. From from her parents she learned a strong work ethic and independence. She ‘helped’ in the practice by alphabetising cards with the assistants and, at fourteen, delivered bills. ‘We were a socially engaged, active and energetic family.’ She continues: ‘I was raised very freely. I was allowed to become whatever I wanted. Also: I played a lot of sports. Did you know I played handball at a top level?’ She comes across as modest.
Tough
As a young girl she had dreams for the future. What did she want to be? Pilot, doctor, or gym teacher flashed through her mind. Her paternal grandfather became a great role model — he was an aeroplane engineer who liked tinkering and carpentry. In secondary school, chemistry captured her intense interest. After graduating she didn’t have to think long about her next step. She studied Chemical Engineering at Delft University of Technology. After her PhD she moved into industry. She began her career at Shell and later held management positions at NAM, AkzoNobel and BP. ‘A real men’s world, but I never experienced it as a problem being a woman there.’ Thus she stands like a tough woman on an offshore platform. In November last year Karen was appointed COO Assets at Eneco — a major challenge in which she is responsible for all gas turbines, wind turbines, solar parks and bio plants. ‘Basically everything that makes energy production possible.’
Energy
She gives more than one hundred percent. In her youth she discovered she is attracted to women. For her parents that was never a problem. Has being ‘different’ ever limited her development? ‘No. I have never encountered barriers in my career.’ She has been reasonably fortunate. She only realised later in life that she serves as a role model for the LGBTQIA+ community. ‘I am myself. A woman and lesbian. I represent that for companies, younger employees and women and allies.’ She lives with her partner Denisha. Currently 1% of senior management identifies as LGBTQIA+. That’s not enough. There is still a lot of work to do. The role of allies is crucial to close that gap. When you can be yourself, you bring out the best for yourself and the company you work for. Because: ‘It takes enormous energy to achieve something if you are not yourself, if you don’t feel well, or if you feel you don’t belong. We can better use that energy exploring other perspectives and listening to each other.’ That is what Karen does with heart and soul. She is active in women’s and LGBTQIA+ networks and in the Foundation GEO (Gay Executive Officer). The latter acts as a platform where senior LGBTQIA+ executives can meet and engage in dialogue with allies.
Allies
What else does she want to achieve? ‘Continue working on visibility and acceptance in business and maintain active contact with allies within companies, because they too want dialogue and have questions.’ Looking back, we see an inspired woman who works to build networks, visibility and ally communities in a male-dominated world. With heart and soul Karen will work for greater visibility in the corporate world. ‘I don’t think everyone yet dares to be themselves at work. That isn’t self-evident for everyone — not in society and not in business. There is still work to be done.’ As a person, executive and ambassador she can make a difference.
Diverse and inclusive
What does the theme TOGETHER mean to you? She doesn’t hesitate: ‘Not us and them, but together. I see diversity as a strength and an opportunity to bring out the best in one another and learn from each other. And also to look beyond judgments. So don’t focus on differences but on common ground. See how you can complement each other.’ Visibility and being yourself suit her perfectly. She’s bursting with energy to spread her message. ‘Only when a company is diverse and inclusive can it truly shine,’
Pride ambassador since 2024
