“More women at the top!”
An interview with Renske Kroondijk – Team Lead Content & AI expert educational content
Lisa Potma
At Futurewhiz, we believe in the power of representation to shape the future of tech. That’s why we’re proud to join the Equals role model campaign, inspiring more girls to pursue careers in technology. As part of this initiative, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible women at Futurewhiz who are making an impact in edtech. Today, we sit down with Renske Kroondijk, Team Lead Content & AI expert educational content, to explore her journey, insights and passion for education.
“I didn’t consciously choose a career in tech—I just rolled into it,” says Renske. With a background in psychology, she started in test development for children and youth, and gradually moved into tech through educational publishing. When Futurewhiz decided to start an AI Team, she decided to join. “I’ve always been interested in learning, and when I saw how AI was reshaping education, I knew I had to keep up. If you resist change, you fall behind. The key is figuring out how to make it work for you.”
Working in AI excites her because it’s new and ever-evolving. “It’s like inventing the wheel every day, and I love that challenge.” As she moved into leadership, she found that Futurewhiz strongly supports employees—regardless of gender. “There’s a personal learning budget, training, and mentoring. If you show ambition, the company helps you grow.”
Yet, stepping into leadership wasn’t easy. “I don’t always see myself as a leader. I feel like men are more socialized into that role, while as a woman, you often have to fight harder to prove yourself—especially in a male-dominated field like tech.” She recalls moments in meetings where she was the only woman in the room. “Sometimes, when I feel unheard, I wonder—would it be different if I were a man?”
Still, she embraces her own leadership style. “I try to see my so-called ‘feminine’ traits as strengths. Yes, I get emotionally affected by things. Some see that as a weakness, but it actually means I care deeply about my team and the work we do.”
Her advice to young girls considering tech? “Don’t make yourself smaller. You don’t need a certain testosterone level to code. These jobs have nothing to do with your gender.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to see more women at the top. “Women in power are still criticised for showing emotion, while men like Musk or Trump are highly emotional but never called out for it. This perspective needs to change. The world needs to understand that the differences among men and women are actually greater than the differences between men and women.”