Empowering the future: Françoise Chombar's role in shaping technology

Françoise Chombar's story is not just about personal success; it's about how a company with a passion for people and the planet can thrive while championing inclusion and innovation.

The story of Melexis and Françoise Chombar

In 1989, Melexis was founded in Belgium where a small team of engineers made custom ASICs before evolving into the product company it has been ever since. Fast forward to today, and Melexis has grown into a global company with over 2,000 employees, delivering innovative technology that contributes to a safe, comfortable, and sustainable future. The company's expertise spans across EV powertrain, thermal management, e-braking, e-steering, and lighting, with an expanding presence in robotics, sustainability solutions, alternative mobility, and health applications.

The journey of Melexis is intertwined with the story of its co-founder and current chairwoman, Chombar Chombar, a woman whose background in applied languages was far removed from the world of semiconductors. Despite this, her mother's teachings instilled in her a growth mindset that would become the cornerstone of her career. "Whatever you do in life, with your studies or your work, try to be the best and get the most out of your talent," her mother advised. This philosophy propelled Chombar to co-found Melexis and aided in navigating the challenges of being a woman in a technical field.

Overcoming challenges

Chombar faced some discrimination early in her career, a common experience for women in technology. Her non-engineering background did not impress her colleagues, but her persistent questioning and different perspective on problem-solving eventually earned her a respected place among the engineers. The first time she was asked to assist in resolving a technical issue, she knew she had made her mark.

She acknowledges that credibility increases based on the time and effort you invest. She speculates that the positive change in attitudes she saw over time was bolstered by this credibility, her rising seniority and the incredible work that all at Melexis undertook to make the company successful.

Her story reflects a broader issue within the industry: the need for diverse perspectives in innovation. Each individual brings unique talents and attributes to the workplace regardless of background, gender, age, ethnicity, etc. Fostering an inclusive culture is key to prosperity and wellbeing. Diverse teams generate more ideas, leading to better products and services, increased market share, and improved financial results.

The importance of diversity in engineering and innovation

Chombar actively promotes STEM education and diversity in tech. She serves as the president of the STEM platform, an advisory board to the Flemish government, actively supports the EU STEM Coalition, a European-wide network of STEM organisations, plus initiatives by SEMI Europe and the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA). Her commitment to these causes is driven by a belief in their positive societal impact.

However, the industry faces a significant challenge: the "leaky" STEM pipeline, particularly for girls. There are two critical drop-off points for women in tech globally: after secondary education and at workforce entrance. This issue is compounded by the STEM-gender paradox, where countries with higher legal gender equality tend to have lower female STEM inflow.

The role of mentorship and support networks in career progression

To help address these complex and multi-faceted challenges, Chombar advocates for a shift in perspective. It begins with recognising and overcoming unconscious biases, leading, for example, to mirror recruiting. Also, industry professionals must engage with schools, showcasing passionate female professionals and talking about the many gifted – and often forgotten – women who have been pioneers in tech. In companies, systemic cultural change is necessary, requiring allies and sponsors in positions of power to support and promote diversity of all kinds.

Melexis itself is a testament to what can be achieved with a commitment to inclusion. The company boasts an equal number of female team leads compared to the overall organisation, a consistent increase in the percentage of female hires, and a balanced representation of women in its C-suite and board.

Inspiring the next generation of women in STEM

Reflecting on her career, Chombar shares a piece of advice she received from her life coach: "You are the CEO. Be your role." This mindset has helped her navigate an environment that sometimes felt unwelcoming. She encourages young women considering a career in technology to seek out inclusive environments and mentors.

The experiences of women like Françoise Chombar in technology are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and innovative future. Her story is a beacon of what can be achieved when barriers are broken, diversity is embraced and its power unleashed. As the industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that we support and celebrate the achievements of women, fostering an environment where all of the next generation can thrive.