From Casablanca to the C-suite: Finding Your Third Exit — with Syensqo CEO Ilham Kadri

Executive Decisions with Steve Sedgwick – Ilham Kadri Interview Summary

Key Concepts:

• Dyslexia as a Superpower: Ilham Kadri’s early diagnosis of dyslexia, initially seen as a hindrance, became a catalyst for analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• The Importance of Mentorship & Sponsorship: Throughout her career, Kadri benefited from mentors and sponsors who recognized her potential and provided opportunities.
• Balancing Ambition & Personal Life: The challenges of navigating a demanding career while maintaining a fulfilling personal life, particularly as a mother.
• Cultural Intelligence & Adaptability: Kadri’s ability to thrive in diverse cultural environments, exemplified by her experience in Saudi Arabia.
• Strategic Decision-Making & Transformation: Kadri’s approach to leadership, focusing on strategy, structure, and culture, and her willingness to make bold decisions like splitting Solvay.
• Succession Planning & Legacy: The importance of identifying and developing future leaders, and the wisdom of knowing when to step down.
• The Power of Storytelling & Inspiration: Kadri’s connection to her grandmother’s life and the inspiration drawn from figures like Marie Curie.

I. Early Life & Education – A Foundation of Resilience

Ilham Kadri’s journey began in the Derb Sultan neighborhood of Casablanca, Morocco, raised primarily by her grandmother after being abandoned by her father and with her mother leaving the country. Despite facing poverty – lacking basic utilities like safe water and electricity – Kadri describes a childhood filled with love and solidarity. Her grandmother, an illiterate woman who defied societal norms, instilled in her a strong sense of self-worth and a thirst for knowledge. A pivotal moment came with a mathematics professor’s diagnosis of dyslexia at age eight, initially viewed negatively but later recognized as a source of analytical strength. Kadri’s grandmother encouraged her to seek a “third exit” beyond traditional expectations for women, leading her to prioritize education. She was inspired by books, particularly biographies of Marie Curie and Virginia Woolf, fueling her ambition and intellectual curiosity. A typhoid fever at age 17 nearly derailed her education, but she persevered, earning scholarships to study in France.

II. Career Trajectory – From Shell to Solvay & Beyond

Kadri’s career path was not linear, beginning with an internship at a Solvay plant after arriving in France. She deliberately sought practical experience, even taking a role in sales at Shell, despite initially disliking it, on the advice of a colleague who believed it was essential for future business leadership. She held positions at several major companies – Shell, Roland, UCB, Huntsman, Sealed Air Corp – gaining diverse experience in research, sales, and marketing. A significant turning point involved her husband’s decision to support her career by resigning from his own, enabling her to pursue opportunities in Switzerland. This decision highlighted the challenges women face in balancing career and family, and the importance of supportive partnerships. Kadri emphasized the need for companies to provide support for parents, advocating for extended paternity leave at Solvay, inspired by her own experiences. She consistently prioritized mentorship and succession planning throughout her career.

III. Leadership at Solvay & the Syensqo Split – A Bold Transformation

Kadri’s appointment as CEO of Solvay marked a significant moment. She inherited a company she described as a “sleeping beauty,” lacking ambition. Her most impactful decision was the strategic split of Solvay into two distinct entities: Solvay and Syensqo. This decision, initially met with skepticism, was driven by a desire to unlock the potential of both businesses and create stronger, more focused organizations. Kadri emphasized the importance of building a strong team, fostering a culture of innovation and embracing failure as a learning opportunity. She described the loneliness inherent in the CEO role, particularly when making difficult decisions impacting employees and stakeholders. She actively sought mentorship and maintained a strong support network to navigate these challenges. Kadri’s decision to step down as CEO of Syensqo was driven by a belief in the readiness of her successor and a desire to pursue new passions.

IV. Key Perspectives & Leadership Philosophy

Kadri’s leadership philosophy centers on connecting the dots, building strong teams, and fostering a culture of innovation and empathy. She emphasizes the importance of being comfortable with discomfort and embracing challenges. She views leadership as a responsibility to empower others and create a positive impact. Kadri’s experiences have shaped her strong belief in the importance of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. She actively promotes these values within organizations and advocates for policies that support working parents. She also highlighted the importance of being authentic and bringing one’s whole self to work. Kadri acknowledged the prevalence of sexism in the workplace, citing an instance where she was told her career would be limited due to her maternity leave. She also noted that women can sometimes perpetuate these biases.

V. Future Endeavors & Personal Reflections

Kadri plans to focus on completing a fiction novel inspired by her grandmother’s life and the history of Casablanca. She also intends to continue her work with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, advocating for sustainable business practices. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and prioritizing personal well-being. Kadri credits her husband with unwavering support throughout her career, describing him as her “secret inner life” and a true partner. She views her career as a series of victories, each step building upon the last, and remains optimistic about the future.

Notable Quotes:

• “My grandmother changed me from one school to another. Eventually, a professor in mathematics realized I was that good in analytical and connecting the dots.” – Ilham Kadri
• “I think I live in an unbalanced life, but I enjoy the unbalance.” – Ilham Kadri
• “Was not linear but uh uh be curious about the the journey rather than aiming for destination. That's me.” – Ilham Kadri
• “She said, ‘This is not sexy. My my little girl, find your third exit.’” – Ilham Kadri, recounting her grandmother’s advice.
• “You have to build that double skin. You have to understand it's not personal yet it's impacting people around you.” – Ilham Kadri on coping with the pressures of being a CEO.
• “I'm trying to say no before saying yes.” – Ilham Kadri on prioritizing personal well-being.

Data & Statistics:

• Kadri has held CEO positions for 11 years.
• She spent seven years as CEO of Solvay Syensqo.
• She implemented 16 weeks of paternity leave at Solvay.

Technical Terms:

• Dyslexia: A learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters.
• Macro Molecular Physical Chemistry: A branch of chemistry dealing with the physical properties of large molecules.
• Succession Planning: The process of identifying and developing future leaders within an organization.
• Desalination: The process of removing salt from seawater to produce potable water.
• Greywater Filtration: The process of removing contaminants from wastewater for reuse.

Conclusion:

Ilham Kadri’s story is one of remarkable resilience, ambition, and leadership. Her journey from a deprived childhood in Casablanca to the helm of a global materials company is a testament to the power of education, mentorship, and unwavering determination. Her emphasis on strategic decision-making, cultural intelligence, and a commitment to sustainability provides valuable insights for aspiring leaders and underscores the importance of creating inclusive and equitable workplaces. Her decision to step down as CEO, prioritizing legacy and personal fulfillment, offers a refreshing perspective on success and the pursuit of a balanced life.