Marie Waucquez
Senior Corporate Legal Counsel at Ageas
Young Leader, Edition 2025
“Integrity and curiosity are my cornerstones. They keep me honest, grounded and open to growth.”
Marie Waucquez lives in Brussels with her husband and works as Senior Corporate Legal Counsel at Ageas. From the very beginning of her career, she has worked at the intersection of law, business and leadership. She combines sharp reasoning with a strong moral compass and a deep care for others.
Marie is not afraid to speak up, challenge assumptions or stand for what she believes in. She is someone others rely on. Calm and engaged, present and prepared. Whether she is guiding legal strategy or mentoring students at KU Leuven, she brings a quiet strength into every room.
“Progress and agility will always beat perfection. You grow by stepping forward.”
Marie used to believe that she had to figure everything out before taking action. Over time she discovered that impact often starts by speaking up before you feel completely ready. Asking thoughtful questions. Staying curious. And learning through connection and momentum.
To her, leadership means building trust, creating space and helping others grow with clarity and care.
“Leadership is not about knowing everything. It is about asking the right questions and giving others the space to rise”
When she started her career Marie thought leadership meant always having the answers. Over time she learned that good leadership is about being open asking for input and trusting the people around you.
She finds energy in variety. Her work allows her to explore legal reasoning alongside business thinking and that mix keeps her engaged. She recharges through running yoga and singing, three practices that give her both focus and joy.
“Positive impact is about leaving people and places better than how you found them. With care, with courage and with the future in mind.”
Whether through her legal work, her teaching at KU Leuven or her commitment to equality, Marie wants to use her influence with intention. She believes deeply in the power of knowledge sharing and in making space for others to step forward too.
Throughout this mentoring journey, she hopes to explore new layers of self awareness and refine how she leads. Mentorship, to her, is a space of openness and mutual respect. It is not about finding answers quickly, but about seeing more clearly and growing with purpose.
Currently reading: A book about the eldest daughter effect. It landed in her hands after one sharp observation from her mentor and it resonated more deeply than she expected.
