"They preferred to think I was a bitch": The most powerful woman in the economy opens up about the road to the top
Dr. Yehudit Richter reveals on Kan 11 the days when she was belittled in boardrooms, the moment she was humiliated by the manager of a medical device giant, and the historic $750 million compensation.
Tonight at 21:30, Kan 11 and Kan BOX will broadcast the second episode of the new documentary series "Money of Their Own," created by Efrat Shalom-Danon and Osnat Trabelsi. The episode, "Independent in the Field," provides a glimpse into the stories of the entrepreneurs and CEOs, the most powerful in the Israeli economy, who decided not to wait for an opportunity but to create it themselves.
Alongside the stories of Eti Elishakov who founded "Libra," Noy Hadas from "Noy HaSade," sisters Daniela and Alona Tzur from SEESTARZ, and Keren Cohen-Hazon from "Torpan," the episode dives into the world of Dr. Yehudit Richter, co-founder and former CEO of the medical device giant "Medinol," and places the personal costs and obstacles on the way to the top at the center.
Dr. Yehudit Richter, one of the leading industrialists and managers in Israel, built an international empire together with her husband Kobi, but the path in rooms full of men was filled with doubts and gender-based disregard. Richter recalls the days when she arrived at business meetings and was met with a raised eyebrow:
"There were situations where people said, 'Why did she come and not her husband? Maybe it's not serious.'"
One of the most memorable moments occurred at an early meeting with the manager of the medical device giant "Boston Scientific," who told her like a gentleman, "Mrs. Richter, we came here to discuss business. I'm sorry, we came here to discuss business." I answered him: "I'm sorry, that is what I am here for." The years passed, the historic legal dispute ended in a massive compensation of $750 million in favor of Medinol, and Richter concludes with a victory smile:
"It turned out that in the end, the signature, it was I who signed, and he. And so I thought, how does he feel about the fact that he is signing with a woman?"
The episode is not afraid to touch upon the gaps in the perception of ambitions and business drive between women and men, and the social price that dominant women pay. While her husband Kobi testifies about himself that he is a simple man who does not count the money, Yehudit sharply clarifies the difference between them regarding the economy, "I always want more."
This aspiration to succeed and fight for every shekel was often met with double and harsh stereotypes, as Richter describes:
"It is hard for them to believe that I was the one who demanded more or fought to get more. It is easier to think that it was the man. And I know that afterwards, by the way, they say, 'But Yehudit is also na, na, na.' Or they might say, 'She is a bitch' more."
The story of Yehudit Richter and the rest of the participants in the episode proves that the obstacles and cynicism in the male business world only strengthened their determination to succeed. From managing a company that made a global breakthrough in stent development, through successful exits and international recognition, to becoming one of the most influential and wealthy women in Israel, the episode "Independent in the Field" presents an instructive lesson in entrepreneurship and breaking glass ceilings. It is worth setting the clock to 21:30 on Kan 11 to watch an empowering and important meeting about power, money, and fulfilling dreams.
