The Female Power in the World of Office Furniture

In an insightful and pleasant interview, Michal Waxman, CEO of Waxman Office Furniture, discusses the driving forces behind her success and the tools that have driven her to this point. She shares that, while being a woman hasn’t been a specific focus in running her business, she acknowledges the unique strengths women bring to managing organizations and businesses

For nearly 20 years, Michal has led Waxman Office Furniture, a company known for its innovative and stylish office furniture solutions. Waxman furnishes today’s complex and ever-evolving workspaces and is one of the most prominent office furniture companies in Israel. With global partnerships, including brands like HAWORTH and HUMANSCALE, Waxman has been at the forefront of furnishing iconic companies such as Nvidia, Amdocs, Intel, and Bank Discount. It’s no surprise that the company sets the tone for modern office design.
Michal Waxman has become a figure of inspiration in the office furniture world, respected by architects, designers, CEOs, and procurement managers alike. Her management style blends business insight, leadership skills, and a distinctly feminine touch.

“As organizations evolve at a rapid pace, there’s a noticeable shift toward a more diverse approach in designing physical workspaces. I believe the varied qualities of female management provide a more effective response to these constantly changing needs”, says Michal.
One of the clearest signs of this transformation in the office furniture industry is the dynamic and insightful panel discussions taking place today. These discussions, which bring together leaders from top companies, designers, and architects from across the globe, reveal unique and diverse perspectives on the future of workspace design. Waxman sees a clear connection between the progression of workspace design and the strengths women bring to organizational management today.
“Hybrid work requires flexibility, and female managerial traits, like intuitive problem-solving and creativity, offer better solutions to the dynamic demands of today’s organizations”, says Michal.
Michal’s enthusiasm for progress and change is evident: “I love change and growth, and I’m always eager to set new goals and learn along the way. Change keeps us sharp, and managers and employees should always be hungry for improvement and excellence, values I believe should be the cornerstone of every leader in any field. I have a constant need to stay updated, especially with what’s happening in our dynamic industry, both locally and internationally. In our fast-paced industry, flexibility, openness, and adaptability are crucial for success. These traits are strengths of female management, and when present, they are game changers, enabling organizations to maximize their potential”.

Harmony Between Worlds

Founded in 1977 by the Waxman brothers – Hanoch, Jacob, and Yehuda – Waxman Office Furniture has remained a family business, staying true to its roots and values. The company’s vision, to be the benchmark in office furniture, has remained unchanged for 47 years. Waxman excels in creating work environments that harmoniously blend professionalism, quality, design, and ergonomics.
Michal, Yehuda’s daughter, has been the driving force behind Waxman, leading a company with a unique DNA. One of the key factors that sets Waxman apart is its professional team, many of whom have been with the company for years, fully embodying its values and heritage. Like a family, the team is a full partner in Waxman’s long-standing tradition of Israeli craftsmanship, a legacy that began in the 1960s. This experienced and high-quality team includes project managers, planners, operations managers, assembly and installation crews, and service staff, all of whom serve as an anchor in the successful management of projects.

When asked about her experience as a female manager in an industry often seen as male-dominated, Michal reflects: “Being a woman hasn’t been significant in how I run the business. In a traditionally male industry, I’ve worn multiple hats, combining both masculine and feminine traits. However, I’ve learned to appreciate my unique toolbox as a woman and a mother, which has only grown stronger with experience. It includes a sharp intuition for strategic decision-making, a broad organizational perspective, and a belief in long-term processes that prioritize excellence. I also bring sensitivity to the individual talents of my team, ensuring that each person’s unique abilities are recognized and leveraged, while also making sure they enjoy the journey. My team, which consists of both women and men, is chosen based on their character and abilities, not their gender”.
Regarding the unique tools in her toolbox, Michal shares: “Originally, I come from a completely different world. The field of anthropology is my area of expertise, and specifically business anthropology (Waxman holds a degree in sociology and anthropology and a master’s degree in labor studies and organizational behaviour). Analysing the needs and understanding the motivations of my employees and clients are the main considerations in my management decisions. Of course, I also incorporate rational and measurable management tools, but emotional management is a key component that, at the end of the day, drives business processes. It’s important to remember that business is done with people”.
Michal’s influence is visible in the carefully curated furniture pieces displayed in the company’s showroom, which is itself a design gem that delights the senses. Her love for design, which she brings from home, is evident in every detail of Waxman’s collections, characterized by her bursting passion, creativity, and dedication to the smallest details. Michal serves as a “super-collector”, and her choices are a source of inspiration. The 700-square-meter showroom is filled with furniture pieces she has personally selected over the years, reflecting the company’s unique spirit. Supported by a design and planning team, advanced technology, and a 7,000-square-meter logistics center, Michal masterfully leads it all in an inspiring way.

Tailored Solutions for Modern Workspaces

“While flexible work has many advantages”, Michal states, “it also highlights the need for smart, human-centered design that prioritizes employee comfort and well-being. Whether it’s a hybrid employee, hot desk, or fixed desk, our job is to offer a variety of solutions that accommodate changing behaviors, needs, and preferences”.
Michal shares examples of Waxman’s large-scale projects, such as office buildings for Checkpoint and Nice, the new Ministry of Justice building, the offices of the National Library, and various universities, among others. “All of these projects, and many more”, Michal adds, “were tailored for each client, with flexibility and full customization to match the dimensions, needs, desires, and focus areas of each organization. In every project, we create a visual language that aligns with the organization’s strategy and the messages it wishes to convey. This cohesive visual thread runs through all the spaces, allowing us to craft a personalized and fitting environment that is far from generic. This is made possible through a diverse selection of furniture collections, unique textures, and a vast variety of items for architects, designers, and clients to choose from”.
The innovative nature of modern work environments, Michal explains, is reflected in how workspaces cater to different needs, allowing employees to feel as productive as possible. “Some employees need spaces for collaboration and social interaction, while others require areas for focused, private work. Agile working connects people, processes, and technology, while considering the time and place in which these processes occur, all with the goal of finding the most suitable and efficient way to complete a specific task. Our role as furniture suppliers is to support this vision through carefully selected, environmentally friendly furniture”.
“At Waxman”, she explains, “our responsibility is to collaborate with our project managers in making wise choices from award-winning, eco-friendly international furniture brands. These include leading brands such as HAWORTH, HUMANSCALE, and SPACESTOR, as well as boutique brands such as TRUE DESIGN from Italy, FAMO from Portugal, and INCLASS and GAN RUGS from Spain. From these collections, we select workstations, acoustic partitions, ergonomic chairs, acoustic pods that provide noise-isolated work environments, and soft furniture systems including sofas, armchairs, rugs, and alternative seating solutions. These furniture items create platforms for increased collaboration between teams, foster creativity, and ultimately, through the right furniture, help improve employee satisfaction – one of the primary objectives of every organization”.

Dynamic Leadership in the Office Furniture World

Michal Waxman exemplifies the dynamic leadership shaping the office furniture industry. Her unique approach, blending feminine intuition with sharp business and management skills, embodies the energy and innovation driving the field forward. This spirit is also reflected in her “wall of inspiration” in her office, symbolizing the values, experiences, and stories that define her remarkable journey.