Social innovation and a ‘one firm’ mind-set have been recurring themes in her 25-year career at NautaDutilh, from setting up a new practice area to breaking with (outdated) conventions and jettisoning the artificial divisions that exist in many corporate law firms. Under her leadership, the focus of the firm's talent development programme shifted from legal to soft skills and the programme was expanded to include all employees (legal and non-legal professionals), in order to broaden perspectives and increase collaboration and synergies across the firm. Petra made collaboration a cornerstone of the firm’s new remuneration policy, which again contributes to the convergence of legal and non-legal areas and helps to prevent a silo mentality.

Petra is a firm supporter of many LGBT and D&I initiatives, including generational diversity. During 2019 she initiated thorough generational research and workshops for all employees (including partners) and have given young professionals a formal seat at the table through the establishment of a Young Professionals Board.