Why a career in tech?
Tech is much more than a tool; it is a transformative force that can revolutionize our way of working, living and even thinking.
In the luxury sector I work for, where craftsmanship and tradition are fundamental pillars, technology can bring significant added value.
Tech offers a multitude of opportunities to improve and transform a field of activity. In my case, it is all about preserving the essence of craftsmanship while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
In production management, the ability to track each step of a process, analyze failures, make the technician's job easier and anticipate customer needs can be greatly enhanced by technological tools.
Your professional experience?
After a scientific baccalaureate, I continued my studies in preparatory classes and entered the SUPMECA engineering school (Ecole supérieure de Mécanique). After graduating in 2015 with a degree in production and logistics, I landed my first job at Cartier, in the luxury goods sector. And the adventure continues today within the Richemont Group.
During my scientific studies, I always found pleasure in logic and deduction, elements that I find again in my current job.
Your first experience with technology?
During my engineering school training, I did my first internship at L'Oréal in the perfume manufacturing department. My mission was to manage the deployment of automated production lines. These machines were an innovative way to improve the manufacturing process.
What do you do today, and why?
I am in charge of repair workshops for watches, jewelry and accessories, within Richemont Customer Service for France. I oversee around 70 people: watchmakers, jewelers, polishers and a leatherworker. I manage the workshops to meet our deadlines and quality objectives as effectively as possible, and thus satisfy and retain our customers.
In this sector, where we have to meet the needs of increasingly demanding clients, we need to stay at the cutting edge of technology to remain competitive and maintain excellence. My role is therefore also to develop the skills of our teams, supporting them in technological developments to keep them motivated and guarantee their employability.
In this job, a scientific and human approach are both necessary and complementary. Understanding others, their motivating factors, their needs and their limits is key to helping them achieve their objectives.
Your strengths in this role?
My knowledge of Lean, an approach focused on process optimization and based on a pragmatic, hands-on approach, aims to create a culture of continuous improvement and get teams on board.
I enjoy teamwork, analysis, finding solutions and implementing them together jointly, as well as providing support when a change raises apprehension. I constantly strive to be fair, explain my decisions and have a transparent communication. Being honest, saying things tactfully allows teams to grow and maintain a healthy and productive work environment.
Mutual assistance, a value I hold dear, is essential for better management of my workshops. Through versatility, it allows us to be more flexible and therefore better manage workload peaks.
Past challenges, failures and disappointments?
I reoriented myself in preparatory classes because the course did not suit me. I had chosen the MP (Maths-Physics) stream, but the courses were too abstract for me. What suited me were Applied Mathematics and Physics. I still wanted to go to an engineering school. So, I went to university to get a degree in mechanics, and then joined an engineering school.
In each difficulty I encountered, I learned to know myself better and to find some levers to overcome them.
Best moments, successes you’re proud of?
I am passionate about craftsmanship and being able to serve it and improve its efficiency while preserving it is a real source of pride.
In my job, my best moments are mostly collective, when my team and I reach our goals, learn and grow together.
The year 2023 has been exceptional, and I am very proud of it. I was promoted to workshop manager, I married the man who has shared my life for 12 years and we had a little girl. Many projects were successfully completed at the same time and I managed to handle and fully experience them, with a lot of determination, support, organization and a good health.
People who helped, influenced -or made your life difficult?
My family, friends, especially my parents and my husband, have always supported me and helped me achieve my goals.
I would also like to mention my training supervisor Andrée-Anne Lemieux, who provided guidance and support throughout my internship at Cartier. Also and above all, Emmanuelle Aboulker, Richemont's Customer Service Director for France, who gave me my first permanent contract, developed my skills and my self-confidence through enriching, interesting and strategic assignments and by granting me her full trust.
In each of my professional experiences, I've always looked for a mentor figure, mostly female. I draw my inspiration from these women, combining career and motherhoods. My mentors have given me advice, passed on knowledge or helped me to step out of my comfort zone and think differently.
Your hopes and future challenges?
In the short term, to complete 2 major projects in the workshops I manage: the expansion of the jewelry workshop and the integration of a new technical process in the watchmaking workshops.
In the long term, to make a success of my career in the South of France, close to my family.
What do you do when you don’t work?
Now, I dedicate most of my free time to my 5-month-old daughter and my husband. And we take the time to share her awakening with our families in the South of France, where we go regularly.
Your heroes -from History or fiction?
One of my favorite heroines is Gabrielle Chanel. Her creative genius and innovative spirit have stood the test of time. Coco Chanel established herself as a major figure in the feminist movement, pioneering the questioning of conventions by introducing the first women's pants.
A saying or proverb you like in particular?
“I never lose, either I win or I learn.”- Nelson Mandela
A book to take with you on a desert island?
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
It offers a reflection on the essence of life, friendship and love. Its timeless, poetic tale evokes the magic of childhood and provides a perspective on the beauty and fragility of the world.
A message to young female professionals?
Don't be afraid of failure. We learn and grow through failure. So let's dare !
