Why a career in tech?
I hesitated for a long time between my more hands-on passions, history, and technology. The succession of innovations in computing and engineering breakthroughs eventually convinced me. I also wanted to take part to those major changes in people's lives.
Your professional experience?
I pursued a scientific high school diploma while preparing for entrance exams to major business schools. Ultimately, my curiosity for aeronautics and its embedded systems led me to an integrated preparatory program at ESIEE Paris. In hindsight, I realize that this first year, focused on theory, did not align with my desire for real-world application. I transitioned to a technical program with a DUT (University Technical Diploma) in Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computing. During these two years, I finally understood the link between theory and reality, while thriving through the numerous hands-on projects in the curriculum. Re-energized, I completed my education with an engineering degree from INSA Lyon in the Electrical Engineering department, specializing in signal and image processing, and undertaking an exchange program at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea.
Your first experience with technology?
My first experience in tech happened right after my academic exchange in South Korea: a 6-month internship as a mobile game developer in a startup committed to addressing climate change. However, the experience that truly rooted me in tech and innovation was my final-year internship, which led to a full-time position at another Korean startup: Flamingo (Datamingo). We aimed to provide a tool for tracking, analyzing, and forecasting for franchises. I started as a data science intern, working on the sales forecasting module, and quickly took on the role of CTO (Chief Technical Officer). This exciting and enriching experience firmly anchored me in the world of innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
What do you do today, and why?
Currently, I lead the AI & Data Lab team within the IT Innovation division at Michelin. My team's mission is to support the company's departments in identifying and realizing opportunities around data utilization. In practice, I manage a team of about ten data scientists and oversee a portfolio of roughly thirty projects per year. Our activities are part of the group's transformation into a Data Company. We provide our colleagues with data and AI awareness and ideation sessions, helping them identify relevant and impactful use cases that require data exploitation. The team then addresses these needs by applying an exploratory methodology that combines design thinking and agility.
Your strengths in this role?
My data science skills, acquired through my previous positions, allow me to better understand my team and the challenges my peers face. This enables me to more effectively plan their workload on incoming projects, support them in problem-solving, and assist in framing tasks when needed. This knowledge of the field also helps me make better decisions regarding which technical directions to explore. Additionally, my experience in startups helps me bring a critical perspective to the topics we handle, allowing us to pivot and deliver maximum value in our work.
Par ailleurs, mes expériences en start-up m’aident à apporter un œil critique aux sujets qui nous sont soumis afin de pivoter et d’apporter le plus de valeur possible à nos réalisations.
Past challenges, failures and disappointments?
I certainly remember the major challenge of taking on the role of CTO right after graduating. It was a time filled with self-doubt about my legitimacy, decision-making, and skills.
Best moments, successes you’re proud of?
A recent success that I am particularly proud of is the achievement of the AI & Data Lab! I managed to turn a struggling team into a cohesive and dynamic group where everyone thrives while delivering value to the company
People who helped, influenced -or made your life difficult?
My loved ones encourage me to stay true to my values, trust myself, and give my best every day. Also, the Télémaque association, which believed in me at a crucial time in my life and helped me open up to the world.
Your hopes and future challenges?
AI is thriving, so I don't think I'll be lacking in challenges anytime soon! However, I want to focus on useful tech/AI rather than spreading myself thin on trendy gadgets.
What do you do when you don’t work?
After work, I return to my more hands-on passions: cooking, gardening, and DIY projects. I spend a lot of time on the house renovation projects I have underway. I love traveling, enjoying time with my loved ones, and spending time with the many animals I have at home. I also enjoy discovering the beautiful countryside mountains where I live whenever I can. With the remaining time, I escape into video games or spend hours hunting for treasures at flea markets.
Your heroes -from History or fiction?
It's hard to choose between the courage of women like Rosa Parks or Simone Veil and the interdisciplinary talent of Leonardo da Vinci.
A saying or proverb you like in particular?
Since I can’t bring myself to pick one, I'll give you two:
'Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.' – Albert Einstein.
'To know how to listen is to possess, in addition to one’s own, the brains of others.' – Leonardo da Vinci
A book to take with you on a desert island?
Literally a survival guide or an encyclopedia of fauna and flora.
A message to young female professionals?
Listen to your values and desires. Many paths lead to tech! It might not be the direction you’re taking today, and that’s not a problem but a strength.
