What is your current
role, and your connection with WiFA?
I am currently the Head of Sustainable Finance for ENEA, a French boutique
consulting company focused on energy transition growth strategies for corporate
and financial players.
I first connected with WiFA a few years ago, whilst working for a large
American asset manager, thanks to an introduction made by Benedict Nolens.
Since then, I was involved in the panel presenting the economic outlook of 2019
and I had the chance to share my experience with several members of WiFA during
networking events or within the program “Ten Thousand Coffees”.
Why and how do you support WIFA?
WiFA offers an invaluable network for women of all backgrounds within the
financial sector to connect and share their experiences and knowledge. I recall
a WiFA event back in 2018 where I was captivated by two extremely different
stories – one shared by a CEO of a bank on her business and challenges, and one
from a well-known doctor in maternity about the hidden trauma faced by some of
our co-workers due to their pregnancies (miscarriages, stillborn children,
struggles as new mothers…).
I never thought that I would be part of a pro-female professional network, but
it provides a real opportunity for individuals to open up and share their
experiences. I try to support WIFA whenever I can by meeting members or
presenting in events on topics related to the announced/needed shift of the
financial industry towards greener opportunities.
What accomplishment you are most proud of in shifting the gender diversity/
empowering women in achieving their full professional potentials?
I am extremely proud of one of my last interns who has been promoted in one of
the leading asset management company and has the possibility to pursue the
amazing career that she deserves. Have she been male intern I would have been
equally proud, but I know that it can be more challenging as a woman in finance
to get on the right track, so I am happy to have been part of her journey.
Tell us one thing that is important for #CreatingTheWorkforceOfTheFuture
Remain in the status quo or become open-minded and flexible? There is a real
challenge for financial and corporate players to evolve with the rapidly
changing world of today. Adaptation is key to be successful or even to survive.
The market pledges to become smarter and more sustainable sounds great on paper
but the actionable steps required can be extremely complex to integrate into
businesses with a short-term vision. Creating the workforce of the future will
mean leading companies must break some preconceived ideas, shake their top
management, and open their doors to different profiles of managers or
co-workers. This encompasses women, but also men who may want to take paternity
leaves without being ashamed of it, a new generation of people with different
views on flexible hours/working environment, and employees that aspire to be
part of a meaningful project/company with long-term commitments.
What advice would you give to women who want to advance their career?
“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do
it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”, a quote from Richard Branson
that should be applied by all women who have 80% of the capacity to apply for a
position but focus on the 20% gap. Society is evolving towards equality of
opportunities but we should not blame men for grabbing opportunities when they
exist. The market looks for female talents and it is up to each of us to
capitalize on the opportunity and open the door for others.
