What was the most pivotal moment in your career that shaped who you are today?

My first manager back at Nespresso took a big bet on me, even though I didn’t have the typical profile for the role and I came from another country. He handed me a contract and gave me his trust. It pushed me to prove—twice over—that you can succeed without ticking every conventional box. That experience shaped how I lead today: By mentoring others in the same way and by staying open to all kinds of talent and backgrounds. Most importantly, it’s important to understand that putting your trust in people will empower them and give them autonomy to be their own experts. I believe that one chance is all it takes to pivot someone’s career and I always remind myself about how much power there is in having someone truly believe in you. Now, I try to be that person for someone else. 

What’s one piece of career advice you received that stuck with you?

“Don’t rush the process—trust it.” That advice came to me early on in my L’Oreal days, and it’s grounded me through my career. Growth, whether personal or professional, is rarely linear, and sometimes in your career, you have to accept that taking a lateral move or a trampoline rebound will make you go even higher and reach further. I’ve learned that timing is everything, and what sometimes feels like a sense of urgency or a detour often becomes the most defining part of the journey. This helped me stay patient when the outcome isn’t immediately visible. 

What’s your favorite interview question to ask when judging a candidate?

“Tell me something that’s not on your résumé.” I’m always curious to get to know the person behind the role—what they love, what drives them. Culture and personal fit matter just as much to me as experience or credentials. Sometimes the most impactful parts of someone’s story aren’t on paper—they show up in who they are. That question always opens the door to unexpected human moments and says a lot about how a person describes themselves beyond a one pager CV. 

How do you approach making tough decisions?

I try to zoom out and ground the decision in values and long-term impact. I lean on trusted people around me to get different perspectives especially when emotions or stakes are high. I also try to give myself space to reflect, and turn the issue over in my head from different angles trying to put on different thinking hats before landing on the right path forward. Sometimes it’s about balancing gut instinct with logic, which takes time and trust in your own judgment. It’s never easy, but I’ve found that when I stay true to what really matters, it facilitates the process. 

What’s a daily habit that helps you stay focused?

My mornings start with family. I dedicate time to my daughter and stay fully present until she’s out the door for school. That routine fills my emotional bucket before the day kicks into high gear. It helps me lead with purpose instead of reacting to everything coming at me. I also try to take five quiet minutes before opening my laptop, just to set a mental tone. That small buffer makes a big difference in how I show up throughout the day. 

What’s one thing you do to get away from work?

Yoga is my reset button. Even 30 minutes on the mat helps me recharge and quiet the noise. It’s how I carve out space for calm in the middle of the chaos. It gives me a sense of grounding, especially on the busiest days. I walk away feeling lighter, more centered, and more present for both work and my family. 

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