2021 AUTOMOTIVE NEWS EUROPE RISING STARS

What was your first automotive job and why were you interested in the industry?
I started as managing director of PSA Group's Free2Move Services. My job was to create an innovative public charging solution to support the launch of EVs from brands such as Peugeot and Citroen. I became interested in automotive because it's one of the only industries today that is going through many changes simultaneously. That includes adapting to new customer expectations from ownership to usage, the move to EV technology and to fast-changing distribution channels. I thought it would be exciting to be a disruptor from the inside. Turns out that I was right.

Your greatest achievement?
It might sound mundane but finding the right balance between my career and my family is an everyday challenge. It's only possible with the support of the entire family, including my husband. Professionally, I have had the incredible opportunity to dive deeply into several industries and each time I managed to become "one of the guys." That feels great. Passion is contagious.

What was your biggest failure and what did it teach you?
After 15 years with online retailer vente-privee (now Veepee) I wanted to join another startup at the beginning of its journey. In just a few days I realized this wasn't for me. Although I consider myself very adaptable, the company's culture and I just didn't mesh. I needed a challenge that would suit me. This experience, however, taught me that I needed to be both comfortable and efficient.

What is your current challenge at work?
I'm in charge of e-commerce for Stellantis which includes selling cars completely online, which is a wonderful challenge.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
If you don't understand what someone is talking about, it's probably not because you are not skilled enough or dumb. It might be because something is fishy. Do your homework and ask the experts to simplify.

What advice would you give to a person considering a career in the auto industry?
Keep it simple. You will meet amazingly skilled, dedicated, passionate people. Bring your own fresh perspective to this industry.

What job do you really want to have in the future?
Any position where I can have an impact and still learn new things on a daily basis.

What do you do to relax?
I go shopping. I also like to cook and, of course, to eat.

What is your dream location to live?  
It really depends on the time of day. I love the excitement big cities offer during the day. However, in the evening I often long for a home where it's quiet and the commute is short. On weekends I really would love to be by the sea. Can I get all that in one place, please?

What is your favorite driving song?
In the morning I like to listen to "Sandman" by Metallica. At night I prefer something more relaxed such as "Unfinished Sympathy" by Massive Attack.

What was your favorite road trip and why?
As a family we once drove in a convertible from Miami to Key West on U.S. 1. It was such a smooth and relaxing trip. The sunsets were amazing. It was the best family trip ever.

What was your first car?
A blue Austin Metro that looked like a little fridge. I needed both hands to shift into reverse. I loved it. This car meant freedom to me.

Current car?
A Peugeot 5008, which is a bit out of character for me because I get a bit nervous driving and parking big cars in the city but this one is amazingly easy to park.

If you were a car, which one would you be?
Sadly, Wonder Woman doesn't have a car, she has a plane, so I would probably be the Batmobile. I also would want the car to have the same ability as Mary Poppin's purse. It should look small on the outside but have magical powers so I could fit the entire family as well as have room for all the stuff we don't need but still want to take along.