At the occasion of World day for Women’s rights 2024, discover Chloe and Daphnee, 2 of Ciel & Terre’s women, and their answers to question about their experience and about equality. Discover their portraits below! Stay tuned for more to come…
Can you explain your background?
Chloe
I have started my journey in the marketing world with a master degree in Marketing and Communication that I obtained at the IAE of Lille. At first, I worked for Orange, as trainee for a year. Then, I joined the Home Improvement Company, Kingfisher where I worked as Brand Manager during 3 years before joining Ciel & Terre in June 2020 as Head of Marketing and Communication.
Daphnee
Firstly, I’ve obtained an Engineering Diploma in Chemistry and carried out my last internship in a small company processing polymer, in which I’ve been then hired for one year. Then, I applied spontaneously to Ciel & Terre in 2009 with the desire to work for the environment. As first role, I joined the design office as Project Manager to set up rooftop solar power plant projects in France.
Two years later, C&T switched to floating solar energy, therefore I also switched to other missions and occupied different positions over the years, from coordinating project and R&D teams to prioritising studies, to quality management. I also managed the recruitment for a time, then setting up various tools and models, drawing up standard contracts… My objective has always been to balance the internal structuring issues of a growing and internationalising company with my ability to lead projects from scratch when the challenge arises.
Could you please explain your current job within Ciel & Terre?
Chloe
I’m Head of Corporate Marketing and Communication for and I manage a great team of 3 persons. My work is quite diversified and that’s what I like. For instance, I take care of web, digital, print, events etc. For this reason, I’m never bored as the scope of topics is quite wide. Every day is different! Actually, what is extremely motivating about working at C&T is that you can fulfil your ideas and take charge of your projects. The company is very open to new ideas and encourage innovation and creation.
Daphnee
Today, I am Deputy director of Ciel & Terre Products & Services division. In brief, with my colleague Stéphane, we complete each other to oversee the good strategic & operational management of the activities in our different business areas. I’m in charge of Europe, Japan and the USA, while Stéphane works with Taiwan, India and supervises our R&D activities. Previously I was Contract Manager, dealing with the legal and contractual aspects of Ciel & Terre’s activities in Europe, and for the subsidiaries from time to time. Likewise, my job implies to protect Ciel & Terre’s interests by identifying the risks and opportunities of a contract. I’m also involved in the good reporting and consolidation of data, to get global vision of resources and projects, in order to facilitate strategic management at the C&T group level.
How do you contribute at your scale to make the world a bit more sustainable and/or how would you like to?
Chloe
In my point of view, consumption is one of the easiest lever that we can adjust. For example, I used to buy a lot of clothes without really paying attention to their country of origin neither the materials used. I have considerably changed this behaviour since couple of years, considering the deplorable conditions – human and environmental – in which some clothes are made. Then in my everyday life, I buy essentially local and seasonal products, enjoying what each season bring to us, along with trying to avoid overpacking products. In addition, I also favour public transport or bike (for short trips! I’m not getting ready for the Tour de France).
Daphnee
Above all, I believe that equality between women and men is a key factor for a more sustainable world. Not only on a personal level but also on our professional environment. That’s why I make sure that in my daily work I can evolve on an equal footing with my male colleagues.
Can you mention a challenge which you overcame and how you did?
Chloe
I always wanted to learn snowboarding despite I found quite hard to understand the basis, the right position or just to stand-up. I overcame these difficulties, and never stopped trying, getting up, falling again (and again and again) until I made it. Accordingly, it is with the same attitude that I always try to overcome challenges in general. Obviously, It’s not an easy mindset to carry, but at least I can’t regret not trying.
Daphnee
I remember being in charge of checking the quality control system implemented by one of our supplier in his factory. At the beginning of my visit, the male factory staff did not really consider me seriously. But as my audit progressed, my questions and comments showed them my skills for this task. In this situation, as in many other experiences I have had, it was the quality of my work that allowed me to be seen at my true value.
What would you say to women who would like to join an industry which is mostly a male environment?
Chloe
I would say “There is always a 1st, so dare to become the one”. There is no reason to limit ourselves to doing something we are interested in because of some prejudices still in place. We should go over these statements and follow what we want to do and become. Little by little, this will lead to a balance. I’m convince that diversity brings always better ideas and great achievements. So do what makes you happy and proud!
Daphnee
My advice is to remain authentic and factual. Building simple relationships and staying focused on the results is the right attitude to work in confidence and to demonstrate how skilful we are!
