Discover the fascinating interview with Estelle Paratte, Marketing & Communication Project Manager at dbi services. She shares her diverse experiences, from her unexpected entry into marketing after studying geography, to her current role involving diversity, endurance, and global vision. Estelle also unveils her passions, advice for new recruits, ideal wishes, and admiration for her mentor Florence Porret, while offering a unique insight into Sequotech, a promising project. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how one transitions from mapping continents to mapping marketing strategies.
Can you generally explain your role, your missions and choose 3 words that describe them?
As a Marketing Project Manager, my role primarily revolves around managing various marketing projects focused on events. These projects encompass a wide range of events, from trade shows to support for internal events organized by the back office. My work spans from initial conception to the effective implementation of projects.
I am also responsible for employer branding. I closely collaborate with Justine Roth from Human Resources to ensure that our company is a place where people not only want to work but also to stay. Moreover, a significant part of my work involves coordinating various initiatives, always with a focus on employee well-being and showcasing the company's values.
To summarize my role and missions, I would choose three keywords:
- Diversity: Each day brings a variety of tasks, each unique, often requiring different approaches. This diversity makes my work stimulating and enriching.
- Endurance: The results of my work aren't always immediate. It often involves long-term projects that demand resilience and the ability to adapt quickly in case of unforeseen circumstances.
- Global vision: A crucial aspect of the job is maintaining an overview, somewhat like a satellite view. It allows me to understand how different tasks interconnect and ensures the overall project remains cohesive.
What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my work is simply being able to exchange ideas with my colleagues. I'm fortunate to work with many people I greatly appreciate, across different branches of our company. Their kindness makes each day more enjoyable.
Additionally, perhaps surprisingly, I particularly appreciate the challenge posed by complex IT projects because I don't initially possess a deep understanding of the subject. I love the feeling of constantly learning new things and developing myself.
If you had to give advice to new hires, what would it be?
It would be to truly embrace their early days in the company. Let's say entering a new professional environment is somewhat akin to starting school—a new stage in your life, filled with discoveries and learning. It's important to maintain that sense of wonder and curiosity, as it's what makes the experience special and enriching.
Furthermore, it's crucial to choose a company that aligns with your personal values. Whether you're seeking an ultra-cool corporate culture or an environment that stimulates your development, it's essential to work in a place where you believe in what you do. You must be in tune with your company in terms of ethics. In my opinion, that's the key to thriving and succeeding.
“Value early days, align with ethics, and stay curious”
What stands out most in your journey at dbi services?
What has stood out the most in my journey so far is the unconventional path I took to get here. Initially, I wanted to become a teacher, either in geography or English. I even studied geography with that goal in mind. However, I quickly realized that this path didn't seem to offer the future prospects I desired.
It was almost by chance that I entered the world of marketing, joining a watchmaking company in the Jura region where I'm originally from. This transition was significant because I discovered that marketing, at least a part of it, is primarily about storytelling and promoting ideas with the aim of changing mindsets.
A crucial aspect I've learned along my journey is that nothing ever unfolds exactly as planned. This realization led me to adopt a flexible and open approach, following the path that unfolds before me. I've embraced a 'work hard, play hard' mentality, emphasizing the balance between seriousness and fun, the ability to self-regulate, and the importance of being oneself while expressing different facets of my personality.
If you could put yourself in a colleague's shoes for a day, who would it be?
I'd be curious to share Pierre-Yves Bréhier's role for a day. The diversity of clients he interacts with and his way of managing these interactions intrigue me a lot. The idea of experiencing what it's like to have a 'CRM instead of a brain,' so to speak, seems like a unique experience (laughs).
If you had an Aladdin lamp, what wishes would you make?
My first wish would be to find a sustainable solution to the climate crisis. It's a source of anxiety not only for me but for future generations, and the idea of being able to contribute to a solution would be a true relief and a tremendous gift to the planet.
My second wish would be to have a house large enough to accommodate and support people in need. I'd like to create a space where I could offer support and hospitality to those going through tough times.
Finally, inspired by the Aladdin movie, my last wish would be to free the genie from the lamp (laughs). I find it quite beautiful and altruistic to wish for freedom for a being that has the power to grant all wishes.
Could you tell us few words about your passions?
My passions? They've diversified recently. For a long time, I mainly focused on my federal marketing diploma, which took up a significant part of my time and energy. But now, I have more free time to explore what truly interests me.
Firstly, I'd say learning in general. I enjoy discovering new things, whether in my professional field or in other areas. Literature is another of my great passions, especially English literature from the 17th to the 19th century. Authors like Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen have always fascinated me. I appreciate how their work reflects the evolution and awakening of a civilization and society. Moreover, I'm always on the lookout for new literary recommendations, especially works as part of my challenge to read a book from every country written by women.
What book would you recommend?
'Persuasion' by Jane Austen. This book has impacted me in multiple ways, going beyond its love story. It offers deep introspection into self-relationships and encourages a critical reading of society. It's not just a novel; it's a subtle societal critique and a quintessence of Austen's literary work. It sparks thoughts about social norms and personal challenges, making it a must-read in my eyes.
If you had to choose a mentor, who would it be?
If I had to choose a mentor, I would without hesitation choose Florence Porret. She stands out as the best boss I've ever had, thanks to her exceptional technical and human abilities. Her way of recognizing and valuing people's potential is incredible, and she personally helped me overcome my impostor syndrome. Her ability to see beyond appearances and encourage her collaborators is truly inspiring.
What do you think about Sequotech?
I consider Sequotech an extremely promising and inspiring project, offering a wide range of challenges and opportunities. Though we're still at the early stages, what I particularly appreciate is the plethora of opportunities it presents to approach tasks and ideas from different angles.
Furthermore, Sequotech stands out for its relational dynamics. There's a palpable energy and dynamism in how the team interacts and collaborates. This stimulating atmosphere not only fosters the exchange of ideas but also encourages everyone to bring their unique contributions. This makes the entire project not only exciting but also highly enriching on both personal and professional levels.