I'm lucky enough to work in a professional environment that allows me to make a living from my passion by combining several roles: assessor, trainer, coach and the role of project manager. I'm also a happily married and mother of 3 young children.
What is your unique approach as a coach to ensure your coachee achieves goals?
Every coach has his or her own coaching style, and a key element in successful coaching is the ‘click’ between the coach and the coachee. It is therefore essential that the coachee can choose his or her coach, and that the coach also has the flexibility to refuse an assignment if necessary. My training in psychology certainly influences my coaching. What's essential in my approach is to place the human being at the centre, focusing on ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’, while ensuring that the coachee takes responsibility for his or her own progress. This requires the coach to listen attentively and be present, offering the coachee a safe space in which to take a step back from the way he or she operates and the way he or she thinks. Of course, it also requires the use of specific coaching methods that meet the coachee's objectives.
Why have you been doing assessment centres for years with such passion and care for the candidate? How do you approach this?
I've been an assessor for more than 20 years and I never get tired of the role because it allows me to get to the very core of how people function by looking at the various facets that influence them. What I like about it is that it requires methodological rigour while paying attention to the human aspect and the quality of relationships. We can't understand the people taking part in an assessment if we don't connect with them. This job probably responds to my passion as a psychologist for analysing human functioning and my need to ensure that this experience is rich and constructive for the candidate. I want them to leave an assessment day having gained in self-knowledge or self-awareness and certainly not feeling that they have lost anything.
How have you seen HR and competence management change over the past few years?
In terms of skills management, the challenges of finding candidates and retaining talent within organisations have led the HR world to question itself and move in the right direction, with greater flexibility in candidate profiles, more attention to people and their drivers and potential. Support for development is at the centre of the focus. The fit with the organisation needs to be taken into account. It's a great development, more human and balanced between candidates and organisations.
Artificial Intellegence is increasingly finding its way into HR processes and soon at Quintessence too. How do you look at integrating AI into the way you work and what are you looking forward to?
I see artificial intelligence as a powerful enabler of HR processes, if it is used and managed properly, ensuring that the technology supports but does not replace the human element. I can't wait for us to integrate it as a technological support. AI will enable us to save time, get down to basics and concentrate on the activities where we have real added value in terms of our work as HR consultants.
You are the only French-speaking senior colleague at Q, how do you make sure you stay engaged as a great colleague?
As a colleague who has been with the organisation for many years, I'm keen to support all my colleagues, whether they're interns, associates or freelancers. I have a strong sense of belonging, I enjoy sharing my expertise, supporting colleagues on projects and also providing a pleasant and calm working environment by emphasizing respect, collegiality, goodwill and informal relationships.
How would you describe Quintessence as an organisation and an employer?
Quintessence is an organisation that strives for excellence in its field of expertise. Methodological rigour is essential, as is attention to the human element, which makes for a very rich and comprehensive approach to our activities. The philosophy that drives us is to co-create and co-build both within the organisation and with our partners. As an employer, Quintessence is both demanding and attentive to its employees. It expects commitment and a sense of responsibility from the people who work for it, and is mindful of the talents of its employees, with a view to enabling people to grow and develop in roles that allow them to fulfil their potential. Autonomy, collegiality and the assumption of individual and collective responsibility are hallmarks of the organisation.
What are your (professional) resolutions?
My resolutions for 2025 are to continue to strive for excellence while having fun in the activities I'm passionate about, with a view to contributing to the development of people and organisations and to my own professional development.
Describe your most favourite Hermes foulard 😊
This question is funny because I'm a huge fan of Hermes scarves, I inherited them from my mother. It's hard to choose one, I like the ones with the sparkling colours, the ones that are like fireworks that bring a good mood.
