Role Model
Amélie Vidal-Simi
“Go beyond your own doubts and just do it.”
| Business Unit: | Adhesives Technologies |
| Division: | Consumer Adhesives |
| Job title: | Country Manager |
Question 1
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted self-realization, without really knowing what it meant, and I wanted to do something meaningful. Now I realize that managing a team, helping people develop themselves has real meaning to me.
Question 2
What has motivated you to take on a position of high responsibility within Henkel?
The ability to make the difference. Always acting in such a way that the fact it is you in charge makes it special.
Question 3
What were the milestones in your career and are there people or circumstances that have favored your career?
Taking on the position of sales director – a real challenge – was a milestone. It was the first time a woman took the job, and I had to demonstrate to the team that I could make it. I was pregnant at the time, and I had the trust of my manager, who gave me the job anyway. It was a very rich experience both in terms of management and scope of responsibility.
Question 4
What is your advice to women seeking to build careers?
Go beyond your own doubts and just do it. Be 100% professional when you are at work and be 100% a mother when you are at home. If you are comfortable about the situation, then your children will be too. The rest is just organization (even if it is very demanding).