Growing up between London and Paris, Louise studied history and English literature at the Sorbonne (in Paris) and the University of Edinburgh (in Scotland). She worked for four years for HCL Technologies, in India, before completing her MBA at INSEAD (in France). Today, Louise is the European sales optimization manager at Braintree, a subsidiary of PayPal. In November, she will participate in the Career Beyond Borders seminar, in London, as a speaker.
We met Louise between two business mother daughter trips and asked her how languages, a taste for travel and curiosity had helped her during her career.
LOUISE, YOU HAVE STUDIED HISTORY AND LITERATURE AND NOW YOU WORK AS A EUROPEAN SALES OPTIMIZATION MANAGER; HOW DID IT HAPPEN?
I have always believed that education does not determine an individual’s profession – that it does not dictate a professional life. I’ve always been interested in literature and history, and I’ve always read a lot, so I knew that was the kind of study I wanted to pursue. However, at the same time, I understood I would not become a writer or a historian; So, so it was very early on, around the age of 16, that I started taking numerous courses in London and Paris.
My life was already anchored in the business world, and I started working quickly after my studies. This is also the reason why I took my MBA – I knew that I would need more theoretical and fundamental skills. I studied very abstract subjects, so these internships were particularly practical, and I developed a lot of technical skills there – working for banks, for example. Taking internships is a great way to really learn how to behave in the corporate world.
WHAT HAVE YOU TAKEN FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE STUDYING AND LIVING ABROAD?
Living and studying abroad taught me to listen before I speak. I adapt very quickly to new cultures and thrive in international contexts. I like working with multicultural and diverse teams and when I manage a project, I know how to bring people together, so that everyone can benefit from the different origins and nationalities present. When I worked in India for four years, I learned to be flexible, show patience, and adapt to new cultures. I realized that there was always a solution to everything.
HOW HAS YOUR COSMOPOLITAN JOURNEY HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Obviously, it’s a great icebreaker in interviews, but it’s also helped me a lot in terms of leadership – international stories are always very interesting. In my everyday life, my international experiences have really helped me to collaborate with teams. They have positively changed my behavior at work. An international experience can only be positive: it makes you more mature and more open.
WHAT SUGGESTION WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A JOB?
Of course, it always depends on the context and our background, but, at the beginning of our search and during our first jobs, we are always a bit scared and believe it is better to work for a known brand or to have a job that will the best effect on our CV. I really don’t think that’s the case. I think that mindset has really changed, and recruiters are looking for people who have worked in a variety of roles.
Recruiters want to see people – as cliche as that sounds – doing what they love and what interests them, rather than just working for a big company, because that would make their resume stand out. Do what you feel like doing. And you know what? Do your best to go abroad. Having such an experience is so important, especially at a young age; on the one hand, you will draw many lessons from it, and, on the other hand, you will return from your best mother daughter trip having developed a maturity that many young people your age will not have.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGES IN TODAY’S WORLD OF WORK?
I do work in London for an American company, so we all can speak English; but even before, when I did work in India, the whole thing was in English. Speaking several languages definitely helps – I always have privileged relations when I work with a French team. However, one cannot speak all the languages of the world. So first and foremost it is important to speak English very well. Not only to speak, but also to think in English. Without translation and, of course. To joke in English – this is what allows you to understand that you have indeed mastered a language!
LONDON IS A VERY COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT. DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO WORK IN A BIG CITY?
I would advise anyone to live in a big city once in a lifetime. Even if you don’t know how long you’ll be there, make sure you take full advantage of it. Try to embrace the city as much as you can – through work, personal life, and also networking opportunities. Big cities present many networking opportunities. Some people think that living in a big city must be very difficult, I appreciate that; I find that fantastic. Just look at all the positives big cities have to offer – even if they can feel oppressive at times. Be happy, keep an open mind and realize how fortunate you are to live in a big city!
