Marie Brochenin, ELS project leader, France

Marie Brochenin, ELS project leader, France
Years with AD
24
Attribute
Geek
Character
Empathic

 

What attracted you to your chosen work?  

 

I believe that continuous improvement is, above all, a human adventure. I enjoy working with teams, helping them identify problems, find solutions and implement improvement actions. I am convinced that working together is the best way to achieve the best results. 

What motivates me is seeing teams take ownership of the improvement processes and become actors of change. I like to support them in this transformation and help them develop their problem-solving skills.

 

What skills did you develop early that are still useful today?

 

I developed a keen sense of organisation and planning very early on. This skill is essential for effectively managing continuous improvement projects, defining priorities and following up on actions. Early in my career, I cultivated my ability to communicate clearly and concisely. This is crucial for explaining issues, mobilising teams and presenting the results of improvement projects. I learnt at a very young age to be autonomous and to take the initiative. These skills are essential for identifying problems, proposing solutions and implementing improvement actions.

 

How have you grown in your career at Avery Dennison?

 

Over the years, I have developed a more strategic vision of continuous improvement. I'm no longer satisfied with improving isolated processes; I align improvement projects with the company's strategic objectives. I'm able to understand the business challenges and propose solutions that create long-term value.

 

I started out working on small-scale projects. Today, I'm involved in larger transformation initiatives that significantly impact the whole organisation. I've learned to manage complexity and navigate constantly changing environments.

 

Marie Brochenin, ELS project leader, France
Marie Brochenin, ELS project leader, France

 

What's the biggest stretch opportunity you've taken on? 

 

I was the first woman to work night shifts in 2003 at the start-up of G4, following the law on women working at night promulgated by President Chirac in 2002.

 

Years later, I agreed to take charge of a continuous improvement project that had previously been abandoned due to technical difficulties and resistance to change. It was a real challenge, but I managed to re-mobilize the teams, simplify the approach and achieve significant results.

 

What role has mentorship played in your career?

 

I benefited from the mentoring of a senior leader who advised me on change management and communication with stakeholders. His advice was invaluable in bringing complex projects to a successful conclusion and getting buy-in from the teams.

 

What’s the best career decision you’ve ever made?

 

My best career decision was to embrace continuous learning and development. Early in my career, I realized that the technology and processes in our industry are constantly evolving. Instead of becoming complacent with what I already knew, I consciously tried to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. This meant taking advantage of every opportunity for training, attending workshops and conferences, and even pursuing further education on my own time.

 

Specifically, one pivotal moment was when I decided to specialize in ELS and data science. It was a bit of a risk at the time, as it was a relatively new area. However, I saw its potential and believed it would be crucial for the future of our company. I dedicated myself to mastering data, which ultimately led to me becoming the go-to person for it within our team. This significantly enhanced my career prospects and allowed me to contribute more effectively to the company's success.

 

 

What I enjoy most about my work is the tangible impact I can have on both our company's success and the lives of my colleagues.

 

As you think about the next steps in your career, what are the most important actions you plan to take?

 

As I look ahead, my focus is on three key areas: expanding my leadership skills, deepening my technical expertise in artificial intelligence, and actively contributing to fostering a more inclusive and supportive work environment.

 

Firstly, I plan to seek out opportunities to further develop my leadership abilities. This includes exploring mentorship programs, participating in leadership training workshops, and actively seeking out projects where I can take on more responsibility and guide teams. I'm particularly interested in developing my skills in conflict resolution or coaching. Strong leadership is crucial for driving innovation and creating a positive impact within the organization. 

 

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

 

Training and empowering people to make improvements and have new ideas in their daily jobs. What I enjoy most about my work is the tangible impact I can have on both our company's success and the lives of my colleagues. It's gratifying to see a project through from conception to completion and witness the positive results it brings. Pointing to something concrete and saying, "I played a role in making that happen," is a massive source of motivation for me.

 

Beyond the project-based accomplishments, I also genuinely enjoy the collaborative aspect of my work. I'm fortunate to work with a team of talented and supportive individuals, and I thrive on the energy and creativity that comes from working together towards a common goal. I particularly appreciate the opportunities to mentor and share my knowledge with others, and I find it incredibly fulfilling to see my colleagues grow and develop their skills. 

 

 

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