The Women of Future Mobility with Ségolène Battandier

Welcome to The Women of Future Mobility, where I interview some of the most intellectual, creative and inspiring female leaders in future mobility. Here you will find insightful knowledge for up-and-coming leaders in the industry and I couldn't think of a better guest to share their journey.

Today I am joined by Ségolène B. Head of Customer Project Management at Exotrail . A big thank you to Ségolène for her time and for providing some amazing insight.

Charting New Horizons: Ségolène's Aerospace Odyssey

Ségolène's journey in aerospace began in 2012 as an Aerodynamics Engineer at what is now known as Ariane Group, a leading manufacturer in the aerospace industry. Starting in the design office, she transitioned to launch operations, gaining valuable insights into launcher development and operation processes. Over eight years, Ségolène played a pivotal role in the development and operation of launchers, overseeing crucial tasks such as final loading and control center operations.

Transitioning to a new chapter, Ségolène embarked on a venture with Exotrail, a startup focused on deep tech innovations. Joining the company when it had just 30 employees, she witnessed its exponential growth to 180 employees within three years. In her role, she delved into electric propulsion for satellites, exploring new technical frontiers and taking on responsibilities as  responsible for propellant management systems. As the company evolved, so did her role, leading her to project management where she handled customer relations and system engineering.

With each transition, Ségolène embraced new challenges and opportunities for growth, demonstrating her adaptability and passion for exploration. Her journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in aerospace, showcasing the possibilities for women in the industry and the importance of seizing opportunities for continuous learning and advancement. As she looks ahead to the future, Ségolène's story exemplifies the resilience and determination of women shaping the future of mobility in Space.

Navigating Leadership: Ségolène's Key Attributes

1. Curiosity and Willingness to Step Out of the Comfort Zone: Ségolène attributes a significant part of her success to her inherent curiosity and her constant desire to explore new horizons. Recognizing the need to challenge oneself and avoid complacency, she emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries and seeking continuous growth.
2. Interest in People and Self-awareness: Another essential skill in Ségolène's leadership journey is her genuine interest in people and her commitment to fostering meaningful connections. She acknowledges the value of self-awareness and the recognition that one does not possess all knowledge, emphasizing the importance of learning from others and being open to diverse perspectives. Despite coming from a technical background, Ségolène has learned over the years the significance of interpersonal skills and their impact on professional growth.
3. Confidence and Overcoming Self-Doubt: Despite grappling with self-doubt, Ségolène underscores the necessity of projecting confidence, even in moments of uncertainty. She acknowledges the prevalent challenge of self-doubt among women in male-dominated industries but advocates for the "fake it till you make it" approach. Drawing from personal experiences of familial support, she reflects on the origins of self-doubt and aims to empower others to overcome such barriers to success.

From Rocket Launches to Team Growth: Ségolène's Proudest Professional Moments

Ségolène's professional achievements reflect both tangible accomplishments and the intangible rewards of team growth and development. While launching rockets stands out as a rare and gratifying experience, she finds equal pride in nurturing her team's progress and autonomy. Witnessing her team members thrive and recognize her as a dependable leader brings her immense satisfaction. Transitioning to Exotrail, Ségolène was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to a small but innovative team, where she could play a pivotal role in shaping the organization's trajectory. As the team at Exotrail evolves and flourishes, Ségolène finds fulfillment in the collective energy and camaraderie that fuel their shared goals and aspirations. Her journey underscores the significance of both personal achievements and the growth and cohesion of the teams she leads.

Unlocking Success through Diversity: Ségolène's Perspective

In Ségolène's view, diversity and inclusion play pivotal roles in fostering success within a company. She highlights how gender diversity brings about varied perspectives, tones, and energies in discussions and decision-making processes. Ségolène emphasizes that the sensitivity and approaches between men and women differ, thus creating a balanced and enriched environment for problem-solving and customer management. Moreover, she underscores the collaborative and innovative potential inherent in diverse teams, advocating for increased representation of women, particularly in technical roles, as part of the company's objectives for a more inclusive future.

Inspiring Innovation: Ségolène's Creative Project Management

Ségolène fosters innovation and creativity within her team by providing a structured yet open environment where team members are encouraged to contribute their ideas and perspectives. As a project manager, she recognizes the importance of creativity in problem-solving and decision-making processes. To encourage this, she facilitates collaborative sessions where team members collectively brainstorm and co-create solutions. For example, when developing a skill metrics framework for project management, Ségolène and her team engage in co-working sessions, utilizing whiteboards to visualize their ideas and discuss how to tailor the framework to fit the team's needs effectively. Additionally, Ségolène promotes a culture of open communication, where team members are empowered to ask questions, propose alternative approaches, and suggest new tools or methods. By fostering an environment where creativity is valued and diverse perspectives are welcomed, Ségolène empowers her team to explore innovative solutions and continuously improve their processes.

Empowering Growth: Ségolène's Mentorship and Coaching Strategy"

1. Sharing Experience and Providing Guidance: Ségolène believes in sharing her past experiences, especially challenging moments that could have hindered goal achievement. With a team comprising mostly newcomers, she offers practical examples from her space industry background to illustrate concepts effectively.
2. Dedicated Individual Development: Through weekly one-on-one meetings, Ségolène dedicates significant time to each team member's growth. These sessions allow her to delve into their weekly progress, identify challenges, celebrate achievements, and offer concrete assistance tailored to their needs.
3. Transitioning to Managerial Leadership: Recognizing the evolving needs of her role, Ségolène anticipates a shift from project management to a more managerial position in the future. She prioritizes fostering a supportive environment conducive to individual and team development, laying the groundwork for effective leadership.
4. Personal Journey and Mentorship Impact: Ségolène reflects on her own journey, acknowledging the pivotal role of a dedicated coach in building her confidence and skill set. She emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship in empowering individuals to realize their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their teams.

Breaking Barriers: Ségolène's Advice for Women in Aerospace

Ségolène encourages aspiring female professionals not to let the male-dominated environment deter them from pursuing their dreams. She emphasizes the importance of trying despite perceived challenges, asserting that every attempt is a valuable learning experience. Rather than viewing setbacks as failures, she advocates for embracing them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

She advises maintaining curiosity and confidence, highlighting the potential for positive outcomes and personal development. Ségolène shares her own experience of overcoming initial resistance from relatives to pursue her ambitions, underscoring the significance of prioritizing personal fulfilment over external concerns.

Furthermore, Ségolène stresses the importance of seeking diverse perspectives and experiences when making decisions. She suggests reaching out to others for advice and learning from their journeys, allowing individuals to form informed opinions and make choices aligned with their aspirations.

Ultimately, Ségolène's message resonates with a sense of optimism and empowerment, urging women to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience, even in the face of self-doubt or external scepticism. She hopes that her words will inspire others to embrace their potential and forge their own paths in the aerospace industry.