1. Can you take us back to the moment you decided not to “wait your turn” and instead take the lead in your space?
By nature, I have always been an independent and empowered woman. I didn’t really wait for my “turn”—I believed in myself and my own strength. This mindset has guided me throughout my career, allowing me to step into new roles, take on challenges, and lead with confidence. For me, leadership begins with trusting your abilities, embracing opportunities, and creating your own path.
2. What does power mean to you personally, and how has that definition evolved through your journey?
To me, power has never been about position or authority; it is not about “me.” Power is about bringing people together. It is about teamwork, empowerment, confidence, flexibility, adaptability, and agility.
I began my journey with Air France in 2001, and over the years, I have held leadership roles in France and across international markets. Often, being the first woman in the roles I took on, I learned that true influence does not come from a title, but from the trust you build and the way you uplift others.
Working with diverse teams and women from different cultures has shaped my understanding of leadership. I realised that power is as much about listening and understanding as it is about making decisions. It is about inspiring and creating an environment where people feel confident, valued, and empowered to contribute.
3. Every path has unseen challenges. What’s one obstacle you faced that shaped the leader you are today?
One of the most defining challenges in my career was during COVID-19, when I was posted as the Country Manager in Senegal. At the height of the crisis, we were responsible for organising the repatriation of French nationals in an extremely uncertain and high-pressure environment. Borders were closing, regulations were constantly changing, and emotions were running high.
It was a moment of great responsibility. Beyond the operational complexity, there was a human dimension—we were helping people return home during a global emergency. In that situation, I understood that leadership means stepping forward, staying calm, and offering reassurance to both your team and your customers.
That period taught me true resilience. I learned that in extreme situations, you must rely on teamwork, clear communication, and trust in the people around you. It strengthened my ability to make decisions under pressure and reminded me that strong leadership is about showing up with courage and guiding others steadily through uncertainty.
4. In a world that often tries to box women into roles, how have you carved out your own identity and voice?
I feel fortunate to work at Air France-KLM, where the culture is respectful, multicultural, and inclusive. The company encourages us to voice our opinions, contribute ideas, and challenge situations constructively.
I have often been the first woman to hold the positions I’ve held in Marseille, Senegal, Lebanon, and India. I stepped into roles where there hadn’t been a woman before. Being a pioneer in these markets was both a responsibility and an opportunity. It reflects not only my courage and sense of adventure, but also the trust the company placed in me by recognising my potential and considering me an asset.
This has allowed me to build my voice with confidence and authenticity and carve my own unique identity.
5. Was there a pivotal failure or setback that became a turning point in your growth? What did it teach you?
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when the Air France route to Lebanon was suspended in 2024 due to the geopolitical situation. It wasn’t a personal failure, but it was a very challenging professional situation. We had to manage a significant impact on customers. What concerned me most during that time was the safety and well-being of my team.
It was a period of uncertainty, but it also marked a turning point in my growth. With strategic thinking, collaboration and teamwork across multiple departments, both internally and externally. Together, we worked tirelessly to resume Air France at the first available opportunity.
When we finally achieved that, it was an incredibly powerful moment for me. It taught me resilience, the importance of teamwork, and the strength that comes from staying calm and solution-oriented in difficult times. Most importantly, it made me realise that with determination and the right support, you truly can climb any mountain.
6. Who are the women (or mentors) who have influenced your journey, and how have they impacted the way you lead or create?
For me, every woman is an inspiration. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with outstanding women across departments—from engineering to airport operations—who handle complex challenges with skill and grace. What inspires me most is their incredible ability to multitask: balancing professional responsibilities with home and family life while remaining committed, focused, and motivated.
I feel especially fortunate to work in an organisation where women lead at the highest levels. At Air France–KLM, we are proud to have strong women at the helm. Florence Parly, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, Air France–KLM Group, Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, and Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, demonstrate what inclusive leadership looks like at the highest level. Their presence inspires women across the Group to lead with confidence, empathy, and strength.
I have been fortunate to meet and work with remarkable women in every country where I’ve worked, across Africa, France, Lebanon, the Netherlands, and now India, where I am proud to lead an incredible team of deeply committed and inspiring women. I cannot name them all, but each has contributed to my journey. Being part of this global community of dynamic, driven women has shaped the way I lead: with collaboration and empathy rather than competition.
7. What change are you most proud of driving, whether in your industry, community, or within yourself?
I feel lucky to be in India at a time of strong momentum in the aviation sector and growing focus on Indo-French relations. India is a strategic market for Air France-KLM, and we currently operate over 50 weekly flights from four key cities: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.
India is a huge market, full of opportunities and choices, and has seen positive performance in terms of load factors and forward bookings.
I’m proud of this progress. We drive this together as a passionate, dedicated team where everyone inspires and supports each other. Our focus is to continue enhancing the customer experience, advancing sustainability initiatives, and strengthening our footprint in India!
8. For the next generation of women looking up to you, what is one piece of advice you’d give them about owning their space and taking the lead?
My advice to the next generation of women is to believe in yourself and your own strength truly. When you trust your instincts and have confidence in your abilities, you are empowered to make the best decisions for yourself and for others. India today offers immense opportunities, and it’s inspiring to see more women stepping forward and making their mark across industries.
Invest in your growth—master your craft, keep learning, and take care of your physical and mental well-being. Don’t shy away from challenges; embrace them. Mistakes are not setbacks; they are lessons that shape resilience and wisdom. Remember, nothing is impossible when you are committed and authentic in your journey.