Marie Paturel was the first person to join the Webyn adventure as Head of Data and she is guiding the company towards ambitious artificial intelligence objectives.
Today, I had the chance to chat with her over coffee and get an overview of her inspiring journey, her strategies for reconciling professional and personal life, and her vision of inclusive and caring management. . After this interview, I can confidently say that Marie is an accomplished professional who has successfully navigated a complex world, as well as a real resource for Webyn.
How did you enter the world of Data Science? Why choose this professional path?
I began my academic career at INSA Lyon, with a specialization in Bioinformatics and Modeling. It was a very masculine environment. I have always had a strong interest in mathematics and solving complex problems, and Data Science allowed me to find a perfect balance between these two areas. My passion for finding solutions through data analysis naturally led me towards this professional path.
How do you approach management and lead your team, especially in a very dynamic environment like a startup?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my former and current managers, they adopt an approach really focused on support rather than simply giving direction. They taught me that it is important to focus on understanding the individual aspirations of each team member and ensuring that these are aligned with the company's goals. I like to favor open discussions to ensure that everyone feels supported and involved.
How can you support each member of your team, especially when they are very young?
I really try to identify the areas where they need the most support and I support them on the more complex technical aspects, while giving them enough autonomy so that they gain confidence. I want them to understand not only the “how” but also the “why” of their tasks. Young people often tend to jump straight into coding and technical aspects, without going through the preliminary phase of reflection and analysis. They also sometimes want to avoid what comes after, the documentation and communication that allows others to access and appreciate their work.
Have you found a professional/personal equilibrium? What are your support systems?
On the one hand, sport has played a crucial role in balancing my professional and personal life. As a handball athlete (five seasons at PSG), sport has always allowed me to disconnect and let off steam. Not even to mention the way my sporting experiences helped me develop values that are essential in the professional world, such as fighting and team spirit, or self-sacrifice. Since becoming a mother, remote working and flexible hours have been essential to maintaining this balance and finding a new one. Thanks to efficient organization and the understanding support of Vincent, the CEO of Webyn, I am able to manage my professional and family responsibilities. Having co-founders who care about the well-being of their employees and doing what you love makes things much easier.
Let's talk about motherhood. Has it influenced your career or had it had an effect on your approach to leadership and team management?
At Webyn, being a mother did not slow me down; again, the management here has an open and positive attitude towards parenthood. I found a flexible structure that supports family responsibilities. However, you have to fight so that this doesn't hold you back, because with motherhood, you have less time and more responsibilities outside of work, that's a fact. On the other hand, I believe that becoming a mother has made me more attentive and caring manager, especially towards the younger members of my team. I feel that this has strengthened my empathy and my understanding of the constraints of others.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to hold leadership positions in the tech industry?
I advise them to never give up and stay focused on their goals, even if sometimes they may doubt their abilities in the tech sector. There are more and more examples of women in tech, but the sector remains dominated by men. This is no reason to think that a woman cannot succeed in this industry nor that it should be more difficult for her to do so. It is important to continue to bring more diversity to this field and more unique perspectives. Despite imposter syndrome, you have to take the leap, assume the risk and believe in your skills.
Is there any advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
I wish I had been told to believe in myself more often, and not to hesitate to apply for job offers, even if I might feel underqualified at times. I regret not having taken more risks for fear of failure, and today I try to encourage other women to be increasingly daring. Never failing means never trying. We must learn to accept rejection and understand that we will make mistakes; This is the only way to reach the next level. There is no shame in that.