Women in EA: Interview with Véronique Destruel
Véronique Destruel, Europ Assistance’s new Group Chief Human Resources and Organization, spent nearly a decade as the Head of Organization and Transformation with Generali France, leading strategic projects designed to transform operational and business models, as well as general reorganizations and HR transformation initiatives.
WHY ARE WE CELEBRATING #BEBOLDFORINCLUSION?
Because our people are the core and the heart of our company. No matter their gender, culture or background, they are the key to our success. That’s why we need to make sure women – and other groups too – thrive in the workplace, help innovate and grow our business. This campaign continues to raise awareness and help spur the professional development of women in the workplace.
ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, CAN YOU SHARE AN ASPECT OF THIS TOPIC THAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF GENERALI AND EUROP ASSISTANCE?
I’m glad that Generali and now EA gave me the chance to meet with a lot of challenges during my career path. I was given the opportunity to participate in several group development programs, especially the Lioness Acceleration Program focused on women development. My diverse experiences and trainings really helped me grow and explore different ways of working and transforming behaviors at a profound level. Talent management unquestionably plays a key role here: talent diversity is key to fostering innovation and making a valuable contribution within the company.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A YOUNG WOMAN OR MAN APPLYING FOR A JOB IN EUROP ASSISTANCE DURING THIS CHALLENGING PANDEMIC?
I would tell her to dare. I would say, ‘Be aware. Be authentic. Brand yourself’. Get out of your comfort zone and take the driver seat! Don’t ever let yourself forget that every development path is unique, you are unique. You own your own career.’The Covid-19 crisis is a tsunami from a health, social and economic point of view. But, we should all bear in mind that every crisis brings opportunity. This crisis is pushing us to change our way of thinking, acting and working. We are forced to be more flexible, more digitalized, more innovative, more inclusive and more caring. These are going to influence the way we work all together in the future. The ‘new normal’ will have to be different: hybrid, efficient, people and trust oriented …. Be ready to take advantage of it!