In the second interview in our series for International Women’s Day, we interview Ophélie Cantin, Marketing Manager at Spanish Travel Agency in Mallorca.
My name is Ophélie, I’m 30 years old, I’m from France and I’ve been living in Mallorca for 7 years. I am responsible for a marketing team in an online travel agency. I work in coordination with the other departments to contribute to achieving the overall objectives of my company. I am responsible for creating and implementing the marketing plan and defining the strategy with a complete vision of the market and competitors. I am in charge of planning and managing the marketing actions in my department. In short, my job is to lead the department and connect our strategy with the rest of the company. In addition to keeping up to date with the tools and innovation that are generated in Marketing so we never miss any opportunity.
1. What do you think about digital marketing and how it will change in the future?
It is one of the industries of the future. Right now, one third of all the advertising spent worldwide is online. And with digitalisation, this number is only growing. It seems to me that this sector is one of the most open to accepting women in positions of responsibility. Marketing is constantly evolving and adapting, or rather reflecting the behaviour of our society. So, it gives me a lot of hope for the coming years for women in the digital marketing industry. There are plenty of opportunities, for all kinds of profiles!
2. What challenges have you faced as a woman in your career and how have you overcome them?
Marketing is an industry with many women. I have never encountered any difficulties or discrimination in passing professional interviews or getting a job in marketing. I am lucky to work for a company with superiors who do not discriminate against me because of my gender and value talent above all else. 18 months after starting as a marketing executive for the French market, I was put in charge of hiring, training and leading two people in my department (with the corresponding salary increase) and one year later, leading the entire marketing team in this same department.
When I started, there were times when I was the only woman in a meeting room with 20 men (and I’m sure I was the only one to realise the rarity of that situation). Almost 4 years later, in my department, there is one woman for every two men. In a company with a very strong focus on technology (which still a very male-dominated sector), I think that’s quite an achievement.
Even so, in general, there is still a lot of work to be done to achieve equality in the most senior positions of many companies. I have experienced throughout my career, like most women, biases in the workplace, such as, men interrupting me when I am talking, mansplaining, innocent teasing about my emotional state, etc. These things may look innocent on the outside but have a deeper meaning behind them.
3. How did you break the glass ceiling in your working life?
By working hard, having clear objectives and not doubting that I can achieve it. It is also important to rely on people who can lift you up in the company. In my case, I am lucky to have always been able to count on my superiors. They support and encourage me and help me to grow. But I still have a lot more to achieve!
4. What advice would you give to a young woman trying to get a job like yours?
Try to be confident, don’t be afraid to say what you think is the right thing to do and don’t backdown. There is a lot of behaviour that makes women think they don’t deserve their job, which is not true. We have to value ourselves much more. There is no shame in having ambition. Finally, something that applies to anyone regardless of gender, but I think is important, is to have a great desire to learn, transmit, be curious and proactive.
5. How important is it for women to support each other and what does that mean for you?
It’s the most important thing! There is a misconception (which may be true) that women are competitive and jealous of each another, but that has never been my philosophy. For me, it is natural to consider woman’s interests and I am the first to rejoice in the achievements of a female friend or a co-worker! It fills me with satisfaction when a woman succeeds professionally. The more of us there are, the easier it will be for the next generation of women to break into more senior positions.
