Hélène Draoulec ─ new age tech marketing leader with social and environmental impact in mind.
January 26, 2021 • 3 Minute Read
Updated October 2022
Hélène Draoulec
Chief Marketing Officer
iAdvize
(Previously — Director, Marketing Southern Europe and Sales Development EMEA
Yext)
Are you looking for an EMEA marketing leader with social impact in mind? We know the person—Hélène Draoulec.
For more than a decade, Hélène has contributed to the accelerated growth of tech companies in EMEA, including Zendesk, SAP, Sitel and Yext. She loves all things “tech” for good, corporate social responsibility and positive management.
Please meet this IT Wondrous Woman™, Hélène Draoulec!
Our 10 Questions for this IT Wondrous Woman.
Fun Facts
1. What’s the one thing about you that your business colleagues don’t know about you?
I was part of an improv group for several years. I love to tell stories, but not only for my work.
2. Before the pandemic, how many air miles/KMs did you flying annually?
I have always been an enthusiastic traveler from a professional and personal point of view. However, even prior to the pandemic, I started to limit those travels for environmental reasons.
3. What is the most adventurous food you have eaten and what city/location did you eat it?
I could tell you about insects in Asia, but in reality I think that some French cheeses like Maroilles are definitely the most adventurous thing anybody could taste!
Your Career
4. What are the top two experiences, achievements or failures that shaped your journey as a successful leader?
My English was far from fluent when I was hired by Zendesk 7 years ago. After each meeting, I used to send a recap to my manager to make sure that I understood his expectations. I could have given up after a few months, but I never did. Grit and motivation have been a constant driver in my career.
5. Did you have a mentor in the early part of your career and, if so, what is the biggest lesson you learned from your mentor or influencer?
Yes. The best advice my mentor gave me was to apply for a role that I knew I wouldn’t get. And I did not. But I was offered another opportunity that wouldn’t have happened without this first move. Women tend to limit themselves with their own mental barriers.
Walking In Your Shoes
6. What is one piece of business or career advice you would give to your younger self?
Believe in your own style and don’t try to fit in what you imagine a leader should be. You don’t have to be a caricature. Kindness, authenticity and fun can also be leadership tools.
7. As a leader, how do you remain a resource for people early in their careers?
I am as transparent as I can be on my own challenges through my career. Projecting a fake and idealistic image of what a career should be is not helpful. Resumes are not a series of successes; they are about handling challenges. We shouldn’t behave like Instagram influencers!
Today’s Business Environment
8. What is the most interesting project you have worked on in the last few years?
In March 2020, I created the award of the Digital Woman of the Year in France. I am very proud of this project because it bridges the gap between my work at Yext and my personal values regarding women empowerment. I feel aligned.
9. What skills are you currently developing or refining (in yourself) that will make you a more successful leader in the digital economy?
Some people reach leadership positions without thinking about what it is to lead a team. I am currently working on developing coaching skills to be able to give an extra coaching mile to the people I manage.
10. What is your greatest business challenge today?
People, people and people. This pandemic highlighted that the most precious resource of any tech company are their people and how to make them thrive. A big part of my energy is focused on creating an internal culture to support this.
