The power of a smile

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you did before joining Cylergie?

I come from La Bekaa, in central Lebanon, a plain between mountains, a very agricultural region. I lived there until I was 17, then moved to Beirut for my studies, before coming to France. I did at the same time an engineering degree in Lebanon and a master’s degree in energy research in France, for which I moved to France in 2011. I then did a PhD at the Ecole des Mines de Paris and followed that up with a post-doc, for a year and a half, still in Paris and still in thermodynamic systems and energy efficiency, mainly for industry.

I started working in R&D in the steel industry, in Metz, first as a research engineer and then as a research and development project manager in the fields of energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption, reducing CO 2 emissions... And there’s plenty to do in the steel industry on these subjects!

I then came back to Paris to work in the service sector, on energy-related issues in industry, such as energy efficiency projects and energy performance contracts. It was very interesting, but I missed research and development, so I joined Cylergie just over 3 months ago as Research and Development Project Manager. And of course in the areas I’m passionate about: energy efficiency, energy performance and thermodynamics.

What triggered your interest in these subjects?

I’ve always been fascinated by machines, by understanding how they work. It got to the point where I did non-compulsory work placements during my studies in Lebanon in a crisp production factory to see how the machines worked. 

Machines led me to industry and industry led me to thermodynamics and energy performance. And when I discovered this world, I never wanted to leave.

What’s more, the challenges of energy efficiency and performance, reducing CO2 emissions and decarbonisation are a personal conviction. When you’re convinced of the importance of what you do, when you align your job with your values, it’s an additional source of motivation and satisfaction. 

What is your role at Cylergie?

My job is to manage research and development projects in the fields of thermodynamic systems and energy performance.

I work with colleagues at Cylergie, with business partners and with other R&I entities to align objectives and deliverables, while taking into account concrete business needs, innovative aspects and feasibility. 

With my technical background, even though I’m now project manager, I also manage the technical aspects. I think it’s a plus when the project manager masters the technique, is able to understand what’s going on, can make suggestions and provide expertise. When you’re passionate about the field in which you work or which you manage, you can take things a step further.

So the fact that you always consider the business aspect of these technologies is important to you?

I have a lot of admiration for basic research, but personally I like to work on things that can be put into practice, that can be implemented, that we can see, that we can touch and that work. 

And it’s in this sense that business is important, because it’s what’s going to push you to go for it. 

What makes you passionate about what you do?

Technique, research, making things happen, human contact, discussions with different people... I like the diversity of the people I work with, the exchanges...  Everyday jokes too! 

Joking helps you get through the tough times and adds smiles and laughter to the good times. So it’s always welcome! 

When you’re not working, what do you like to do?

 I do a lot of hiking, I love walking in nature. And in Lyon, frankly, we’re well placed to get to magnificent places very quickly. 

Apart from hiking, I like to try out and discover lots of things. I’ve done theatre and boxing, and I love learning. 

Is there a little phrase, slogan, mantra or quote that’s important to you? 

I have more of a philosophy of life that my mother instilled in me. It's “whatever happens, you have to keep smiling”. When things are difficult, we laugh about them, and when they’re great, we laugh about them. It’s my mother’s way of seeing the world and I’ve adopted it. 

And apparently it’s been proven that smiling keeps your spirits up!

You’re one of those girls who’s doing research, one of those girls who’s chosen scientific subjects, and there are still too few of them.  Do you have any ideas for attracting more girls into science and research? 

We’re still a long way from parity, even if things are starting to change. I think we’re on a good run and we need to keep it going. 

When I started mechanical engineering, there were 15 girls out of eighty.  I was told “for a woman in Lebanon, mechanical engineering is complicated”. It was suggested that I go into IT instead. If anything, it had the opposite effect on me - it only strengthened my resolve to fight these prejudices. 

All I can say is that when you want something, you mustn’t let yourself be influenced by those who try to discourage you or by the way society looks at you.  If I have one thing to pass on, it’s that you should try, go for it, you succeed or fail, but it doesn’t matter. In any case, it worked for me, and I’m very happy with my decision today. 

You didn’t let anyone discourage you?

 Oh no, on the contrary! Why, just because I’m a woman, shouldn’t I be able to do what I’ve chosen to do?  It’s true that it adds to the pressure. I think there’s less pressure for boys to go into these areas. 

If you had to choose 3 words to sum up your personality?

I’d say passion, a smile and determination. 

It takes determination to leave your family, your friends and your homeland and embark on an adventure elsewhere, to continue your life in another country. You need determination to stick with what you want to do and keep going despite the difficulties.