Airport Experience® News - Leadership 2022

VÉRONIQUE DUBOIS: I think as a woman we have this tendency to put too much pressure and high standards on ourselves and lack self-confidence. Growing up in France, the culture is different and being immersed in the North American culture was an obstacle for me at first. But there is more open communication here in the U.S. and more sharing with colleagues that are facing the same kinds of issues like being a mom, having a husband, and being active in a leadership role. So, why can’t you succeed by being yourself? So yes, I’ve tried to work on my confidence, not compare myself to others, and always try to say “why not me?” I always try to say “why not me?” NIKKI: many businesswomen can struggle with self confidence. That’s a great segue into our next topic. What great advice did you receive early in your career that has helped you along the way? LARISSA C. DUBOSE: I believe you have to advocate for yourself. You have to find mentorship and allies within your industry or your company. Yes, I think

Don’t be afraid to put your hand up for opportunities that you see. If you don’t speak up or put yourself out there, it can be easy to get overlooked. The squeaky wheel gets the oil! MARIA: For me it’s to emulate leaders. It’s as simple as throwing a jacket over a blouse. Dress for the job you want, not the one you have. Walk and look like you know where you’re going. And, work like the dickens when nobody’s watching. I typically say overprepare always! NIKKI: Simple yet fantastic advice! Let’s talk about our company now. How has Paradies Lagardère supported women in businesses? CASSANDRA: I have the absolute privilege, at this stage in my life, of choosing where I work. I chose Paradies Lagardère because of what I believed it was, and it hasn’t disappointed. Our organization has women at every level and I think the quality of women we hire does not allow us to be marginalized or placed in a corner. NICOLE: I started here when I was 27 and I ran the single biggest category for this organization, which was food, beverage, health and beauty aids and tobacco. They took that chance on me. In 17 years, I cannot remember a time that anyone has ever said “no, you can’t

do this.” They’ve said to proceed with caution and let me try. NIKKI: Véronique, I think you might have a unique perspective coming from Paris and our parent company, Lagardère Travel Retail. Can you share? VÉRONIQUE: I had been working in Paris and came to the U.S. a few times a year. I decided I’d like to work here. It was nice to see that both teams – Paris and the U.S. – saw my potential, passion and qualities, and agreed that it would be good to try a different culture, a different team. NIKKI: Sponsorship and mentorship have greatly benefited my career. How do you empower yourself and the women around you? Larissa? LARISSA: I think that impostor syndrome is very real for me. I know that I’m deserving of being in the rooms and at the tables, but I also have this little voice in my head that will tell me “They’re going to know that it’s not real. You’re faking it.” Somebody’s going to ask that one question that will reveal it and cause the walls to crash down. On occasion, I’ve let impostor syndrome get too loud but when I finally got out of my own way and reached out for help, I was met with open arms. That was such a valuable lesson for me because

Paradies Lagardère team at the 2022 Women’s Foodservice Forum Leadership Conference

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