Interview with Vice President Patricia Martin

Empowering Voices, Creating Impact: A New Chapter for The NETWORK

Interview with Patricia Martin, Vice President of The NETWORK

You have just been elected as the new Vice-President of The Network.  Can you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your professional background?

I’ve lived in six countries, which has broadened my worldview. Born in Geneva, I spent my childhood in Montreal before returning to Switzerland. Later, I moved to the United Kingdom and Belgium, eventually settling in Luxembourg in 2013. I am married with Pierre-Yves, Frenchman, and I have one son Loric and 3 children from my husband side.  We have also the great joy to have soon our 3rd grand daughter.  Takis is my goldendoodle, Ruby, Yoda and Nutty are my cats

Professionally, I started my career in banking before shifting to human resources, specializing in expatriate management at Ferrero. After gaining experience as an entrepreneur in France, I took on the role of Compensation & Benefits Manager at Fidelity. Since 2018, I’ve been the Head of HR at FANUC, where, together with my team, I oversee People Management needs, and I participate actively in the executive team to decide daily matter regarding the Luxembourg location.

What inspired you to join The Network?

Frankly, I was proposed the role.  For which I was very grateful to have been elected.  I have known about The Network for a long time.  However, I did not have the time to get involved as required prior this year.  So, I believe it was serendipity.  Additionally, the women I have met so far comfort me into my view of connection, inclusion and sharing.  I am a great believer that women should share sorority to bring them forward in all fields: hence The Network.

As the new Vice-President, what are your key priorities for The Network ? 

First, I would like to salute the great achievements that the previous board has made in the past years.  It is always easier to jump into new responsibilities when a good job was done before. My role is to provide Monika Ruseva, The President of The Network, and the other board members with all the support required.  With Monika, we are working hand in hands to update the definition of our mission, vision and values based on feedback from members and board members.  The other priority is to redefine the strategy towards our events and create a broader visibility of The Network in Luxembourg.  This will be achieved through more active sponsorship, partnership, and membership.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges professional women face today, and how can The Network help address them?

From my perspective, the biggest challenge is not falling into the trap of regression and accepting that women are treated differently, I mean worse, than the rest of humanity.  The Network can help in providing role model of exceptional women, professional conferences, examples of personal/life stories that will permit to free ourselves of any constrains, small or big.  As mentioned above, I am a great believer in sorority, and we are stronger together than alone.  The Network can provide the little push that is needed to act in our personal or professional life to change the outcome and become an accomplished woman, based on your personal view.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the members as you step into this role?

I guarantee that I will do my best to ensure that my commitments towards the members of The Network are visible.  In all circumstances, members can address to me, not only, their concerns, their suggestions and/or their feedback to make sure The Network is living up to their standards.  The Network is the result of their members by their members. On a side note, we are always looking for volunteers to help in various sectors of the association.  Feel free to participate actively, it will provide you with great experience and deeper understanding of The Network.