Since joining Cupa Stone just over six years ago, Adeline Boisson has been a sales representative at the Cholet office.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
It’s an emblematic day for many of us. It symbolises and reminds us of the many fights led by women on the European and American continents for years to defend our rights and reduce inequality in relation to men in many areas, especially the professional field.
How has the role of women changed in your sector or during your professional career?
The role of women has progressed over the years in the building industry. When I started, women were mainly in administrative, human resources and accounting positions.
Nowadays, it must be said that it has become easier for women to enter this man’s world. We are an increasing presence in the field.
When I arrived at Cupa Stone, I was the first woman to hold the job of travelling sales representative! Now at Cupa Stone France, there are nine women –Marielle, Amandine, Nathalie, Prescilia, Tiphaine, Valérie, Corinne, Maëlys and me– in different positions: agency manager, travelling sales representatives, sales desk personnel and administrative posts.
Among my customers, there are more women in painter-decorator companies, followed by architecture studios and landscape design companies!
Have you ever experienced difficulties in your career because you are a woman?
When I was a child, I wanted to be a builder. I well remember the reaction of my family and the companies I contacted on the matter: “A woman builder, that’s not possible!”
So, I combined the technical aspects of construction and those of decorating, choosing technical and commercial studies. It was a challenge! 15 years ago with my advanced technician’s certificate in my pocket, I remember my first customers, tile layers, plasterers, builders, surprised to have a young woman in the materials business, you have to network and assert yourself to command respect and make headway.
And now, I’ve been thriving in the building industry for 16 years, with a pool of tradespeople who are as different as they are good-hearted, and a very rewarding variety of sites!
What would you consider to be your most significant contribution to Cupa Stone?
My most significant contribution is to be known, recognised for my position and the person I am today. A woman who succeeds in this environment is more memorable than a man in the same position.
I am a woman, but I am a technician, a professional and I am attentive. Having women on teams brings gentleness, dynamism and strengthens the teams.
Why would you recommend working in a Cupa Group team to other women?
Cupa Group is a dynamic group which, over the years, has expanded throughout the world with an increasing presence of diverse teams. We are all different and everyone plays a part.
As women, we contribute our sensitivity, our femininity to the way projects are approached and monitored. Our male colleagues bring their skills and technical knowledge. Team diversity is an asset for the group and the rich input from each member means we make excellent progress!
