Inside CIGRE: Get to know our Central Office Team! 一 Part 2

What is your role within CIGRE, and what does your daily work involve?

Sylvie: I am responsible of the Session Papers process here at CIGRE Central Office – from the publication of the Call for Papers to the collection of the proceedings for their publication - in accordance with the decisions of the Technical Council.
My job includes the management of collaborative tools as platforms which are used by CIGRE National and Study Committees, authors and experts during the different phases of the Session Papers process More than one thousand Papers from about sixty National Committees were selected in 2024, with as many posters.
I do my best to assist the main actors of the Papers process providing them guides and advice to help them in their tasks. I also work with the team of IT experts from the Palais des Congrès of Paris ahead of the Session to ensure that authors and delegates presentations at Poster Sessions and Group Discussion Meetings run smoothly, with the right time schedule and display as prepared by Study Committees.

What motivates you most in your work?

S.: I always wanted to work in an international structure and since I joined CIGRE officially in 2005 it always fulfills my expectations.
What makes CIGRE special I think is its own specific structure, its incredible geographical and knowledge network over so many countries thanks to National and Study Committees. This gives us the opportunity to work with different people all over the world and makes you feel you are exactly on the right place at the right time, especially during the Paris Session. It also enhances your capacities of adaptability and helps developing your sense of collaboration.

Describe your work in three words.

S.: Anticipation, flexibility, responsiveness for an agenda which may be tight as main Session deadlines are fast approaching. 

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

S.: I have a passion for tea, my favorite beverage for years. I have quite a collection at home, selecting different types for each season and moment of the day.
Attending a tea tasting workshop with an expert – a tea sommelier, much like in the world of wine – is a very interesting experience. It is fascinating to consider that the existing thousands of types of tea are all coming from the same plant!
I am also passionate about ancient civilizations of Antiquity and their fascinating legacy. I dedicate part of my summer holidays to visit archaeological sites across the Mediterranean basin – in Greece and its islands, Italy, and Egypt.

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What is your role within CIGRE, and what does your daily work involve?

Marie-France: After a period of temporary work, I joined the Cigre team at the Central Office. My role is to keep all members informed, to help and guide new members when they register, and to communicate decisions taken at general meetings and general directives to the National Committees.

What motivates you the most in your work?

M-F.: Interacting with National Committee teams and members. Provide them with a solution or explanation when they encounter problems with website access and payment. Working as part of a team to share innovative ideas for improving the quality of service provided to National Committees.

Describe your job in three words

M-F.: Informing, guiding, communicating.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

M-F.: I enjoy spending time with friends over meals that I organize. Going for long walks in forests and parks, and doing some gardening. I practice Qi Gong, an energy art that aims to develop internal strength, endurance and power. It's an ideal discipline for improving effort management and has a relaxing effect, both physically and mentally. Philately remains one of my great passions.

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