ADDEV Materials

Interview with Florence GAUFICHON, Site Manager

1. Presentation and career path

  • Can you tell us about your role at ADDEV Materials and the path that led you to this position?

I'm Director of the Wittelsheim industrial site. My role is to manage the teams so that we can deliver compliant products on time, guaranteeing customer satisfaction.


Thanks to my 10 years' experience in industry, particularly in the automotive and aerospace sectors, I have developed solid expertise, particularly in quality management. I've worked on projects where the organisation of processes and product conformity were essential to ensuring customer satisfaction and achieving objectives.

  • What have been the key moments or main challenges in your professional development?

There were two of them:

- The first was when I started work as a manager in the automotive industry. Being a young manager in a demanding and challenging environment gave me a taste for management and achieving objectives.

- The second is my appointment as Director, with an even greater scope. This position gives me enormous satisfaction, because the challenges are even greater.

2. Experience as a Woman in Industry

  • Given that the industry has historically been a male-dominated sector, how did you experience your integration and career progression?

My integration has always gone well in the different industries where I've worked. Certain stages can be trickier when you're starting out, because you don't have all the codes. Fortunately, I've been lucky enough to meet some very supportive colleagues who have made it easier for me to progress.
I've always preferred to be out in the field, to meet the teams and understand the businesses I was working in.

  • Have you encountered any specific obstacles as a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

The early days are always a little more difficult, because lack of experience can affect your self-confidence. I overcame this by creating strong bonds with my colleagues and teams. I've never hesitated to learn and to ask questions of the people involved.


As a woman, it's essential to remain true to your values and to believe in your ability to learn and adapt.

  • How do you think the position of women has changed in your sector in recent years?

After 10 years in industry, I've noticed a real change. More and more women are occupying strategic, management or technical positions.
Their voice and their work are better taken into account, which helps to reduce inequalities.

3. Leadership and inspiration

  • In your opinion, what are the essential qualities needed to be a woman leader today?

I'd say self-confidence, empathy and analytical skills.

La self-confidenceto make confident decisions and face challenges head on.

L'empathyWe're here to help you understand your team's needs and build solid relationships based on goodwill and collaboration.

La analytical skillsIt allows you to make informed decisions and stay focused on your priorities.

  • Have you had any mentors or inspirational figures, either at ADDEV or elsewhere, who have influenced your career path?

Yes, absolutely. Every time I've worked, I've met inspiring people:

A Director whose management was based on strong human values and who taught me to take on ever more ambitious challenges.

Women operators, technical managers or members of management committees, who excelled in their field and whose advice was always invaluable to me.

4. Work-life balance

  • What challenges have you faced in balancing your career and your personal life?

Striking a balance between career and personal life is a constant challenge, especially in demanding sectors.

One of the biggest challenges was leaving my home region for a professional opportunity. This geographical change was a real challenge, as it meant getting out of my comfort zone and away from my roots.

However, this decision has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, to learn to adapt to new environments and to develop my independence.

  • What advice would you give to women who want to develop professionally while maintaining personal balance?

The most important thing is to be aware of your objectives and your priorities.

It's essential to know what you want to achieve in your career, while having a clear vision of what's important in your personal life. This allows you to make informed decisions.
Finally, you mustn't neglect your personal well-being. Taking care of yourself, physically and mentally, is essential to maintaining a healthy balance.

5. Vision and Advice for the Future

  • What message would you like to give to young women who are reluctant to enter your field or aim for leadership positions?

Don't be afraid to dare.
Challenges can seem daunting, especially when they seem out of reach. But every challenge, no matter how complex, is an opportunity for learning and growth.
The road will be full of pitfalls, but the important thing is to try.
The important thing is to keep moving forward, to work with determination and to believe in your abilities.