Najla joined the company 17 years ago as an intern, and has been Area Manager of the Arab States of the Persian Gulf + Southern Hemisphere for the past few months. She tells her story.
How did you hear about Okaïdi?
Born in Kinshasa, I grew up in Lebanon. I came to France for my Master’s degree. And that’s when I joined Okaïdi as an intern. I’ve been here for 17 years!
What have you done since?
If I’ve lasted this long, it’s because I’ve done so many different jobs!
Hired as a Product Manager, I then became a childcare buyer, then Childcare and Newborn Product Manager for Obaïbi. After my second child, I became Okaïdi Product Manager. It felt like a complete change of company.
Meaning?
At the time, we wanted to make outerwear a topic of innovation. I had the idea of launching recycled polyester, as part of an eco-design approach. I worked a lot mainly with the Shanghai office and my Market Manager. Then we extended the use of recycled polyester to coats, swimwear and other items. We added to the approach by choosing new water-repellent treatments, transforming linings and pocket interiors.
How did you get into retail?
Step by step! In 2021, I went through a painful episode, but I was really well supported. It affected me at a deep level. And it inspired me to seek even greater meaning in my work.
Having always been interested in intercultural issues, I took on the job of Manager of the new international offering. We generate over 50% of our sales internationally, with 100% of our collections fully designed in Roubaix! We created 5 offer zones with the idea of adjusting each offer to be able to send the right product at the right time to each zone. I loved this job for two years, it suited me perfectly. I had the whole international arena right in front of me. I appreciated this contact, and the role of coordinating feedback with the various departments.
And then?
When the division was restructured, I asked to join the international retail team, even though it was a job I knew nothing about. Looking back, I think I should have done a “Vis ma vie” style “living in the shoes of” experience, but I don’t regret it. I get a lot of energy from these stores: it gives me great pleasure. I love working with all the petals in my daisy chain: procurement, IT, accounting, marketing, merchandising. It must be one of the best jobs in the company, because you get to be involved with everything! I’ve been in the job for 9 months. It really is a new profession for me.
How did you tackle the job?
My shoulders were broad from past experience. I can count on my solid knowledge of the textile product. But I’ve only really felt comfortable for the last month. What has struck me the most was the extent to which “retail is detail”. Ultimately, our partners’ very high standards are those of their customers, our customers! Their satisfaction is what drives me every day, but it’s particularly difficult in the current economic climate.
How did you get your training?
A lot of training on the job, alongside Laura, who guided me for a month. I’ve never been so well supported!
I’ve just managed the opening of Mayotte from start to finish, a department with the largest maternity section in France. We got off to a great start despite very chaotic infrastructure and a 6pm curfew.
A tip for career mobility?
Spend a few days “living in the shoes” to tangibly see what the job is really like.
What’s next?
Upskilling in this position. We also need to co-write strategies for each zone, and draw up a growth plan for each one to forward plan for the next 10 years.
