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Building strong relationships, creating trust, supporting others' growth—these connections give real meaning to everything I do.


For this month's interview, we're delighted to have Béatrice Tourvieille, Deputy General Director Marketing & Digital at Pathé Cinémas France. Béatrice was a mentor in the previous eighth edition of the UNIC Women's Cinema Leadership Programme.

Here she shares her insights and experience as a female leader in the industry.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR DAILY HABITS THAT KEEP YOU INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED.

One of the habits that keeps me inspired is looking regularly beyond my own field. I love exploring what’s being done in other industries, reading about new trends, or discovering how people tackle challenges in completely different contexts. It often gives me fresh ideas and helps me think more creatively.
I end most days by taking a few minutes to reflect on what went well — even the smallest wins. It could be a productive conversation, a task I finally completed, or simply managing a challenging situation with calm. This habit helps me shift my focus from what’s still pending to what has already been accomplished. Over time, it builds confidence, reinforces a sense of progress, and reminds me that growth often happens in small, quiet steps. It's a simple ritual, but it has a big impact on how I stay motivated.

LOOKING BACK AT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Looking back, what makes me extremely proud is that I’ve stayed true to what drives me: transformation and human connection. Throughout my career, I've always been drawn to roles and projects that bring about meaningful change — whether it's helping a team evolve, launching a new initiative, or rethinking the way things are done. I love seeing the impact of transformation, even when it’s gradual.
At the same time, I deeply value the human side of work. Building strong relationships, creating trust, supporting others' growth — these connections are what give real meaning to everything I do. Some of the most rewarding moments in my journey haven’t been about results or titles, but about the people I’ve worked with, mentored, or learned from along the way.

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTERED THROUGHOUT YOUR LEADERSHIP JOURNEY? DID YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS ALONG THE WAY?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced throughout my leadership journey has been feeling legitimate — truly owning my place and my voice in the room. It’s something that took time to build, and even today, it’s not always a given. I’ve often had to work through self-doubt, especially in environments where I didn’t see many people who looked like me or shared my perspective.
I did have mentors along the way, and I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance. But looking back, I realise that very few of them were women. And that’s something I find both striking and unfortunate — because representation matters. It makes a difference to see someone who shows you that another path is possible. That’s one of the reasons I chose to become a mentor myself: to be the kind of support I wish I’d had more of.

GIVEN THE DEMANDS OF YOUR ROLE, HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND PERSONAL LIFE?

Balancing work and personal life has always been one of the most difficult aspects of my journey. I’ve often felt guilty — for not being fully present at work when my personal life needed me, or for not being fully present at home when work took over. That sense of never doing enough in either space can be exhausting.
Over time, I’ve learned that balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly — it means making conscious choices, and sometimes, accepting that something has to give. One of the most important lessons has been learning to ask for help, and to accept it without guilt. We don’t have to do everything alone. Creating support systems — whether at home or at work — has been key to finding some sense of balance, even if it’s never perfect.

WITH OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN DIGITAL MARKETING AND OPERATIONS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS HOLDING WOMEN BACK, AND WHAT DO YOU THINK NEEDS TO CHANGE FOR BETTER REPRESENTATION AND INCLUSION?

I believe one of the biggest things holding women back is that traditional leadership models are still very much shaped by masculine norms and stereotypes — assertiveness, constant availability, linear career paths. Even when it’s not said out loud, these expectations are deeply ingrained. As a result, many women unconsciously feel they don’t quite ‘fit the mould’ and question their legitimacy.
What needs to change is our definition of leadership. There isn’t just one way to lead — and we need to recognise and value different leadership styles. You don’t have to become someone else to be a leader. You can lead with empathy, with collaboration, with quiet strength. The key is allowing space for people to be themselves — and realising that authenticity is a leadership asset.

YOU WERE A MENTOR IN THE PREVIOUS EDITION OF THE UNIC WOMEN'S CINEMA LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME. WHAT HAS THAT EXPERIENCE BEEN LIKE FOR YOU?

It was truly an enriching experience — and I want to take this opportunity to thank Carla Boyd, my mentee. She is a brilliant and resilient young woman, full of energy and determination. I admire her clarity, her curiosity, and the way she’s navigating her path in an industry that still presents many challenges for women.
Working with her was not just about sharing my experience — it also made me reflect on my own way of working and leading. Our conversations inspired me and reminded me of the importance of staying open, adaptable, and humble. Mentoring is never a one-way street; it’s a mutual exchange, and I’m very grateful for what I’ve learned from her.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE CURRENT MENTORS AND MENTEES?

My main advice would be: Trust yourself. Every mentoring relationship is unique — there’s no predefined structure or perfect formula. Each person brings their own story, perspective, and sensitivity to the table, and that’s what makes the experience so valuable.
Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, try to let go of expectations and stay open to the process. Sometimes, the most meaningful insights come from unexpected places. Don’t be afraid to be honest, to ask questions, or to share doubts. Mentoring is not about having all the answers — it’s about learning and growing together.


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