Laetitia Barrere (SKEMA 2018) - "SKEMA, a way to achieve your dreams”

In this interview granted to SKEMA Alumni, Laetitia Barrere (SKEMA 2018), Head of the Retail Network at Satellite Paris and semi-professional horsewoman, tells us about her unconventional journey since graduating from the school.

Can you tell us what you’ve been up to since graduating from SKEMA Business School?

I graduated with a Master’s in International Marketing & Business Development in 2018. While I was finishing my dissertation, I joined the Christian Dior fashion house as Retail Marketing Manager for Central Europe. Then, in 2020, I joined Potloc, a company specialising in consumer research via social media. In 2021, I met the person who became my boss, and joined Satellite Paris as head of the retail network. I’ve been there for over a year now and I’m thrilled!

What did you study at SKEMA? What degrees do you have? 

With a law degree and a master’s in criminal law in hand, I joined SKEMA in the second year of the Grande Ecole programme on the Lille campus, on the strength of my qualifications. Then I completed a Master’s in International Marketing and Business Development on the Paris campus, a programme managed by Camille Faure and Peter Spier.

Why did you choose this study path? 

After 4 years studying law, I realised that field wasn’t really a good fit given the life I was planning to have. I had to make the difficult decision to stop and change course. I was fortunate to be able to join SKEMA and study business in greater depth. I’ve always been passionate about customer experience and I was able to get a 360° view of the business world thanks to SKEMA, to meet expectations and innovate in my area of expertise.

What does your current position involve? 

I look after the entire B2C side at Satellite Paris: sales and business operations, recruitment and training, merchandising, sales targets, and business development in general. It’s really what I wanted to do!

Is your job related to your studies?

Absolutely! It was during my two years in a master’s programme at SKEMA that I realised I was very interested in anything to do with customer experience. And in terms of scope in this area, running a retail team seems ideal!

On top of that, you’ve been a semi-professional horse rider for more than 8 years. Can you tell us more about this passion of yours? 

Horse riding is a sport that runs in my family; I took it up when I was very young. First as a hobby, then at a more advanced level, and finally as a competitor. I was with a club on the outskirts of Paris when I started to compete, then a few years ago I joined the stables of a great French horsewoman of international renown. It is with her that I bought my first horse – my life’s dream – and we train him together to compete in the best jumping events.

How do you juggle your professional life with this passion for horses?

It takes a lot of organisation! And I won’t lie, it’s not always easy.

My work keeps me very busy and I’m highly invested in everything I do. So during the week I give 200% to my work while keeping a close eye on what is happening at the stables. On the weekend, there is no time to rest: I get up at 8 am and head directly to the stables to be with Hanzo and begin training, or I head to the events in which we are competing. Sometimes I manage to set aside one extra day during the week: I get up (very) early, head to the stables and back in the morning, and I’m back in the office just before lunch.

It all comes down to motivation: when you’re passionate about something, getting up at 5.30 in the morning on week days to get a ride in before heading into the office isn’t such a chore… ;)

When it comes to horse riding, do you have plans for the future? Can you tell us about them? 

My young horse, Hanzo, did his first season of competitions this year, and very soon we will be kicking off the winter season. Next year, he will be six years old; we will start the big events and, why not, our first international competitions... But what matters most is that he is ready. If he isn’t, we will take the time he needs. I don’t want to rush things just because I’m impatient.

We are also growing our team of partners: Animaderm, Horse Spirit, Caliway, Prince Equin, Sellerie Olis, and… maybe SKEMA soon😉? We are lucky to be surrounded and supported by a team of devoted professionals who are always present, and I want to develop those relationships to continue to bring them visibility at competitions and on social media.

What was pivotal (moments, people you met, chance...) in your career direction and your journey?

To start again from the beginning, I should specify that my grandfather was an accomplished three-day event rider and my love of horses comes from him. He taught me respect for the animal and fine horsemanship focused on the horse.

Today I work with Caroline Nicolas, an internationally-renowned horsewoman who brings me the technique and finesse that will make the difference out on the field. She is also the one who will get us to the best events, through hard work and perseverance. Finally, I also thank Bertrand Lebarbier, a professional dressage rider with whom we work regularly in Normandy, between two galloping sessions along the seafront. He helps us to work Hanzo so he is in the best condition for jumping.

What are you the most proud or satisfied of in your journey so far?

Hands down, it’s buying my horse. It’s a big financial investment for which I made a lot of sacrifices, but it’s also a huge responsibility. I spend a lot of time and energy on him. It was my life’s dream and after two years I still have trouble believing that I am finally a horse owner. I did this on my own and I’m immensely proud of that.

Do you have desires, dreams, professional and training goals for the future?

In an ideal world, I’d like to be able to compete at a high level and keep my job in parallel. It’s possible, but it takes real rigour and iron discipline. I will have to be good at both, but pace myself so I don’t burn out.

And who knows... maybe bring a second horse into my life soon?

Do you have any advice for our students and young graduates? 

Believe in your dreams! Some goals might seem completely out of reach today, but with patience and sacrifice anything is possible.

If you are passionate about something, take time to appreciate how lucky you are, and give yourself the means to achieve your goals.

Contact: Laetitia Barrere - Head of the Retail Network at Satellite Paris