Aurélie Picaud, is currently Director of Timepieces at Fabergé. With a career spanning 15 years she has worked for Audemars Piguet, Omega and The Swatch Group.
1. Describe briefly your childhood.
I had a very happy childhood living in Normandy and then in Brittany (my roots may explain my stubborn side as well as my love for the sound of the sea waves!). I grew up with my sister and two brothers.
My parents were rather strict with us which I was not always happy about when younger but I thank so much for this today as it meant I developed strong values which I carry with me today.
2. As a child did you have any driving ambition?
Ever since I was a child, my strong imagination has played a large role in my life: it would make me dream a lot and I would be driven to achieve some of those dreams: I wanted to be so many things…😊
3. What is your first significant memory as a child?
The excitement and the thrill I felt before my first ballet performance. I remember insisting on having my hair done a few hours before the show in order to be able to mentally focus on not failing!
4. Have you ever had another profession?
I actually started working for an automotive supplier in the R&D team for 2 years: I learned a lot, however, I did not feel a strong passion for cars and I knew that, due to my personality, I needed to feel emotion about the product and the company I would work for.
5. What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?
I met with our CEO Sean Gilbertson at the Fabergé Boutique in Geneva and I felt so inspired by listening to him tell me the story of Fabergé as well as the projects he had in mind for the future of Fabergé Timepieces, I knew that I wanted to have the once in a lifetime opportunity to rise to the challenge with him and the team!
6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do?
I guess I have been quite lucky not to have experienced a terrible job. Of course, I have some memories of little summer jobs I had to do when I was younger if I wanted to go on holiday with my friends…but, even the memories where I felt any frustration were worth the nice times which followed them!
7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it?
Like everyone, I have had some hard times, either professionally or in my personal life. To overcome those tricky times, I would tend to have few days of reflection before putting myself into “fight mode” very quickly and I would always keep focused on my target, whatever I would have to go through to reach my goal. It has helped me a lot to have the support of my family or the team to get through these times.
8. Who has had the strongest influence on you?
My family
9. What are you most proud of?
That I have never been afraid of change and challenges, which have included moving abroad several times by myself in order to accomplish my dreams.
10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you?
Define your objectives, remain focused on them, keep strong and determined whilst never losing your humanity and your smile through the journey. Take the challenging times as ways to learn and improve and be convinced that you will always find a way to bounce back. And have fun!
11. Name three things on your bucket list.
Watch the lions, the elephants, and the giraffes in the sunrise of South Africa
Eat Sashimi in Japan
Spend the most beautiful beach holiday with family and friends.
12.Where do you think the watch industry is going to be in 10 years time.
I wish that creativity, innovation, authenticity and humanity will be the focus!