[LUM#8] She realizes (herself)

[LUM Magazine] - Published on January 15, 2019 in Entrepreneurship, Science-Society

Supporting women in their career change projects is the goal of Cendrine Genty, who, after a career in television journalism, set up the start-up "L se réalisent" (Let's make it happen).

There's no doubt about it, she's a pioneer. Cendrine Genty set the tone early on in her studies: when she learned that a new postgraduate degree in scientific and technical journalism had just been created at the University of Montpellier, she decided to join the very first class. This choice launched her into 14 years of an exciting career in television. "I discovered the world of television during an advanced studies internship and then seized numerous opportunities." As a journalist, producer, and editor-in-chief, Cendrine Genty helped create many programs and quickly gained responsibility. At 27, she was editor-in-chief of the program Pékin Express.

Almost 10 years later, another responsibility turned her professional life upside down: she became a mother. "I realized that I no longer found meaning in pursuing the career I had loved so much, but I couldn't see myself doing anything else either. It was a very abrupt break."

"Balancing work and private life"

How can she balance this new family life with her professional career? "I kept wondering how other women managed to juggle work and private life. I wanted to run after them and ask them that question." And that's exactly what she did. The journalist decided to go and meet them: armed with a notebook and pen, she embarked on a major investigation that would last a year. Cendrine Genty then realized that many women were asking themselves the same question shewas: "What do I really want?" 

"Many of them were wondering about a possible career change after maternity leave, burnout, illness, redundancy, etc." How can we help these women, torn between family and work, to find a place that suits them? To support them on these tumultuous journeys, Cendrine Genty decided to put her skills as a journalist at their service. This marked the beginning of another first: the creation of L se réalisent, a program of actions designed to support women's career development throughout their personal lives. "Whetherit'sa career change or starting a business, we support women aged 35 to 50 in the second half of their careers," explains Cendrine Genty.

And the public is responding: "The Femmes L solidarity days have brought together nearly 1,000 participants who come to benefit from sharing experiences," says Cendrine Genty. It's a real success for someone who wants above all to "show that the horizon of possibilities is extraordinary" and who is already filling her own with new projects and other firsts.

Keywords: LUM#8, LUM Magazine, Company