Magali Remon: “Dare to Aim Higher”

After a long experience in another company wearing many hats, Magali joined the Home and Personal Care business unit of Bolton in 2019 as a Regional Sales Area Manager. 

She coached a team of 9 commercial sales force, and negotiated agreements with the regional Leclerc for 5 years, but then decided she needed to get out of her comfort zone and moved to the Food Business Unit to become a National Sales Force Manager, which means, as she put it, to “transform the company’s business strategy into concrete results on the ground. Basically, I make the link between strategic vision and operational execution.”

What are some of the main challenges you face in your role, and how do you approach solving them?

Usually, they’re...less about the “selling” itself. It’s way more about alignment, transformation, performance under pressure, and the way to onboard the team. Working with brands like Rio Mare and Saupiquet means operating in a highly competitive retail landscape. It’s hard for my team every day,so boosting morale and motivation, finding a way to be close to them are an absolute necessity.

What drives you personally to succeed in your role?

The concrete impact we can generate for our Brands Rio Mare & Saupiquet truly drives me. Seeing a strategy become reality in the store is extremely motivating. Maybe almost as much as supporting managers, seeing employees gain confidence, surpassing their goals, and evolving in their responsibilities.

That’s  a great source of pride for me, because to me, success is not limited to numbers, even if results are essential! Success is when the objectives are achieved (maybe even exceeded!), the strategy is well executed, AND the teams are committed and aligned.

Ultimately, success also means staying true to my values, such as high standards, respect, transparency, commitment, and humility, while growing my team and making them proud.

Speaking of -  how would you define your management style?

I’d say that it’s been greatly influenced by being a mother. Motherhood has strengthened my patience, my listening skills, and my ability to adapt. I always try to spread my positive energy to my team. I take it to my heart to encourage them and take care of them.

That’s why I’m also grateful to have been able to mentor Boltonians as well, by coaching high-potential profiles, preparing them for broader responsibilities, and then seeing them being promoted in the head office. I truly enjoy seeing someone grow into a role they once doubted they were ready for!

What advice do you have for younger professionals then?

I would say, keep a volunteering spirit, keep yourself motivated, but most importantly, ask for feedback anytime you can! Feedback is and will always be a gift to your progress in your professional life.

Were you also mentored in Bolton? 

Yes, I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been inspired by several leaders in my career, but a special shout-out must be given to my manager, Karim Dehbi (Sales Director). He’s a great leader who has made me grow very fast and who has truly set an examplefor me to truly act with courage. 

What was the most valuable lesson you've learned as a Boltonian?

“The sky is the limit” is definitely one. We have to challenge ourselves about everything we do every day, to be the best version of ourselves and to be an example for others to succeed further.

We must dare to aim higher than the initial goal, and as a manager, that means I want to try to challenge the status quo, transform constraints into opportunities, and also encourage teams to step out of their comfort zone, as I did. I swear, it is really worth it.