Axelle Petit joined Mediabrands four and a half years ago. She is a born saleswoman. As Initiative’s Chief Commercial Officer, together with her team, she attracts new clients and forges lasting relationships with them.
Mediabrands was no stranger to Axelle. During her 15 years in commercial management, she often came into contact with the company: “Even then, I noticed the nice atmosphere, special DNA and wonderful people at Mediabrands. It was confirmed when I started working there. All team members know that they can count on each other and the team spirit is strong. The company is also there for everyone, even when things get really busy. As a result, people worry less and things run more smoothly. It adds an enormous value to the company. What’s also great about the company is that they really know what you are doing, and they value your worth.”
Here comes the sun
Axelle is bursting with energy. And that enthusiasm may be contagious: “I’m a Duracell bunny. When I go for something, I go for it 100%. I try to pass this enthusiasm on to my team, to motivate them. But I don’t breathe down their necks. I give them the necessary freedom because I know they can do it; I have a lot of trust in them. They are really independent people who know how to do their thing.”
She has nothing but praise for her team, who can always count on Axelle: “They have a good time together and they support each other. They call themselves the ‘Sunshine Team’. That says a lot. And when something does go wrong, they can count on me, they know that. I’m just a phone call away. Quite literally. We take care of whatever problem they are dealing with and make sure that ‘the job gets done’. And that’s that.”
Axelle is straightforward, and she likes honesty and transparency.
“I don’t beat about the bush. With me, you know where you stand. I think that’s an advantage. I always take into account the person sitting across from me, whether I’m pitching, or talking to a client or colleague. To me, that’s only natural.”
Axelle is also a busy bee outside of work: “Besides work, I have a passion for real estate. I’ve always liked to renovate properties and now rent out a few Airbnbs. That’s why you’ll often find me hard at work sorting out cleaning crews and schedules.”
But no matter how busy things get, at half past five in the evening it’s time for something else: “That’s when I pick up my son from nursery and then it’s quality time until seven! We play together, read books, make dinner… that really is his time. I love doing that and it’s when I just let everything else go for a bit. It’s one of those rare moments when no one should phone me.”