This time, let’s get to know Cédric, our very adaptable Account Manager! After spending over 15 years working in French and in a traditional office setting, Cédric has now transitioned to the XWiki team, working in English and remotely. Not only is he adjusting to these changes, but he is also tackling a sales role for the first time, embracing new challenges every day. Fortunately, he has a welcoming team to support him. Read more about his personal and professional experiences in the article below. 👇
- Favorite artist: Hard to really say; fond of Vitalic, LukHash and SOAD.
- Best book ever read: Can't pick only one in the whole Discworld series from Sir Terry Pratchett, sorry!
- Dream destination: Sweden
- Quote you live by: "Always more."
- At the office or remote? Remote, obviously
Tell us about yourself
I've been an Account Manager at XWiki for nearly one year. I'm 40, French, father of two. I left my native Burgundy to work for nearly 10 years in the Paris area, then moved to Lyon area, where I still live.
I'm an open-source enthusiast — proud user of Manjaro Linux, sporty — well, I'll be sporty again when I'll stop my midlife crisis. I used to be involved in my swimming association, but far behind Léon Marchand in terms of speed.
I must also say that I'm really interested in cars and the technology behind them. Finally, also keen of environmental protection — yes you're right, I'm also generous in contradictions. Taking care of broken computers is one of my other hobbies, as well as retro gaming.
I'm also a trainer from time to time, for people who want to become radio telecommunications site supervisors. With XWiki, it's the first time that I'm working nearly full-time in English and remotely, not a small change after more than 15 years working in French and at the office.
🌄 The journey to XWiki
What were you doing before XWiki? Did you change careers when joining our team?
I have a mixed background: started as a Quality, Security and Environment Officer, where I began my career in the Telecommunications field. I spent nearly 15 years in this sector, mostly in infrastructures building / deployment — Fiber and 2 / 3 / 4G deployment, in constraint environments like subways, railways. I was involved in the 4G coverage of the Parisian Subway, and in the study of Rennes one.
I ended this part of my professional life when I started a job as a Project Manager for another open-source product — XiVO. That's where I started to work in the software edition field, XWiki was a perfect new opportunity following this first experience. I've also never been involved in a sales position before.
What is it like to be working in the Client Team at XWiki?
I must say it's quite challenging. You have plenty of things to understand, to learn, from community principles to team responsibilities. But fortunately, the team is really welcoming and always keen to give a hand when needed.
We have all type of clients, from real small entities to huge international groups, so we always have to figure out how they can get the best from XWiki. This way, each day is different.
The best part in this team is probably that you are involved in the whole process, from leads identification to delivery, from development to support services.
🔎 Open-source impressions
Was open source something you had an interest in prior to XWiki?
Sure, not as developer but as an advocate, trying to make my relatives understand what's open source, why it's important, and engage them to use it. It's often tough as no one really cares or understands the underlying involvements like data privacy, sovereignty, dependency.
What's the open-source value you identify with most?
The notion of common goods: everyone can contribute to something that benefits all, with the ability to keep the project and its functionalities living sustainably.
⌛ Being an XWikier
How was the integration process at XWiki for you?
It was quite easy, even if I had to discover nearly everything. There's obviously an integration process, but the main reason it was straight forward is that everyone is trying to help in a way or another. Of course, day to day tasks are not always easy to learn, but with the help of the team, you'll get through this.
Fun fact: I wasn't even at home or at the office for my first day of work at XWiki.
What were the biggest ways in which XWiki changed during the time you've been around?
We were able to address reputed and impactful clients, which means XWiki is more and more recognized as a useful and reliable tool for knowledge management.
What would you say is the most valuable lesson you learned during your time at XWiki?
One project can always succeed with the right people and level of involvement.
What has kept you at XWiki so far?
The involvement of the whole entity in open source and transparency, as well as the conditions of work that really promote balance between work and personal life.
XWiki also gave me a great opportunity to discover new tasks, and the freedom to get involved in parts of the project that I feel comfortable with.
If you could describe your XWiki experience in one word, what would it be?
Transparency.
Most of the decisions are collective, and most of the data and results are shared.
Favorite memory up until now at XWiki?
Our first day with all Account Managers altogether in the same place, for a training and a dinner. Amazing to meet and share these moments, especially as it's not so frequent.
