Meet Xavier, all-terrain adventurer and IT Country Leader at Decathlon Digital.

We spoke to Xavier Woessem , a mountain-loving adventurer with a commitment to nature, who currently lives and works in Chile. His personal challenge is to discover this new region of the world without having to travel by plane.

We caught up with him to find out more about all the things that fuel his curiosity: the richness of the landscapes and nature, the variety of his sporting activities, and the broad spectrum of his missions as Digital Country Leader.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Xavier Woessem, I'm 34 and I'm French. I've been working at Decathlon for 11 years, exclusively in the digital field. I've been lucky enough to live and work in several countries: France, Hungary, Germany and now Chile. I'm passionate about sports in general, particularly the ones I can practice in the mountains. I love discovering new activities, landscapes and cultures. I would say that I'm a curious person, always eager to learn.

What is your job title and your mission?

As a Digital Country Leader my main mission is to define and deploy the Digital and Tech Strategy for Chile. My assignments are quite rich and diverse as I'm in charge, with my teammates, of the smooth running of the digital aspects in 4 main areas: a physical one, which concerns stores and warehouses (checkouts, warehouse systems, etc.), a second area concentrating on e-commerce, a third focusing on data and its analysis, and a final aspect dedicated to cybersecurity.

Where do you find your motivation?

I find my energy within my teammates and my constant discovery of new places and cultures. I thrive on the richness and diversity of my colleagues, and I'm also keen to go the extra mile for them and give my all to the team. I love the feeling of moving forward together towards a common goal while benefiting and learning from each other's expertise and vision.

What are you passionate about (your Passion / Sport)?

The first thing that pops up in my mind is the mountain, I'm fond of its always surprising landscapes and of the different sports you can practice out there, whether it's a simple hike or run, a trek or?trail-running. A bit like in my professional and personal life, it's a rich environment with unexpected and diverse scenery from which I constantly learn. The immensity of the mountains also brings me back to simple values; it allows me to refocus on the essential things in all humility. Evolving in the great outdoors also links me to a strong interest in environmental issues and sustainable development. I’m convinced that we still have a lot to do for nature in all areas, and I strive to educate myself as much as possible on the subject.

Which of the Decathlon values resonate the most with you? (Generosity, Vitality, Responsibility, Authenticity) and why?

The value that resonates the most with me is authenticity, as I believe Decathlon to be an environment allowing us to be in tune with ourselves ,our professional and personal goals and desires. It's important for me to work for things I believe in, and to fight for what matters most. Being myself in every situation, not having to play a role, and being able to follow my dreams is a real factor of success and energy for me.?

What are the values you share as a Decathlonian & in your passion?

The 3 main values that come to mind are curiosity, perseverance and sharing. I like to discover new things and question everything to understand the whys and wherefores of various situations. I believe it's important to regularly question the way we act, train and learn so that we can adapt and focus our energy on the right things. But what I appreciate most is perseverance and a positive, sharing attitude because it can impact the whole team's effort.

What are the commonalities between your passion and Tech?

The main common points are adaptation and evolution. When faced with different conditions or terrain, we don't prepare in the same way, and we don't act in the same way. Similarly, even if the sport is the same, the landscape will always change and not all situations will be comparable. I'd say it's like the field of technology, where each experience sheds a specific light on different situations, with a fast-changing technological landscape that pushes you to constantly adapt and learn. I think that in both fields you have to know yourself and know where to invest your energy to improve.

What are the challenges you face in your career? How your sports / passion practice can help you manage these challenges?

Today, in my mission, I need to have a global vision of what digital means and how we can create opportunities for all departments of the company. To do so, I have to be prepared, understand my field and keep an eye on everything, just as I do in my sporting activities (watch the environment, where you're going, the path you're on and the point you're trying to reach), which allows me to keep an open mind to all existing information and apprehend unexpected situations. Additionally, getting out for an intense session of running or a bit of hiking helps me to disconnect from work and allows me to rest and come back energized and full of new ideas.?

Can you share a particularly memorable moment or accomplishment from your sport practice?

My first trekking in complete autonomy. My girlfriend and I had came up with the idea of taking a 5-day trip to the French mountains (Jura) to experience/discover hiking differently and reach places we wouldn't normally be able to. The trip itself involved multiple adventures that were a first and where we had to show perseverance, like finding a good camping spot, keeping on walking even if it rained all day, and coming face to face with a herd of cows... I'll always remember this first adventure, the lessons it taught us, and all the first times we experienced, as the joy of the first sunrise we saw from our tent.

How Decathlon encourages you to balance your competitive drive with your other priorities (such as family, friends and work?)

I think we have a natural environment of people taking care of each other, supporting one another and sharing the same values. People in general will listen to you and give advice if needed, which is a huge initial boost. It's an empowering environment, where you're told that when you want something, you can reach it. On a personal note, it was probably my manager's and HR's receptiveness that enabled me to pursue and realize my ambition of working abroad. We all have the tools, it's up to each of us to find our own balance between work, passion and personal life.

What are the similarities between your passion and being a manager? Is there any learnings from your sport practice/passion that you apply in your management?

Planning ahead is a crucial aspect that resonates both in my passion for outdoor activities and in my role as a team manager. In the wilderness, meticulous planning is indispensable; it involves preparing for the anticipated journey while considering unforeseen circumstances. Establishing rituals, such as security checks and backpack controls, becomes second nature to navigate various situations effectively.

Also, just as in outdoor expeditions, managing a team requires recognizing and leveraging diverse capabilities. Assessing each team member's unique strengths and capacities is essential to foster a cohesive group dynamic. In my managerial experience, I've learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating individuals and assigning tasks. Much like in the outdoors, where each person contributes in their distinctive way, understanding the differences and strengths of team members enhances the overall experience, whether in my professional experience or in my sporting activities.

Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is interested in pursuing a passion outside their professional life?

?Don't overthink it. In order to enjoy and grow in all environments you're interacting with, it's crucial to have a balance between all the aspects of your life. Be true to yourself and give space to your instinct and your passion. It will nourish you personally and professionally. Allowing you to think differently, bring new ideas, share, and inspire others! Fulfill yourself and it will surely have a positive impact globally.

Interested in Digital Management like Xavier does?

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