Meet Perrine Farque, a mum of a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, an Award-Winning Tech Marketing Leader and Motivational Speaker who drove the strategy for Tech companies including Facebook, PagerDuty, Pivotal and AvePoint for over a decade. During her Marketing career in Tech, Perrine has gained experience speaking at industry events including Women in Leadership events in London. Perrine has also extensive experience speaking at internal corporate events including the PagerDuty Leadership Summit in California, PagerDuty events in Paris, London, Berlin, Amsterdam as well as hosting customer panels and webinars.
Perrine has an extensive track-record of motivating and inspiring teams and creating a truly diverse company culture within Tech companies. At PagerDuty, Perrine successfully helped bring the company from a private start-up into a public company within the first year of employment, established the marketing function in EMEA and got promoted within the first year; Perrine was also unanimously voted best sales contributor in the company and offered an award at the Sales Achiever’s Club and successfully generated 40 new EMEA customer references in 18 months;
Perrine also launched multiple websites in local languages during her career. Perrine drove the marketing strategy at Facebook in EMEA for the developer community in 2014; on a personal note, Perrine is a busy mum of 2 children, she is married to an Italian entrepreneur, is a fitness enthusiast and lives in London. Originally from France, Perrine successfully relocated to London in 2009 and earned the British citizenship in 2017. Perrine speaks fluently French and Italian as well as English. Perrine earned a law degree at UPMF in France, in 2006.
What made you become an international motivational speaker? When did you realize you were motivating people?
I was invited by my company to speak at an internal corporate event, a Leadership Summit, in California, that gathered all the leaders (directors and above) in the company, for a 2 day sessions on leadership. I was in a leadership panel with 3 other panelists. Being on stage, sharing my experience as a woman in leadership in a technology company made me realize how much I enjoyed public speaking and how much I had to say on the topic of inspiring women to pursue their goals, as well as establishing a gender-friendly culture in a male-dominated corporate world and educating men to become women’s advocates in the workplace. As soon as I got off stage, I was surprised by how many people from the audience reached out to me to say that my panel really inspired them and they thought it was the best session they had seen all day! When I started sharing my thoughts on social media, I was equally surprised by how many people reached out to me privately to say how much they needed to hear that, or how much it helped them in a difficult moment; I realized that not only ambitious women were inspired by my message but also men who desperately want to become women’s advocates and also senior women in leadership who need help attracting more female talents in male-dominated industries such and Technology.
What is the best piece of advice you can offer to the person who is trying to significantly improve their lives?
Focus on your what. I see so many people who live their life being “just fine”. Life is so precious, so short and every human being is so unique even when they don’t see or understand it. My job is to show people how unique they really are and to show them how to use their special talent to help the world. So many people don’t know what their purpose in life is and live without purpose. My advice to people wanting to improve their life is to pause and think about what their purpose in life is. There are lots of great tools that people can find online to help with finding your purpose, such as the Ikigai which is the Japanese concept that means “a reason for being”. People should start with their Ikigai, their “what”, their purpose in life, and everything else will follow.
How have you been affected by COVID-19? How can we stay positive during the crisis?
COVID-19 has brought uncertainty and unknown to everyone’s lives. The impact is that many companies and people are focusing on re-organizing their lives and some industries and some people are affected more than others. I am also affected by a sense of uncertainty and unknown regarding my personal life and my career. I choose to focus on what’s possible, what can be done and how this makes me better because it is pushing me outside of my comfort zone to be creative and to find solutions. We can stay positive by seeing it as an opportunity to push ourselves outside of our routine and to find solutions that we would have otherwise not even considered. We can choose to see this as a growth phase in our lives and we can choose to embrace this phase as a chance to grow more and faster than we would normally have.
What is most rewarding about what you do?
The most rewarding thing about what I do is the messages I receive from people saying how much they needed to hear that inspiration that day, or saying that what I do touched them in a way. If I can go to bed knowing that I helped at least one person feel better today, then I am at peace with myself and I know that I have fulfilled my purpose in life.
What else would you like people to know about your job/career?
One thing I would like people to know about my career is that I struggled for a long time with self-confidence, thinking I was never good enough and talking down to myself. Despite having a successful career as a Marketing Executive in Technology, having worked at Facebook, having won awards for my work, having been promoted multiple times, having had 2 kids and even finding time to work-out at the gym, I still struggled with self-confidence and feelings of inadequacy at work and at home. I am convinced this is a challenge that’s very common amongst women and this is why I am so passionate about inspiring women to pursue their goals.
How do you deal with less good days?
We all know how tough life can be. I also often go through hardships and less good days like the rest of us and in hard times, it is especially challenging to remain positive. When things get hard, I do a few things to go back on track and back into a positive mindest:
A) I take some time off to rest and recharge
It can be tough to do this especially when you have children to look after, a house to keep tidy, a day job to do, bills to pay, family to call etc… Taking a little time, even if just 30 minutes in the evening and watching a funny movie, or going to bed extra early, or waking up a bit later, take a little time for yourself to re-charge.
B) I take a small action that I know will get me back on track
For me, it’s working out. Even if I don’t feel like it, working out always makes me feel better afterwards. The first exercise is the hardest when I feel down or depressed but once I push through that first exercise then it gets easier mentally (not physically!) and when I am done, I have those endorphins running in my body and I am on a high! Just doing something that you know is good for you, even if you don’t feel like it, always makes you feel better and gets you back on the “positive mindset” track.
How do you turn storms into accomplishments?
Storms or failures or set-backs are all things that can be seen in different ways. We can choose to look at these and focus on what did not work. We can also choose to look at these and focus on what worked: we failed because we did something, so we learnt something! We actually moved in a direction as opposed to doing nothing. Doing nothing is bad. Doing something is always good because we learn from it, always. I like to celebrate failures because it shows I did something.
How do you balance work and life?
I like to talk about work and life integration. I believe that life is a never-ending experiment, where we try things, we adjust our goals and trajectory as we go along. I like to remain flexible and be compassionate with myself. I like to invest in my wellbeing (physical, mental, spiritual, emotional) so I can be the best version of myself and I can do my best work and look after my family and friends in the best way. Although I don’t have a magic formula, I start the day with a big picture vision of what I’d like my day to look like. Things may not go exactly toi plan but I had clear intentions when I started the day and that helps me focus my energy.
Where do you get your inspiration from daily?
I get my inspiration from my daily meditation, books I read, podcasts I listen to, observing people around me, noticing my own thoughts, writing down my dreams, etc…Everywhere I look is inspiration and it is about noticing things and writing them down.
How do you stay motivated?
When in doubt, I always go back to my what, my purpose. I take a deep breath and I ask myself: “what do I want to be remembered for”, “what is my special talent I want to share with the world”. This reminds me that I have a purpose and everything I do to honor that purpose is the right thing to do.
Follow Perrine for more inspiration:
https://www.inspired-human.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspiredhuman
https://twitter.com/ImInspiredHuman
https://www.facebook.com/inspiredhumanconsulting/
![From Music to Perfume: How did your background as a music teacher influence your transition into perfumery, and how do you incorporate your musical sensibilities into creating fragrances? I’ve always thought in terms of metaphors, and music has many that can be related to perfumery! Beyond just thinking in terms of top, middle and base notes [soprano/alto/tenor in choir], I approach each fragrant idea as a composition. When documenting my ideas, song structures often come to mind. As the scent brief is visited, I meditate on what the fragrance should convey - do I want to create an accord or a “chord” of fragrance note combinations? Do I want an a capella soloist (a particular ingredient to stand out more than others?) Many of my thoughts regarding song composition transfers to my scent formulation process, with me treating each note as an intentional soliloquy at some point.
Brand Origin: What inspired you to start Pink MahogHany in 2005, and how has your vision for the brand evolved since its inception?
An avid lover of all things pleasantly scented (with slight modesty), looking back in retrospect, it’s no huge surprise that I’ve created an indie perfume house with just an idea to provide unique options for those who may be sensitive to unnecessary pungency. Initially, I just wanted to evaluate various blends to note their aroma profiles when “played” together…it wasn’t until I had friends and family asking if I knew of brands that catered to those who may be on the more olfactory sensitive side, that I really began to take my research more seriously. In the almost 20 years that Pink MahogHany has been in existence, our micro visions for the brand have evolved to larger territory. Where Pink MahogHany used to only be a personal brand, we are now also a bespoke formulation service provider to other indie brands seeking unique fragrance offerings for their products. These products range from (but are not limited to) perfumes, candles, body butters and lip balms. Ingredient Transparency: You emphasize transparency and the use of desirable ingredients in your products. How do you select your ingredients, and what challenges have you faced in maintaining this standard?
Being an indie brand often comes with a set of assumptions and misconceptions - one of them being more negative than positive as it relates to ingredients used. There is a lot of “fluff” in the industry with labeling falsification. Because fragrance formulas are a trade secret, not every molecular breakdown of a material has to be noted on the ingredient label (it would be incredibly long), but we at Pink MahogHany™️ adhere strongly to the IFRA [International Fragrance Regulatory Association] regulations that state for common and potential allergens to be listed on our ingredient label. We’ve taken this a step further to also include these ingredients listed on our website to promote further transparency, all while protecting our intellectual property. Unfortunately, we’ve had companies to unethically sell lesser expensive “dupes” of our artisan perfumes, so as a way to create a better authenticity stamp, we make it our duty to be honest about our claims. If our perfume says “Rose Bulgaria”, it is in fact just that and not a component of rose being passed off as the source material. Collaborations and Custom Scents: Can you share more about your work with private label clients? What excites you most about creating custom scent solutions for other indie brands? I could easily sum this up in one word and say “Funding.” True, there is money out there, but I’m always thinking outside the box. Having a program that has an “Each One Fund One” mentality doesn’t exist (that I’ve been made aware of). Bootstrapping can be quite the challenge, even when you’ve reached the 6-figure mark annually. Competition to be seen and set apart is extremely high, so having quality packaging and branding is a must. There are lots of factors to consider, though when desiring to make upgrades. If there were a unique, tier-geared funding operation available, it would help perfume brands offset packaging and bulk material costs in the beginning stages.
Industry Challenges: What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as an independent fragrance house, and how have you overcome them to grow your brand? As the brand continues on the path of organic growth, I would like to expand our reach into schools, offering perfumery as an arts elective for middle and high school. I’d love to partner with botanists, farmers and horticulturists directly to grow and source raw materials for the students to work with in the creation of tinctures. My passion is getting back to nature as best as possible, as nature was my first “scent experience” as a child. We would also love to witness our fragrance creations being used to scent model homes, our focus diffuser blends being used in automobile dealerships as well as partner with Air Bnb and boutique hotels that specialize in highlighting minority, indie brands. Personal Journey: How has your personal experience, particularly as a divorced mother and someone who has experienced the loss of a child, shaped your approach to life and your work in perfumery?
Because I homeschool my twin sons, we are together a lot more than most, so one thing we all do is have moments of sharing where a neutral “floor” is laid to converse about anything. Though they are quite communicative by nature, I realize that sometimes I can be in work mode so much that it spills over into what should be our quality time. My sons see the authentic me and learn how to communicate through seeing authenticity. I’ve learned not to feel as if I have to be the epitome of perfection but allow them to see my imperfections vulnerably but with discernment. Having had two traumatic experiences pretty close together has taught me how to truly slow down and enjoy the simplicities of life - igniting a spiritual aspect that I’ve always carried but never fully explored…until Kenji’s sudden passing (2018.) Grief has a way of catapulting us into a quest for more meaningfulness in both life and business. After Kenji’s passing and my processing through the initial stages of grief, I was able to incorporate our spiritual bond into Pink MahogHany by way of essential oil diffuser blends for both focus and sleep and most recently aromatic perfume elixirs. It’s been quite the process channeling the void of his physical presence, but I also have peace knowing he can be honored in a great way through scent. I noticed once I began to be more open and receptive to spiritual signs, synchs and “winks”, more ideas began to flow. It’s been this way since his transition. Emotional Expression: Fragrance is often tied to memories and emotions. How does your personal life influence the fragrances you create, and do you have a particular scent that holds special meaning to you? My creative process is much more alchemic now, and I include Kenji by talking out loud to him, believe it or not. I’m a firm believer that when our loved ones transition from the physical plane, they are still present - just in another form. I choose to keep his memory alive by not pretending he never existed (even if for a brief period of time). I am working (slowly) on a book and accompanying fragrance, but I know it will require me to revisit some memories I’m not quite ready for, so until then, his big brothers will launch their debut fragrance, The Peaceful Tiger (they chose the name.) I’ve learned that even in what we consider “small things”, our transitioned loved ones want to be recognized and acknowledged. When the twins and I designed their fragrance label (with a designer out of the country that didn’t know anything about me personally), we had issues with the graphic - so much so that the designer asked if they could rework the design. When they sent the proof for approval, the Tiger was not only younger but sleeping, with an uncanny, angelic resemblance to baby Kenji! Becoming more aware and being more sensitive to my intention for launching a fragrance has definitely made room for more divine situations like these to occur. Healing Through Scent: In what ways has creating fragrances been a form of healing or expression for you, especially after the loss of your son, Kenji Mwamba? I know my sons may not necessarily want to be perfumers, but they definitely have an entrepreneurial heart. My desire is that whatever they decide to pursue (acting, script-writing, music or architecture), they know that anything is possible with the right amount of determination, grit, belief and immersion. One reason I chose to homeschool is so they could enjoy learning without restraint and have ample time to devote to their own separate passions and it still be fun. They know Pink MahogHany is theirs if they want it (many, many years from now - lol), and we are already discussing business structures for whatever they choose their role to be once I retire. Work-Life Balance: How do you find balance between your professional responsibilities and personal well-being, and what self-care practices do you prioritize? I’m not just a perfumer; I’m also a consumer, and self-care is huge for me. I often take salt baths to reset my energy and clear my mind after being around large groups of people or free a long day. I’m a habitual perfume sampler, and I have so many to choose from to wear as my “nightcap.” Even if just for 10-15 minutes, I cherish each moment I’m able to have some “me-time.” When time and co-parenting schedules permit, I’m definitely on a flight somewhere to indulge in some delicious food and mouth-watering mocktails!](https://www.womenontopp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_3812-1200x720.jpeg)
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