Fairouz, Plant Communication Specialist in Jemmal, Tunisia has been working at DRÄXLMAIER since 2020
About music, communication and the special twist
What is your job?
At DRÄXLMAIER I started as a plant management assistant for 2 years and then took over my role as plant communicator. Communication is a very diverse role within an organization. It covers many areas like internal communication, external communication, media, website, social media, events and much more. As a communication specialist I make sure that people in the company and outside know who we are, what we do and what our mission is. The heart of my role is to create a highly positive perception of the company. In brief I play the role of a brand ambassador par excellence.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Indeed good communication professionals I have come across are very interested in people. They like getting to know people and listening to them. In my turn, I do really enjoy having conversations with colleagues and employees and I´m very interested in what they say. It´s the active listening role that I enjoy most in my function.
There is a perception that it is all about putting a marketing spin on it but a huge part is actually listening to what people are saying and then using that to craft the messages for our communication. I get inspired by listening to different voices, perceptions and interpretations. Human mechanisms look very much the same but indeed our brains and voices are very diverse and unique.
Do you have any hobbies, passions and talents you would like to tell us about?
I love playing my favorite instrument which is the Arabian harp. Since my childhood I love listening to music and I really felt the need to play music. I cannot express my feelings in a better way. But I didn´t have the chance to play the harp because it costs. As soon as I started to work at DRÄXLMAIER, I could afford it.
I also sing and love reading poetry. I love this quote: “Music is what feelings sound like”. It describes so precisely that music has always been such a crucial part of my life. It has been always like an answer for me and the outlet of the feelings, that I cannot express properly in any other way. So singing, playing on my harp and reading have always been my tools for self-healing. It is like a free therapy for me.
Since my childhood I´ve also written about my thoughts and feelings. I translate songs into English, Arabic and French and I create my own songs. Every weekend I attend a musical club. I spend my Saturdays playing the harp and Sundays singing. I have a tutor who helps me each weekend to improve my talent. DRÄXLMAIER gives me the opportunity to have a good work-life-balance and the chance to explore my talent. I am over joyed that I have got my own harp recently.
How does music support you in your career?
Music and communication are very closely linked to each other and require the same skills: Improving concentration, anticipation, body language, eye contact, phonological awareness, sequencing, listening, self-awareness, among many others. And maybe this helped me to switch my position from a plant assistant to a communication specialist. My skills really match my position. I´m constantly looking for new qualities and tasks that I can accomplish.
Which of your qualities are you particularly proud of?
I´m that kind of person who appreciates everything in life. And I add value and character to everything around me. It could be a clothing style, a lunch table, home décor, an event – I try to make it very distinguished and unique. I don´t know what to call it exactly but I have noticed in any feedback I have received I hear something like: “Fairouz, you added a very special feel and atmosphere to that event or visit.” And since I work for a premium automotive supplier I feel very much in my skin. The DRÄXLMAIER claim WE CREATE CHARACTER is also my motto in life.
People tell me I have a very friendly personality. I have the habit to make sure that every newcomer at the company feels at home. I feel responsible and committed to make their integration period the best. I´m that go to person for anyone who has something to share, uncertainties or blockages. I´m there to look for solutions. And I work tirelessly to make everyone feel, that we are more than a company. We are a family. And I cannot hide my pride that my personal character and the company values go hand in hand. It´s just a perfect fit! :)
How would you describe your style?
When I style clothes for example I mostly chose a very minimalist look and combine it with something special, like an all-black or all-white look with a broche or a hat, a very unique piece. And it must not be expensive. When I´m planning an event at our plant Jemmal I use the budget and resources very wisely to create something magic, a setting that is made with love and gives people the feeling of something special.