Sandrine Chavy

Q: Who are you? Where are you from?

A: I’m Sandrine, I come from France and I’m passionate about people! 10 years ago I decided to leave abroad, I quit my job and my native country to live a new experience in Boston! By pushing myself out of my comfort zone, I learned a lot about myself and was able to build my resilience! I’m someone who is inclusive and this experience taught me how to be strong no matter what happened, I have enough energy and determination to go through everything now!  I know how it feels when you are different, when you feel not capable because of the culture barrier or just language barrier, I personally understand the challenges that many employees face, because 10 years ago (and still now!) I felt like a new employee who was showing up in a company, which made me even more effective when it comes to including people and keeping them engaged. I truly value the power of diversity, different perspectives, different backgrounds, being among a team that represents the world we are living in is a source of energy and I’m proud to be part of Modulate’s team.

Q: What’s your background? What did you do before Modulate?

A: I started my career as a talent acquisition manager. I was in charge of sourcing, screening, and interviewing candidates for my clients. My scope of actions was defined like this. 

Once the selection was completed and the offer accepted, I was no longer responsible for the candidate. However, I kept the connection because I felt responsible for the placement and I witnessed toxic work situations, failures, inequity and suffering due to the fact that employers did not care for people, did not listen to them nor anser their expectations and their needs. Mostly, they did not consider their well-being or their career path. Only the profits motivated the managers. At this time, I felt so useless, I realized the crucial importance of the role of human resources at the workplace and how impactful you could be to work as an HR because you support your people beyond the interview process. I wanted to have an impact and wanted to offer to my colleagues an enriching work experience. So, I went back to college in 2011, to get my master degree in Human Resources Organization and Management (I had a master degree in law!). And then I started out at Efgb as an HR Director. At Efgb, we just began with less than 5 people and our energy! I felt connected with the mission because I come from a country where education is free and accessible to all, where we believe everyone deserves access to a great education. The lack of education divides the society and the Education system is the backbone of any happy and healthy society. But I digress! Even if the challenge was important, I put my head down every day and I’ve created the foundation of the HRD role. Over the years I was able to build a strong and diverse team and to support the exceptional growth of Efgb. This is a testament to how impactful and effective you can be when you grow with intention.

Q: Why are you joining Modulate?

A: First, because I admire the work that has been done so far. I wanted to join a diverse team and a mission-driven work environment.

Then, because of the mission! Modulate is committed to solve toxicity in the gaming community and to create a safer space in the gaming world. The mission deeply resonates with me because as an HR professional my main mission is to offer a great place to work. That means implicitly that I’m committed to solving toxicity in the workspace. I’m a mother to a 15 year old gamer. I get my knowledge from him, essentially. He told me about the toxicity in the digital space and this is not acceptable. As a mother, I’ve been as concerned as many families. Modulate has the power to help families, I’m very grateful for that and I want to contribute, to help whatever small way I can.

Another point: because of the innovation. ToxMod is very innovative and cutting-edge, and I wanted to join a team that will value experimentation. I like to explore and experiment as the HR field is constantly growing and changing!

In addition, because of the culture. Modulate’s culture is very unique and very different from any other company and I was very impressed with the transparency value for instance. For me, being transparent shows how Modulate care about their people and fully embody its value. 

Last but not least, because of the work itself, I’m impressed with how Modulate put people first in creating this new role fully dedicated to people and I’m honored to take over that role and I’ll do my best to help each team member to be happy at work and Modulate to grow smoothly.

There are so many reasons I’m joining Modulate but I’m talking too much! 

Q: What’s your ideal work environment? Any special strategies you use to stay effective?

A: I’m comfortable in different kinds of places! I was lucky enough to enjoy living through different cultures and moving across the world. Going through different cultures and different people gives me the ability of binding people, bringing out the strengths of the group by empowering my colleagues to be their best. But because you ask me this: working in a bright open space with green plants, alternate standing and sitting positions, going outside to breathe fresh air and refocus. I always put an orchid flower on my desk, it brings me prosperity!

Q: Tell us about something you must have in any culture you join?

A:  Positivity, Diversity, Trust, Respect and Humor! I’m known for my proactive positive attitude and I love to create the vertueux cycle of positivity. The world is stressful and as a HR professional this is one of my main focuses to offer a happy and healthy workplace to my colleagues! For the same reasons, I love jokes and laughter. I need fun at my workplace!

Q: Who are you outside of work?

A: I’m the same person wherever I am! I’m a mom of 3 lovely children, I’m a student: in september 2022 I’m back to college to study philosophy, I’m a literature person, willing to have an impact, I care about others and I dedicate a lot of my free time to help and support others, particularly in the The Woods-Mullen Shelter.

Q: What’s something you’re great at that few people realize?

A: I have a very good eye and a developed sense of observation of people and things. I feel the moods, feelings and emotions of others. Sometimes I think I should have been a detective!

Q: Leave us with a fun tidbit - a favorite joke, a story from your past, an obscure riddle, whatever you like!

A: I like this quote “My goal is to create a life I don’t need a vacation from!” - Rob Hill Sr