Sylvie Vernackt: Branch Manager
The 51-year-old Sylvie Vernackt is a Branch Manager at Axians. In her role, she builds strong, long-term relationships with customers and acts as the main point of contact for all their IT-related questions. By delving deeply into the customer's business, their challenges and technological context, she translates complex IT issues into concrete, future-proof solutions. She does this in close collaboration with technical teams and architects, combining commercial insights with technical expertise to achieve impactful results together.
“Technology challenges you, helps you grow and opens the door to truly fascinating projects.”
- Name: Sylvie Vernackt
- Age: 51
- Studies: Bachelor’s degree in Economics (ULB), Master’s degree in Marketing (KU Leuven), and Master’s degree in Business Administration (Henley Business School)
- Function: Branch Manager
- Hobbies: Playing the piano and reading
You have worked in technology your entire career. What makes this sector so appealing to you?
Sylvie: My passion for IT began more than twenty years ago in my very first role. What attracted me from the start was the dynamism and constant evolution within the field. Technology never stands still: new tools, applications and possibilities are constantly emerging. That means you never stop learning: you deepen your knowledge, adapt and continue to challenge yourself. It’s a sector where change is not the exception but the norm and I find that incredibly energizing. What’s more, IT offers a direct link to how society functions and evolves. Technology touches just about every aspect of life, from companies that want to work more efficiently to consumers who expect new experiences. That impact means that what you do is not only technically interesting, but also highly relevant to society. It is precisely that combination of continuous learning and being able to make a real difference that has kept me fascinated and motivated to continue working in IT all these years.
What role does the culture of VINCI Energies play in your daily work?
Sylvie: What has always struck me about VINCI Energies is the strong emphasis on collaboration, support and personal development. You are never alone in your role. From the start, you are surrounded by colleagues who are willing to share knowledge, answer questions and seek solutions together. This team spirit is also reflected in training sessions, workshops and practical guidance that help you grow not only technically, but also in terms of communication and strategic thinking. This mindset also shapes how we approach projects: there is an open dialogue between commercial, technical and operational teams, which ensures that ideas do not remain stuck in silos, but actually lead to innovation. In addition, VINCI Energies regularly organizes initiatives, from informal events to group activities, that strengthen the sense of connection. You really feel that you are working together in an environment that supports you in bringing out the best in yourself.
Do you believe diversity is a necessary condition for innovation in technology?
Sylvie: Absolutely. During my career, I was often the only woman in the room. I never saw that as an obstacle. On the contrary, it taught me to earn my place based on passion and expertise. My advice to girls and women? Follow your interests and trust yourself. Technology challenges you, helps you grow and opens the door to truly fascinating projects. Today, more than ever, the sector needs diversity, because different perspectives strengthen innovation and creativity. Every voice, regardless of gender, contributes to better solutions. What’s more, companies such as VINCI Energies offer guidance and training so that you can continue to develop your skills, even if you start out without years of experience. The most important step is to give yourself the chance to get started.
