The One Who Creates Rather Than Follows
Parisian, trained as a journalist, but above all, a creator. She does not simply fill a position—she builds spaces. From her earliest years of study, she launched projects designed to tell the stories that often go untold. She also steps into sectors that are new to her, bringing a fresh perspective. At Kalstein, it is no different: she did not join merely to manage content—she created an entire scientific journalism platform.
One Constant Goal, Several Deliberate Detours
Her ambition has always been clear: to become a journalist. She attended a general and technological high school, then studied at the Catholic University of Lille, joined La Chance—an equal-opportunity preparatory programme for careers in the media—and finally completed a Master’s degree in journalism.
At every stage, she nurtured her passions: languages, international news, and the desire to tell the world’s stories.
“I have always had this goal in mind. When I saw the international journalism position at Kalstein, I knew it was the right time.”
Not Just a Role, but a Platform
Gertrude is officially responsible for Kalstein’s editorial content. But on closer inspection, she created Kalstein Media from the ground up, developed its strategy, worked with data and digital marketing, and handled assignments as varied as her own interests.
“No two days are the same. One day, I might have a video call with a scientist in Australia. The next day, I could be covering a business event in Paris.”
She works closely with Celina in communications—her “little Celinette”—and together, they make things happen. New topics emerge, interviews take place, and the platform continues to grow.
What Truly Drives Her
What Gertrude enjoys most about her work is clear: challenges, encounters, and responsibility. She likes being the person who creates, proposes ideas, and chooses the right angles.
“I enjoy finding people to interview, suggesting documentary topics, and building the platform. That is what gives me energy.”
Then there is something she never expected to enjoy so much: data and technology.
“It is fascinating to see everything that can be done with data.”
What also motivates her is the energy of the people she meets during interviews—entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovators with powerful stories—as well as her young, dynamic, and lively team.
The Interview That Changed Her Perspective
One of her proudest moments involved two Brazilian entrepreneurs who came to Paris. She conducted the interview near the Montparnasse Tower, surrounded by key industry figures. She did not speak Portuguese, but she found an interpreter, and the connection was immediate.
“It went very well. Everyone was happy with the result, and we had a great time.”
However, what affected her most was something more personal: an interview during which a client became emotional. At that moment, Gertrude had a revelation. Behind every entrepreneur, scientist, and innovator in this field, there is a life story, a conviction, and a sense of humanity that cannot always be perceived from behind a desk.
“In the scientific and medical fields, we do not always realise it, but there is so much humanity behind everything. These people are driven by life experiences that encouraged them to take action and create.”
Then there is the experience that made her wiser: her computer crashed in the middle of editing a project. Everything was lost. It was a painful moment, followed by a lesson she will never forget.
“I learned my lesson: always edit using an external hard drive. Always.”
Finding the Right Strategy When None Exists
Her greatest challenge at Kalstein was launching a news platform on social media and finding the right strategy to build visibility from scratch. It was a major and complex undertaking.
“I had to find a strategy that would allow me to attract an audience.”
However, she handles pressure well. She has learned to navigate uncertainty because, as she says, “it is part of the job.”
An Atmosphere She Thrives In
At Kalstein France, the atmosphere is exactly what she was looking for: friendly and ambitious.
“We are all young, but we have a truly determined and responsible mindset. We are driven. We are not afraid.”
What makes her deeply proud is working in an international environment and being able to speak different languages every day.
“It is a genuine pleasure for me.”
And if she had to sum up Kalstein in one sentence, it would be:
“Think big and always try, regardless of the outcome.”
Beyond the Office
Outside work, Gertrude enjoys cinema—particularly romantic films and true crime—handball, which she played for many years, and African fashion.
Her advice to newcomers is:
“Take initiative. Pay close attention to what is being said. And communicate—communication is truly the key to making progress at Kalstein.”