Fabienne Lupo

I run the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, whose mission is to promote fine watchmaking throughout the world. I’m in charge of a team of around 30 people ; we organize trade fairs, conferences, training sessions and other events to promote the culture and know-how of fine watchmaking.

I’m passionate about the small contribution I make to promoting the dedication of watchmakers and helping them to earn a living from their wonderful work. I like developing projects that help people, meeting extraordinary people, and creating opportunities and unique moments.

My career path. I think your career is like a journey through life – it can take you to a different country or to a new job. So your career is the story of the people you meet along the way, and the charm lies in its unpredictability. A support ? Franco Cologni, my mentor, without a doubt. He hired me 20 years ago, and I still learn from him every day even though he’s now in his eighties.

A downside or obstacle ? I always want to do everything at the same time, and to try to please everyone. There aren’t many women in positions of responsibility because not many of us think that we can reconcile our professional and our private lives. Of course, it’s complicated and sometimes it’s hard to do without any collateral damage. But why should we have to choose ? We are our own biggest obstacle.

I’m proud to have organized public events to promote the work of watchmakers and other art-related professions. My strength lies in my ability to bring people together and rally them around a common project.