Meet Raouia Hamza, Senior Data Scientist at Rexel. In this interview, Raouia shares her journey into data science, from her early passion for math, statistics and computer science to her current role leading AI-driven innovations at Rexel. Raouia discusses her experience in applying data science to impactful projects, including her work at SNCF, where she revolutionised business processes with Artificial Intelligence (AI). Raouia discusses her leadership journey, focusing on building and mentoring her team at Rexel, and the challenges of navigating gender bias in male-dominated sectors. 

Interviewed by Meike Schneiders

You've already had a rich career in data science. Please give us a short summary. What has been the most defining moment in your professional life so far?

I began my data science journey unexpectedly during my studies at École Polytechnique in Tunisia, driven by my passion for math, statistics and computer science. Captivated by both the theory and real-world applications, like price prediction and demand forecasting, I pursued a double degree with Télécom Paris and a master’s at École de Technique in Paris. During my internships at Proxym and SNCF, I worked on impactful projects, earning recognition for innovation. Since 2020, I’ve been at Rexel, where I now lead a team as a senior data scientist. Building and mentoring my team has been the most defining and rewarding moment of my career, inspiring me to pursue further leadership roles.

Building and mentoring my team has been the most defining and rewarding moment of my career, inspiring me to pursue further leadership roles.

What are the biggest challenges and future puzzles you are currently facing in your job and how are you tackling them?

In my current role, I face two main challenges. The first is keeping up with the rapid evolution of data science as new models and technologies from companies like OpenAI and Google emerge constantly. To tackle this, I stay informed through AI newsletters, LinkedIn, and industry events where I learn from others’ experiences with new innovations. While this requires constant learning, I find it exciting. The second challenge is more personal—defining my own professional identity. Early on, I emulated others, but I soon realised the importance of developing my own approach. This has given me confidence and fulfilment, and I advise others to create their own path as well.

Early on, I emulated others, but I soon realised the importance of developing my own approach.

What are some of the key lessons you've learned about leadership and its impact on driving innovation and growth? 

1. Clear vision: A leader must provide clear direction and purpose to avoid confusion and disengagement.  

1. Strategic flexibility: Having a roadmap is crucial, but leaders must remain adaptable to changing circumstances.  

1. Engagement over commanding: Involving team members in the mission leads to better motivation and shared success.  

1. Listening: Listening to others’ ideas and feedback opens up new perspectives and fosters learning.  

1. Recognition: Acknowledging team efforts boosts morale and commitment.  

1. Career Development: Helping team members grow professionally strengthens both individual and team success.  

These principles, combined with regular team feedback, have been key to my leadership approach. 

Now as a senior data scientist, what challenges have you faced and how have you navigated gender bias in traditionally male-dominated sectors?

Growing up, I was exposed to traditional beliefs that a woman’s fallback was to marry and take care of the household if she didn’t succeed. Despite this, I chose challenging paths, attended top schools, and pushed myself to excel. I left my home country to pursue my studies in Paris, determined to build my career on my terms. Today, I’m proud I didn’t let gender biases stop me. To handle gender bias, I focus on seeing everyone as individuals with equal capacity to contribute. This mindset helps me navigate male-dominated sectors without allowing bias to affect my work or self-view. 

To handle gender bias, I focus on seeing everyone as individuals with equal capacity to contribute.

You joined the WIL Women Talent Pool Leadership Programme this year. How do you like it so far and what has been your most memorable experience or learning?

Joining the WIL Women Talent Pool Leadership Programme has been one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of my career. It’s given me the space to reflect on my accomplishments, evaluate my current path, and align my future goals with my true desires—something we often neglect in our fast-paced lives. The sessions and networking opportunities have been outstanding, allowing me to meet inspiring women. The most memorable part has been the mentoring sessions, especially with Marielle de Spa, where I learned valuable insights about the "zone of genius" and shaping my professional identity. I would absolutely join the programme again without hesitation!

The WTP Programme has given me the space to reflect on my accomplishments, evaluate my current path, and align my future goals with my true desires—something we often neglect in our fast-paced lives.[…] I would absolutely join the programme again without hesitation!

What is your greatest ambition or dream for the future of women in the sciences?

My greatest ambition is to see more women not only entering, but thriving in scientific fields, with the outdated notion that science is "for men" disappearing entirely. I want more women leading companies, making key decisions, and sitting on boards. A key dream is to witness women founding major tech companies and driving the next wave of innovation, like Zuckerberg or Bezos. My advice to young women is: pursue the sciences, don't underestimate your potential. The opportunities are vast, and you can be a leader—remember, the sky is the limit.

A key dream is to witness women founding major tech companies and driving the next wave of innovation, like Zuckerberg or Bezos.

Video Edited by Morgan Rachel Geyer