Leading by example’

Weenect was founded in 2012. Under the commercial leadership of de Villemeur Vieille, the company has expanded internationally while remaining true to a clear philosophy: technology should be simple and reliable, and geared towards the actual needs of animals and their families.

In this interview, the co-founder reflects on leadership, responsible innovation and the changing role of women in the technology sector. 

You co-founded Weenect in 2012 and contributed to its international growth. Looking back, what were the key moments that most influenced your leadership career?

Looking back, I can see four phases that really shaped my development.

The first was the big leap: I gave up my comfortable permanent job to found Weenect. Suddenly, there was no safety net. Every decision was mine to make. You quickly realise that nothing is guaranteed and that the responsibility lies solely with you. That makes you clear-headed... and, to be honest, much more humble.

The second phase was marked by intense pressure to grow, as everything accelerated and became more complex – industrially, financially and in human terms. These moments forced us to figure out who we wanted to be. We realised that our credibility was based not only on technology, but also on strong commitments: reliability, simplicity, availability and excellence.

These values guide us both in serving our customers and in working with our teams.

The third turning point was the transition from 100% online to omnichannel – convincing retail networks to trust us. We had to prove our solidity, honour our commitments, be prepared to be evaluated over time, and remain humble. Once again, Weenect's four pillars guided us.

Finally, there was international expansion and team building. The transition from ‘doing it yourself’ to ‘helping others grow’ fundamentally changes your leadership style. You have to learn to trust, listen better and create clear frameworks without stifling initiative. This is not easy at first... but it is essential.

Ultimately, it was the times of uncertainty that shaped me the most. They force you to make decisions, to get involved, to take a stand. And above all, to embody what you supposedly stand for every day.

What challenges have you encountered as a woman in the technology industry?

Before founding Weenect, I came from the industrial sector, so I was already used to working in predominantly male environments. Purely technical positions are still largely occupied by men – that's a fact.

The hardest thing for me was fighting imposter syndrome. I don't know if that's because I'm a woman... Fortunately, my co-founders always recognised my professional expertise – that was incredibly important. What really counts is competence and the strength of your decisions. If you know your stuff and have mastered your subject matter, respect will follow naturally.

Ultimately, my biggest challenge wasn't being a woman in the tech industry. It was starting Weenect while my four children were still very young. It's not easy to juggle a fast-growing business with a busy family life. Especially when you have a ‘fifth baby’: your company.

That requires energy, organisation and a lot of clarity about your priorities. I was lucky to have a husband who supported me 100% emotionally and children who always told me they were proud of me. That kind of pride gives you incredible strength.

What changes would you like to see in order to support more women in technical and leadership positions?

As for the changes I would like to see:

· More visible female role models in technical and leadership positions. You can't become what you don't see.

· Young girls to stop censoring themselves. If they love technology, science and engineering, they should fully commit to it. They shouldn't ask themselves whether ‘it's right for them’. If it excites them, that's the only reason they need.

· Make it really easier to balance work and personal life – for women and men. Work-life balance shouldn't be a ‘women's issue’.

The tech industry needs talent. And talent has no gender. 

What leadership principles guide you today?

For me, ‘leading by example’ is my compass. I want to be a role model. You can't demand anything from your team if you don't demand it from yourself. I also attach great importance to keeping my word. Yes means yes, and no means no. And finally, I try to be a serious leader without taking myself too seriously. 

Responsible innovation is becoming an important topic in pet technology. How do you think technology can truly improve animal welfare while remaining practical for everyday use?

GPS, of course! Joking aside, it allows you to truly protect your pet from danger, monitor them and train them. The more accurate the GPS and the longer the battery life, the more it contributes to animal welfare. That's what we strive for every day at Weenect.

After more than a decade of building Weenect, what motivates you personally to continue working in this field?

What motivates me most is the thought that we are only at the beginning of the journey – and yet we have already come so far!

That's wonderful, that's exciting.

This is the long version of the article from the print edition of PET worldwide 2/2026.