Since 1975, March 08 has been reserved as a global celebration of International Women’s Day. A day for action and to show unwavering support, groups come together to praise the social, political and economic achievements of women.
And while we don’t need a day to observe the successes of women, IWD is the perfect opportunity to do so! This date allows us to place a spotlight on female trailblazers that are paving the way for future generations and those campaigning tirelessly to break the glass ceiling.
The rise to the top for women in leadership does not come without effort and perseverance. To acknowledge this significant date, Wordans sat down with our COO Nolwenn to learn more about her professional journey.
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Nolwenn Conan
COO Wordans (Chief Operating Officer)
Where did your career start and how did you end up where you are today?
I had always had a keen interest in fashion and numbers. So naturally, I kicked off my career as a product manager in the fashion industry and I quickly moved up the ranks to become a buyer.
Loving the work that I do has been a key part of my success! Since joining Netenders about four years ago, I dove headfirst into the world of e-commerce. After taking on roles as a business developer and marketing manager, I climbed the ranks to establish myself as COO.
What kind of challenges have you faced as a female COO in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
I don’t see any difference between leading as a male or female COO in the e-commerce industry and I’ve never acted as such. The main issue I’ve had to overcome is my age; I’ve had to manage male counterparts older than me who questioned the authenticity of my position. Negotiation is a major part of a career and it’s something that I’ve had to do since the beginning – I never allow anyone to intimidate me. When you negotiate, you learn to establish a power dynamic, and sometimes, being a woman adds a softer touch to it.
Tell us more about your role as COO of Wordans - What’s the best part, and the most challenging part?
Devising strategies, launch schedules, overseeing the successful execution of projects and the coordination of communication and marketing efforts are part of my day-to-day. I also collaborate closely with our suppliers to build and maintain strong business relationships.
The most rewarding part of my role is witnessing the growth and evolution of Netenders. Seeing my employees happy and recognizing their accomplishments is also something that gives me immense satisfaction!
The most challenging aspect undoubtedly lies in managing an entire company that has grown very rapidly. We were a team of 15 when I started and now, this team is made up of 62 employees. The challenges have evolved significantly, with the need to create and revise processes to accommodate this rapid expansion. It’s incredibly challenging, but it’s also what I love about the role—the dynamic nature and the opportunity to adapt and innovate in response to the company’s growth.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you? Do you think it’s something that is still needed in 2025?
Even though there has been a vast improvement, I do believe that it is still necessary in 2025. While I recognize that equality is increasingly prevalent in our country, it’s crucial to remember that this is unfortunately not the case worldwide. Some individuals still do not embrace gender equality as a fundamental value. So, it’s essential to continue emphasizing the importance of International Women’s Day!
What is an achievement in your career that you are most proud of?
Working hard to reach where I am and never giving up. But also witnessing the daily victories we achieve as a team is an accomplishment in my career that I am most proud of.
What is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
Believe you have the power and don’t shy away from any challenges. Let your will to succeed be a constant reminder – you have all the tools and skills necessary to overcome hardships that come your way. When you make yourself known, your peers will be compelled to see your strength – your actions and perseverance will highlight your value.
What skills are required to be a successful COO in the e-commerce industry?
Firstly, it is essential to have a good understanding of the industry.
The e-commerce sector is rapidly evolving, and navigating it means continuously learning. Keeping up-to-date on trends is vital. A combination of strategic, organizational and operational skills are also key. Since our industry is heavily reliant on data, strong analytic and research expertise are necessary. E-commerce keeps you on your toes and requires you to be flexible and adaptable.
Finally, strong leadership skills are super important to lead a company. The collaboration of an entire team is essential for charting the path to success.
International Women’s Day is an occasion to commemorate and commend the invaluable contributions of female powerhouses world-wide. March 08 is a time to celebrate the past, present and future achievements of women and to continue to inspire us to break barriers.
Happy International Women’s Day, everyone!
Want to support International Women’s Day? Check out our website, Wordans, to find the perfect purple outfit for the occasion. Need more inspiration? Follow us on Instagram @wearewordans for styling ideas and more! #IWD #WeAreWordans
