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From my parents’ movie theater to tech: how I carved out a place as a sales representative

Photo d’un homme et d’une femme qui posent côte à côte, souriants, dans un couloir ; l’homme porte un badge FRnOG au nom de Raphael Maunier.
Sandrine Gourby
Article by
Sandrine Gourby, Sales Director, France-IX
First published on LinkedIn on 31 March 2026 · view profile

When I first started out, I asked myself this question: how could I carve out a place for myself as a sales representative in the tech world (which I knew nothing about)?

I found the answer over time, through hard work and with the help of some kind-hearted people.

As a bit of background, before tech, there was my parents’ movie theater. I started working very early on, at the ticket counter, selling ice cream during intermission.

I saw technology evolve: we went from coal to electricity, I had a code to order movies… That’s where I learned what it means to be in a profession without mastering every detail, yet still moving forward.

What my parents passed on to me: the humility to admit what I don’t know and the courage to ask questions anyway.

A few years later, that helped me bridge the gap between my background in sales and the tech world.

But that’s only possible thanks to people who are willing to take the time to explain.

Raphael Maunier was one of those people. Thank you for your patience 🙏 He was the first in a long line of people who have helped me throughout my career.

And this field, once you really dive into it, is fascinating. It’s constantly evolving, you never stop learning!

So to all the tech professionals who patiently serve as guides, without condescension, THANK YOU!

You make tech accessible and allow people like me to find their place in it.

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