Q&A with Vincent
Vincent is a Strategic Product Manager at Radiall Isle D'Abeau.
Q. What did you do when you first started at Radiall?
A. When I joined Radiall, it was through the acquisition of D-Lightsys, where I was already working. Moving our activity to the Isle d’Abeau site was a major step, both professionally and personally. I started as a design office engineer—a very technical role that allowed me to dive deep into the development of optoelectronic modules. It was an intense and exciting time, where I discovered the richness of working in an industrial group like Radiall, while maintaining the agility and innovation mindset from the start-up environment.
Q. Can you tell us more about your current role?
A. Today, I’m a product manager for optoelectronic modules. My role is to define and lead the product strategy: analyzing market needs, supporting the development of new solutions, ensuring consistency in the product portfolio and acting as a bridge between technical, commercial and industrial teams. It’s a cross-functional role, right at the intersection of technology and marketing, which requires a good understanding of customer expectations, strong listening skills and a long-term vision.
Q. What is a typical day like for you at Radiall?
A. No two days are ever the same—and that’s what I love about it! I might start the day with a meeting with the R&D team to track project progress, follow up with a call with our sales teams or a customer to clarify a need and then work on a market study or prepare for a product launch. There are also key moments of collaboration with production, quality or purchasing teams. What I really appreciate is this collective energy—everyone brings their own expertise and drive to the table.
Q. What has been the most interesting project you have worked on?
A. One of the most exciting and meaningful projects I’ve worked on was the development of a custom optoelectronic module for the cockpit displays of a major OEM in the aerospace industry. At the time, it was the largest fiber optic integration program ever undertaken on this company’s aircraft. This project truly helped our optoelectronics activity take off—both technically and commercially—and it remains a proud milestone in our journey. What made it so exciting was the technical complexity, the industrial challenge and the strong relationship of trust we built with the customer. It was a true team effort—and one I’m proud of.
Q. What's the best advice you have for people wanting to pursue a career in your field?
A. Be curious, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. The optoelectronics field evolves quickly—you constantly need to learn, adapt and stay on top of new trends. Don’t limit yourself to a purely technical role: understanding customer expectations, industrial constraints and business strategy is essential to making informed decisions. And above all, surround yourself with inspiring people—you’ll learn a great deal from them.
Q. What is a motto that you like to live by or keep in mind?
A. "They didn’t know it was impossible, so they did it." This quote reminds me to never underestimate what we can accomplish, especially when we work as a team. At Radiall, I’ve often seen ambitious projects succeed thanks to commitment and collective trust. That energy is what keeps me motivated every day.