In today’s fast-changing technological landscape, where new innovations appear almost every day, leadership requires not only technical expertise but also vision and adaptability. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has become a driving force behind global transformation, with artificial intelligence, cloud services, the Internet of Things, and cybersecurity reshaping the way organizations and individuals function. At the heart of this transformation are leaders who not only navigate the change but also shape it. Among them is Sandrine R. M. El Khodry, Senior Vice President at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise (ALE), who has dedicated nearly three decades to pioneering growth, empowering teams, and inspiring future leaders.
A Journey from Family Roots to Global Leadership
Sandrine’s professional story began within her family business, where she developed an early understanding of company operations and the value of commitment. This foundation encouraged her to step boldly into the private sector, where she began as a sales specialist. Her willingness to explore diverse fields allowed her to build expertise in areas including mobility solutions, cloud, IT, infrastructure, security, customer service, and telecommunications. These early roles revealed her natural inclination for business development and her drive to innovate through technology.
Starting her career in sales provided her with a comprehensive view of how organizations function. Over time, Sandrine benefitted from mentors and leaders who trusted in her abilities and offered her opportunities to grow. However, she also faced the reality of being a woman in a male-dominated sector, which meant she had to work harder and consistently prove her value. Rather than discouraging her, these challenges strengthened her determination. She takes pride in what she has achieved so far, yet she remains focused on future growth and the continuation of her professional journey.
Building Success Across Borders
During the past decade, Sandrine has held influential global leadership positions that required her to oversee complex portfolios, manage international partnerships, and guide multicultural teams across regions. Her leadership has extended beyond traditional management, as she has been instrumental in creating multi-year strategies that align with long-term objectives. Under her guidance, diverse teams have achieved consistent annual growth, showing her ability to connect vision with execution.
Sandrine attributes this success to her philosophy that closeness to people is at the heart of business. Whether engaging with her teams, clients, or partners, she emphasizes the importance of proximity, communication, and collaboration. She believes that when people feel connected, motivated, and supported, they are capable of reaching extraordinary outcomes.
Empowering the Next Generation
While her professional accomplishments are notable, Sandrine’s influence also extends to mentoring and supporting others. She actively participates in initiatives designed to nurture entrepreneurs and startups. As a mentor with CCI France in the UAE and an advisor to the French government’s Foreign Trade Committee for the Middle East and Africa region, she shares her experience to empower the next generation of business leaders. She is also a frequent speaker at international conferences, where she highlights the importance of strong leadership and innovation in today’s business world.
Sandrine is deeply committed to giving back to the community and takes pride in using her expertise to create meaningful impact beyond corporate environments. Her efforts are motivated by a genuine belief that leadership is not only about reaching personal success but also about enabling others to achieve their own.
Leadership Grounded in Purpose and People
Sandrine describes her work routine as both structured and purposeful. She begins her day early with a focus on reviewing her agenda and prioritizing key tasks, ensuring she sets the tone for productivity and focus. Her schedule often involves meetings with colleagues, partners, and clients, where she maintains a balance between immediate goals and long-term vision.
Her approach to leadership emphasizes empowerment, trust, and open communication. She sees her team as an extension of herself and believes that when trust is mutual, success becomes inevitable. By encouraging team members to take ownership of their responsibilities and supporting their decisions, she fosters a sense of accountability and pride. Regular reviews, feedback sessions, and transparent communication form the foundation of her leadership style.
Sandrine also believes motivation is tied to a clear understanding of purpose. When individuals recognize the impact of their contributions, challenges transform into opportunities for growth. For her, obstacles are not setbacks but chances to innovate and adapt. This mindset has guided her in both personal and professional pursuits.
Driving Change in the ICT Sector
The ICT industry has undergone profound changes in recent years, and Sandrine has been at the forefront of navigating these shifts. She identifies remote working, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence as some of the most significant developments shaping the industry today. She also highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity as technology becomes more integrated into daily life.
At Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, Sandrine has ensured that the company remains ahead of these trends by offering scalable, efficient, and innovative solutions. ALE’s strength lies in its ability to anticipate customer needs while maintaining its reputation as a trusted partner in networking and cloud technology. Sandrine emphasizes that adaptability and forward-thinking are essential for organizations to thrive in this era of digital transformation.
A Philosophy of Balance and Growth
For Sandrine, success is not limited to professional milestones. Her family, children, and close relationships form the foundation of her life. She prioritizes balance, ensuring she dedicates time to what matters most while also excelling in her career. At ALE, she champions work-life balance, recognizing the role of technology in maintaining connections regardless of location.
Her personal interests include reading biographies, which inspire her with new perspectives on leadership and resilience. Sports serve as an outlet to release stress and maintain energy, while traveling fuels her curiosity, allowing her to explore new cultures, ideas, and opportunities. These experiences enrich her personal and professional growth, giving her a broader outlook on leadership and global business.
Looking Ahead to a Connected Future
Sandrine is optimistic about the future of technology, describing it as full of opportunities for industries and societies alike. She predicts that automation, artificial intelligence, and faster access to information will transform industries such as healthcare, retail, and education. She is particularly interested in how technology can contribute to addressing global issues, including climate change, through innovative solutions.
She sees human-machine collaboration as an area of significant potential, where advancements will not only increase efficiency but also enhance creativity and learning. At ALE, she remains focused on using these technologies to bring value to customers and partners while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
For Sandrine, ALE’s century-long history of innovation provides a strong foundation for continued growth. With substantial investment in research and development, the company is well-positioned to remain a leader in its field. She is confident that ALE will continue to connect people and businesses in ways that create lasting value for both society and industry.
