Hey Carla, thanks for taking the time to share with us a glimpse of your job. When did you join Carmeuse and how did your role change since then?
I joined Carmeuse in May 2010, initially as an interim. At that time, I was brought in to support the organization of a very special milestone: the 150th anniversary of the Group. What was meant to be a temporary assignment turned into a long-term journey.
Looking back, it was also a personal turning point. I had moved to Belgium mid 2008 for family reasons, and my French was still… a work in progress! Starting a new job in a new country, new habits, with a language barrier wasn’t always “a walk in the park”. But I found a team that welcomed me with open hearts – even if they had very little time to guide me. So, I figured things out as I went along, rolled up my sleeves, and made it work. And here I am today!
Over the years, my role has evolved significantly, from supporting a specific project to becoming Executive Assistant to the CEO of the CEMEA region and his team. It has grown in scope, responsibility, and complexity, but also in trust and collaboration.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role?
No two days are ever the same, but if I had to describe one, I’d say it’s a mix of coordination, anticipation, and communication.
A big part of my day is what I like to call “agenda Tetris” 😄- trying to align multiple calendars across the region and making everything fit together smoothly.
There’s also business travel to organize and report on, plus a lot of coordination and exchanges with colleagues. I really believe that many heads think better than one, so staying connected is key.
How do you manage to stay so organized, especially when in charge of multiple events and tasks of different scales?
I have a very simple rule: I try to handle requests as they come in so that nothing gets lost along the way. And I rely… a lot… on reminders. My diary has thousands of them! It may sound simple, but discipline and consistency make all the difference. It’s about creating a system you trust.
Every year, you coordinate the CEMEA Summit, an event that brings together a lot of colleagues from different regions. How many years have you been organizing this event, and in what ways has it changed over time?
The CEMEA Summit has come a long way. It started in 2016, when it was still called the European Management Meeting (EMM). Back then, we were around 50 participants, mostly from Europe with a few Group representatives, and was held in Belgium. The following year, we organized it in Prague, which was already a big step. After that, the event continued to grow, both in size and ambition, while mostly remaining in Belgium.
Over the years, it has truly grown into a flagship event, bringing together a much broader group from across the EMEA region. And it keeps evolving…
While I handle a large part of the logistics, it’s absolutely a team effort. The Communication team plays an underlying role in bringing the whole “show” together. And 2026 was very special for me as I had the pleasure of organizing it in a CEMEA country, outside my comfort zone, working very closely with a local colleague. It made the experience even more rewarding!!
What does being part of the CEMEA team mean to you personally and professionally?
I am a team person and knowing that I have the confidence of the CEMEA management team is essential. It allows me to support them effectively - which is, after all, the core of my role as an Executive Assistant, right?
On a personal level, it’s a journey of growth and connection. Professionally, it’s about contributing to something bigger, together with a team that I truly value.
You are always smiling, and you always find a good solution, no matter how challenging a situation can be. What motivates you to bring that positive attitude even during stressful moments?
I strongly believe that “a smile can move mountains”. It may sound naively simple, but positivity creates energy, builds trust, and helps people move forward.
What motivates me is knowing that I can make a difference, even a tiny one. Supporting others, helping things run smoothly, finding solutions, that’s what drives me.
What is one thing about your job that people might find surprising?
Probably the sheer variety and unpredictability. Behind what may look like a structured job, some may even think of a routine, there is constant adaptation, problem-solving, and quick decision-making. A lot happens behind the scenes - when everything runs smoothly, it is often because many small things have been managed.
Carla Santos Silva
I strongly believe that “a smile can move mountains”. It may sound naively simple, but positivity creates energy, builds trust, and helps people move forward.