Juliette The Picard is not a simple business. In charge of theexport in Cool Roof, she combines her talents to the international trade with a sincere commitment to the transition environmental and social justice. With a bubbly personality and a journey enriched by multicultural experiences, it epitomizes an ambitious vision : to deploy climate solutions sustainable where they are most needed. In this interview, Juliette is back on his career, his motivations and the challenges she encounters in her mission of internationalization solutions Cool Roof.
Juliet : It is a question that always makes me smile, because in reality, it all goes back to my childhood. I come from a family of merchants : my father, my grandfather and my aunt are business leaders. When I was little my favorite game was ” playing the market “. I believe that this fibre business had always been there.
At school, I wasn’t necessarily the best student, but I am proven industry STMG, where I was able to do internships in sales. I loved it ! After my baccalaureate, I chose a BTS commerce international. This course has opened my eyes to the importance of understanding and complying with different cultures, trade across the world. Whether in Europe, Africa, or Asia, the ways of working differ greatly, and it is fascinating.
Juliet : Absolutely, these experiences taught me a huge amount. For example, during my master’s degree in international trade at the IAE of Bayonne, I spent a year in Latin America : six months in a university in Uruguay, and then an internship in a tour operator, eco-responsible in Panama. These trips have allowed me to discover cultures that are incredibly diverse and unique approaches to protect the environment.
In Panama, I worked on eco-tours that highlight the indigenous communities of Bocas del Toro. These populations (the Naso and Ngäbe-Buglé), often marginalized, have a wealth of cultural immense, but they are also vulnerable. The initiatives that I’ve seen out there I have deeply marked : English language courses to help the natives to communicate with tourists, or even tours that allow them to share their know-how while generating revenue.
And then, there are things that I can’t forget : the roof of black concrete heat-trapping, non-potable water to the city of Montevideo, the air conditioning at full speed above the doors of the shops in Rio de Janeiro and Mexico City, or the truck stop that is still running their engine to power the air conditioning in extreme temperatures.
These experiences made me understand the importance of simple solutions such as cool roofing to mitigate the effects of climate change.”
Juliet : Yes, several in fact. But there is one that I was particularly marked. It was in Montevideo. The drinking water was missing so much that the city is supplied with water in the lower part of the river (the part the more salt) that it was then heavily treated to make it drinkable, or at least usable. Our skins cartonnaient in contact with this water, which was no longer one – but the city had no other solution adaptation to the urgency of the situation fluid.
These situations, which are the daily lives of millions of people, strengthen my belief that there is a need to act quickly and with solutions that are accessible, such as Cool Roof.
Juliet : When I saw the ad on the page of the Team for the Planet, it immediately resonated. During my interview for the position, I said to Ronan Caradec, co-founder and managing director of Cool Roof, that their solution was both simple and revolutionary. But this is not all : the job was perfect for me. It combines my passion for the international, my curiosity for languages and my desire to travel. In addition, a Cool Roof is a company committed to the environment and social justice. I knew that that was where I wanted to be.
The cool roofing responds to critical needs, particularly in countries where electricity is a luxury.
Juliet : What I like in my post, it is that there is not routine. A week, I can be in the process of calling a potential partner to Lebanon, Djibouti and Barbados, and the next, I’m working on translation techniques in a new area.
As I am still in the learning phase, my manager takes the time to explain key concepts, such as the degree-hours of discomfort, or the specifics of the climate zones that target. This transmission of knowledge is essential for me.
I would say that it is a dynamic permanent swap. From my side, I come from international trade, so I can bring in expertise on the commercial crops, while my collaborators, such as Ronan, have a more global vision of the company. We complement one another perfectly.
Juliet : one of The main challenges is to adapt to cultural differences. In Italy, for example, one must learn the specific codes of the market : how businesses operate, what are their priorities and sensitivities. There is also the language barrier. But it is precisely this kind of challenge that motivates me.
Even though I speak several languages, include an Italian, a Spaniard, or a Romanian speaking English with his accentedt – while getting to understand with a French accent – it is a whole year !
Another challenge is to convey our messages in a clear and engaging. The cool roofing is a simple solution, but it must clearly explain it to convince. This is a work of pedagogy and adaptation.
Juliet : Our main project is the development in Italy. It examines the market thoroughly and we are in the business intelligence permanent, to understand the local issues. For example, in the North of Italy, where there is a strong industrial activity, needs solutions like ours are huge.
We also participate in salons, such as the Made Expo to be held in November 2025 on the sustainable habitat in Italy. These events are a great opportunity to present our solutions and meet partners.
And then, there are other upcoming projects, such as the Africa Forum-France the Transition Eco-friendly & Energy in Tunis in April 2025 with Business France. The goal is always the same : to make the cool roofing and show how it can contribute to reduce inequalities in climate.
Juliet : This is one of the aspects that I prefer in this business.
Here, it works with people of all ages, from all social backgrounds and of all specialties. It creates a dynamic that is very rich.
What is interesting is that the offices themselves encourage this collaboration : the spaces of each pole are glazed, which limits the silos and promotes the exchange. Glass against silos, it may seem stupid – but, ultimately, it is our philosophy at Cool Roof. Why make it complicated when you can make it simple ?
This diversity is reflected also in day to day conversations. You always learn something, whether it be on a technical topic or on the culture of another generation. For me, it is a constant enrichment.
Juliet : In the short term, the main goal is to get our first contracts in Italy and to lay the foundations for a successful deployment.
In the longer term, I hope to contribute to changing attitudes in the face of climate change. Cool Roof offers a solution that is both effective, simple, and accessible.
If we can put it in areas that are particularly vulnerable like favelas in Brazil who suffer from the effect of urban heat island, ” or in some regions of Africa, including the buildings are not yet adapted to the proliferation of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, prolonged, you can really make the difference.
My role is to spread this technology and show that it is possible to fight against social inequality, while meeting the challenges of climate change.
The course of Juliet The Picard perfectly illustrates the commitment of Cool Roof : combine innovation, social justice, and sustainable solutions. Through his role, Juliette opens the way to internationalization is not limited to business transactions, but that is based on a true exchange of knowledge and values.
And you, what would be your “clicks” to join the fight against climate change ?
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