Unapologetically Authentic. Unfailingly Bold
Founder & CEO
Dominique Bellos Consulting SAS
Unapologetically Authentic. Unfailingly Bold
Founder & CEO
Dominique Bellos Consulting SAS
In a world reshaped by disruption and reinvention, women leaders are no longer just part of the change—they are leading it. No longer defined by titles alone, today’s women leaders are recognized for something far more enduring: emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, and authenticity. The ability to inspire trust, create inclusive cultures, and lead with both heart and strategy is what sets great leaders apart in today’s business landscape. Carrying all these traits—and living them through decades of transformation—is Dominique Bellos, an influential voice in leadership, executive development, and organizational change.
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A seasoned leader, writer, and founder of Dominique Bellos Consulting SAS, Dominique began her career in the 1970s, rising from Executive Assistant to General Manager at MOTIP DUPLI Group. She later drove commercial growth at Alusuisse and led business units across industrial and automotive sectors at Hutchinson Group.Â
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As Global HR Director at Hutchinson, she chose inclusion over instruction, bringing together 90 HR leaders to co-create OPUS 180—a testament to shared vision and human connection. Yet, her proudest achievement remains a quiet one: the graceful balance of 50 years of professional life and 50 years of marriage.
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In this exclusive CEO Outlook Global interview, Dominique reflects on her 50-year career, the inspiration behind her entrepreneurial leap, and why her personal philosophy—“Dare to be yourself”—is more relevant than ever.
After nearly five decades in a male-dominated industrial world, I came to a powerful realization: my success wasn’t just built on degrees or technical skills—it was rooted in my ability to remain unapologetically authentic. That’s what helped me break through the glass ceiling.
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I wanted to pass that message on, so I wrote “Once Upon a… Woman in the Industry (Published by L’Harmattan)” and launched Dominique Bellos Consulting. Around the same time, the early signs of the “Great Resignation” were beginning to show. People were walking away from workplaces that preached values they didn’t live by—environments full of contradictions and broken promises.
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The gap I saw and still care deeply about is the lack of authentic leadership—the kind that’s not afraid to be human, real, and values-driven. I believe we need that leadership more than ever today.
In a world obsessed with results, helping people and companies embrace authenticity has been no small task. Daring to be human in a performance-driven world isn’t weakness—it’s the foundation of real strength.
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Through my book Once Upon a… Woman in Industry (Published by L’Harmattan), I encouraged individuals to break the mold and lead with boldness and truth. For organizations, the real shift comes when they see that putting people first isn’t idealism—it’s a strategic advantage.
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I chose mentoring as my core approach because it transforms mindsets and culture. It bridges the gap between personal authenticity and collective performance, and that’s where real change begins.
If I had to pass on one message to the next generation of women leaders, it would be this: “Don’t chase perfection—pursue excellence, anchored in who you are.”
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What helped me thrive wasn’t just business knowledge—it was self-curiosity, learning to understand and accept my vulnerability, and having the courage to speak up with respect. Empathy and emotional intelligence became my most valuable tools—not just for leading others, but for connecting deeply and making sound decisions. Leadership isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being real, growing constantly, and daring to lead with heart.
They say you can’t have it all—but I believe balance is the real success story. What I’m most proud of isn’t just one title or project, but the fact that I built a 50-year career in industry—often considered “atypical” for a woman—while also celebrating 50 years of marriage. That harmony, personal and professional, is my greatest pride—and one I share with my husband.
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If I had to highlight one professional milestone, it would be OPUS 180—a global HR initiative I led at Hutchinson. In just three days, 90 HR leaders co-created a shared policy that respected diverse local realities while aligning with our global strategy. We didn’t impose from the top; we co-built something lasting.
In a world full of noise, authentic leadership is about turning up the volume on what’s real. For me, it means putting people at the heart of everything—leading not from above, but alongside.
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An authentic leader dares to build trust, gives space to make mistakes, and sees the individual behind every role. “It’s about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable enough to bring their full self—and their full talent—to the table.”
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That takes self-awareness, emotional control, vulnerability, and empathy. It also takes courage—to drop the mask, speak truthfully, and lead with both heart and high standards. That’s the leadership I believe defines 2025 and beyond.
One lesson that shaped my leadership came from my father: learn to distrust some, so you can better confide in others.
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Early on, I didn’t realize its impact, but over time, it taught me to balance openness with discernment. That balance has helped me lead with authenticity, empathy, and clear boundaries—building real trust and lasting impact.
E-mail: dbellos@orange.fr
Website: www.dbellos.com
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