A Steady Hand Behind Every Event

At Integra, we’re proud to highlight the stories of team members whose dedication, authenticity, and commitment to collaboration bring our values to life every day. 

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re excited to spotlight Vinciane Smallbones, EMEA event coordinator, whose passion for supporting others and creating meaningful connections exemplifies the spirit of this year’s theme, Give to Gain.

The following is an excerpt from our conversation with Vinciane:

I am Vinciane Smallbones, an event coordinator in EMEA. I organize and manage professional education courses and trade shows, supporting both the Professional Education and Marketing teams to ensure impactful, high-quality, events across the region. 

Who are you beyond your job title? 

Behind my role at Integra, I’m the mother of three boys ages10 to 15 — which means the atmosphere at home is often very lively! After many years living in the city, my family and I chose to settle in the countryside. Now our days are accompanied by the church bell, under the watchful eye of our cats, and punctuated by the adventures of our chickens. A different pace, a different tune… and often the feeling that nature itself is whispering for us to slow down — when our boys don’t take care of that themselves!

One unexpected gift from the COVID-19 period was rediscovering my love for reading. Since then, I’ve been joyfully “book hunting,” picking up novels from the community book boxes in nearby villages and devouring them whenever I can.

What drew you to Integra, and why did you choose to build your career here? 

I joined Integra 12 years ago, after starting my career in healthcare at Sanofi Pasteur. Being part of an industry that plays such a vital role in people’s lives has always been deeply meaningful to me. I was also drawn to Integra’s international scope. I have a strong desire to collaborate with colleagues from diverse cultures and backgrounds.. This mix of high standards and openness is what motivates me every day.

What does Women’s History Month/International Women’s Day mean to you personally and can you describe in your own words what this year’s theme of ‘Give to Gain’ means to you?

Women’s History Month holds deep significance for me. It’s more than a date on a calendar ——it’s a powerful reminder of the extraordinary contributions women have made throughout history. This month celebrates not only what women have achieved, but also their resilience in overcoming systemic barriers and proving, time and again, that equality is not a privilege—it’s a right. It’s a tribute to the progress they continue to drive every single day, even in a world that has too often undervalued their potential. 

“Give to Gain” reminds me that when we share our time, support, or knowledge with others, we all move forward together. Lifting others strengthens our community and creates progress that benefits everyone.

Our new Purpose, Vision, and Values are central to who we are—what do they mean to you personally? 

Among Integra’s new values, ‘Collaborate to win’ resonates deeply with me. This principle goes beyond simply working together—it embodies the idea that our greatest achievements come from leveraging the diverse strengths, perspectives, and expertise of every team member. It’s about fostering an environment where trust, open communication, and mutual support are the foundation of our success.

When we collaborate effectively, we don’t just combine efforts; we create something greater than the sum of our individual contributions. It’s the confidence of knowing that your colleagues have your back, just as you have theirs, and that together, we can overcome challenges and reach goals that would be impossible alone. For me, this value is a reminder that success isn’t a solo endeavour — it’s a collective victory.

What motivates you every day in your role, and what impact do you hope to make?

What I love most in my daily work is the opportunity to support my colleagues—taking on tasks that ease their workload so they can focus on what matters most. There’s real satisfaction in smoothing the way, ensuring things run seamlessly, and being someone they can rely on. My goal is simple: to be both efficient and dependable, making their work a little easier and our team stronger. (Or at least, that’s the impact I strive for!)

If you could share one piece of advice or inspiration with your colleagues, what would it be?

“To be reliable isn’t to never fail — it’s to remain someone others can trust, even in difficult moments.”

True reliability isn’t about avoiding mistakes but by how you respond when they happen: taking ownership, communicating transparently, and doing what’s needed to fix things. It’s the steadiness and accountability you show — so people know you’ll stand by them, no matter what.