The Smile That Sells in the Middle East
Originally from Tunisia and recently settled in Paris, Maram Achouri joined Kalstein while simply looking for a master’s internship. She found much more. A natural salesperson, Arabic-speaking, and deeply driven by human interaction, she quickly established herself as a valuable asset in the Middle Eastern markets.
A Bold Shift Towards Business
With a French-Tunisian high school diploma earned with honors and an initial ambition to pursue scientific preparatory studies, Maram eventually chose a completely different path.
“ I wanted to go into scientific prep school, but I changed my mind. I decided to dive into business. ”
After earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Communication, she continued with a Master’s in the same field and began searching for an apprenticeship opportunity. That’s when she discovered Kalstein’s offer. She applied, passed the interview… and the adventure began.
“ My first days went really well. I love the team, I feel comfortable, and we have a lot of fun together. ”
From Emails to Client Meetings: A Rapid Rise
Maram had always worked in retail, interacting face-to-face with clients. At Kalstein, the format changed: emails, phone calls, and video conferences became part of her daily routine. But her sales instincts remained exactly the same.
“ I adapted and learned. I developed strategies and became a driving force in achieving our goals. ”
On a daily basis, she manages new clients, schedules and leads meetings, and mainly handles Middle Eastern markets thanks to her fluency in Arabic. Every morning, she meets with her manager Mia to define the day’s priorities.
What Drives Her: Human Interaction
What Maram loves most about her job is human connection.
“ I love talking and interacting with clients. Changing the routine and not staying stuck behind a screen is what motivates me. ”
She also discovered an unexpected passion: understanding the impact of cultural differences in international communication. Observing how Iraqi, Emirati, or Yemeni clients negotiate differently, adapting her tone, rhythm, and approach… it has become something she truly enjoys.
Staying Focused Under Pressure
Her biggest challenge? Languages. She sometimes assists clients in Portuguese or Spanish, two languages she has not fully mastered yet.
“ I try to stay professional and not let my emotions take over. It’s not always easy, but that’s what helps me grow. ”
The Sale She Will Never Forget
Her proudest moment involved a Nepalese client who was determined to buy elsewhere. Maram took the time to speak with him, understand his needs, and eventually convinced him to choose Kalstein.
“ After speaking with him, I convinced him to buy our products. ”
A sentence that perfectly sums up her job.
A Team, A Vibe
The atmosphere at Kalstein France? Maram describes it without hesitation as young, dynamic, and fun.
Outside office hours, she has a small confession to make:
“ Our boss often brings sweets… and I secretly help myself. I make them disappear. ”
If she had to summarize Kalstein in one sentence:
“ Aim higher, think big. Visionary. ”
Maram’s Advice to Newcomers
“ Be patient and communicate. ”
And outside of work? Belly dancing, sports, and traveling. Three ways to keep moving constantly — just like her career.