Leading with purpose, adapting to change, and fostering a culture of trust—this is the leadership philosophy of Naouelle Tir, General Director of Prolingua. A strategist with a keen sense of innovation, she has redefined management by blending agility, digital transformation, and a deep commitment to human values.
Since taking the helm in 2024, she has steered the company toward modernity while preserving its core essence: a people-first approach. Her journey, from international business development to executive leadership, reflects a dynamic, forward-thinking vision—one that balances performance with empathy, structure with adaptability. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights on leadership, empowerment, and the future of work.
Originally from Lyon (France), she follows an unconventional path that leads her to work in the media sector internationally for seven years. Specialized in marketing and business development, she travels the world – something she loves – developing an agility and open-mindedness that will become undeniable assets in her future leadership role. Her arrival at Prolingua is almost natural; she knew the institution because she had learned Dutch there. Joining the company is a decision driven both by reason, as she wanted to settle down after becoming a mother, and by the heart. It’s the story of a meeting with Marc Kesch and Fernand Wolter that began in 2018.
“Joining a structure with a family spirit and bringing a more agile, more digitalized dimension to it is a fascinating challenge. I am so grateful to them for the trust they have placed in me,” she confides. Initially hired as the commercial director, she quickly stands out for her ability to structure and energize the company’s marketing strategy. A year later, she is promoted to deputy general director, then general director.
“A team that feels heard and valued is more efficient.”
Leadership Rooted in Humanity
Far from conventional speeches on kindness – she identifies with Julia de Funès’ approach – Naouelle Tir advocates a pragmatic and profoundly human management style. “Humanism is a key value for me. Behind every training, there is a story, a professional challenge, sometimes even a personal dream,” she explains. Because Prolingua aims to be much more than a training center; it is a facilitator of evolution. “We have trained refugees, supported employees in career transitions, helped professionals adapt to the demands of a globalized market. The impact of what we offer is very real. And I love HR managers; it’s a profession largely understaffed at the moment. We help lighten part of their tasks. It may seem like nothing, but kindness is also about that.”
Among her biggest challenges is preserving the family spirit of Prolingua while integrating more agile and modern processes. Leading a team of about fifty people, she ensures a balance between tradition and innovation. “Our strength lies in this closeness with our teams and our clients. The goal isn’t to revolutionize everything, but to integrate modern tools to simplify the work of trainers and thus improve the learner experience.”
Management at the Service of Performance Leading a language training company in a multilingual country like Luxembourg undoubtedly requires understanding the changing needs of the market. Naouelle Tir relies on a dedicated and agile team. Her credo? Trust and empowerment. “A team that feels heard and valued is more efficient”, she asserts.
Prolingua stands out for its tailor-made approach, both for individuals and companies. “We have the ability to adapt our programs based on the specific needs of clients, whether it’s in-person, online, or hybrid courses”, she explains. An agile positioning and a major asset in a world where flexibility has become an uncontested norm.
Innovation at the Heart of Strategy
Under her leadership, Prolingua took the digital turn, forced by the health crisis, while ensuring the preservation of the jobs of the company’s 75 employees, “which I am very proud and happy about.” Now, she is focusing on artificial intelligence. “AI is not a threat, but a tremendous tool. They say 50% of jobs will be replaced by AI. But they forget to mention that new jobs will also be created. New professions will emerge. It’s up to us to choose whether we see the glass as half empty or half full; I am resolutely optimistic. AI allows us to personalize learning, optimize trainers’ time, and enhance the learner experience”, she emphasizes. Nevertheless, she insists on the importance of humanity in this process. “AI is a support, but it will never replace a passionate trainer. So, we have trained our teams to use it to get the best out of it.”
Another key focus in her development is the ongoing training of trainers. “You can’t teach if you don’t evolve yourself. We invest in internal training, with modules on neuroscience, pedagogy, and time management.” She is even completing a course in NLP herself to improve her approach to the profession. Always applying to herself what she expects from others…
Women and Leadership: A Strong Commitment
In a sector where female leaders are still in the minority, Naouelle Tir moves forward confidently while highlighting the progress of women toward key positions in Luxembourg, across various sectors. “Luxembourg has a different perspective on women, especially compared to my experience in France. Here, we talk more about equity than strict equality: it’s not about being the equals of men, but about cultivating our differences to be complementary.”
While she acknowledges that her career has been marked by challenges, she also highlights the decisive role of the men who supported her. “I’ve been lucky to work with men who trusted me and gave me the means to grow. Throughout my career, I’ve always been surrounded by male mentors who respected my work and recognized my legitimacy. I know, sadly, that this is far from always the case.”
She does not minimize the obstacles that women may face in leadership positions. “You have to be confident in yourself, assert your choices, and not be afraid to make decisions; which can be all or nothing…”. Drawing from her experience, she stresses the fundamental importance of communication – she repeats this several times during our interview – and of management based on respect and participation. “I deeply believe in participatory democracy. When the vision is clear and shared, the work environment becomes more harmonious and productive.”
Beyond opportunities for advancement, she emphasizes a crucial point: pay equity. “It’s not just about getting into positions of responsibility; recognition must also be financially commensurate. Equity also – and especially – involves compensation: for equal skills and roles, there should be no gap.” A reality she has experienced firsthand. “I’ve always felt like I had to work twice as hard; this extra demand shouldn’t exist.”
Rejecting any fatalism, she takes a pragmatic approach to professional equality. “We must encourage women to take responsibility, but also to dare to express their ambition without fear. It’s not enough to wait for things to change; we must go out and get them.” A strong message delivered by a woman who has chosen to fully embody this dynamic.
“Taking time for yourself is vital. A leader who is doing well leads their teams to success.”
Between Performance and Personal Balance
Passionate about her work, Naouelle Tir also understands the importance of maintaining her balance. A part-time mother to a ten-year-old daughter “who has a great view of the world and makes me laugh a lot”, she makes sure to separate her personal life from her professional life. “At home, everything is compartmentalized; my schedule is as precise as clockwork, it’s necessary for my balance.” A big reader “I always have several books on my nightstand” and a dedicated athlete, she practices running and CrossFit to channel her energy and keep a strong mindset. “I learned it the hard way: taking time for yourself is vital. A leader who is doing well leads their teams to success”, she adds.
At the helm of Prolingua, she constantly questions herself, convinced that language learning is much more than a skill: it’s a vision, a door opened to the world and new opportunities. With her optimism and strategic approach, she is positioning Prolingua in a dynamic of excellence and innovation. “What motivates me every morning is the idea that we have a tangible impact on people’s lives. Changing a career, opening new perspectives, giving confidence… That’s our mission.”
This article was published in the 5th edition of Forbes Luxembourg magazine.
