The first item in her office that Axelle Ferey wishes to discuss is the crest mask hanging above it. With its large ears, this mask from Burkina Faso symbolises, for her, the importance of listening in an advisory and decision-making role such as hers; it also embodies anticipation, agility and energy, as well as an inspiring aesthetic and feminine quality.

Axelle Ferey’s gaze now falls on a postcard of Mark Rothko, prominently displayed. “Rothko was really the defining influence of my twenties. To me, this painter embodies depth, grounding and structure – concepts that are vital for creating work that is structured and accessible to others,” she confesses with a smile.

Being the busy woman she is, she continues to look around her office whilst talking about her balance board: ‘My balance board is perfect for building muscle whilst working on my balance. Having a small, secluded office means I can sometimes swap my high heels for a workout.’

Here, too, is a touch of greenery amidst the concrete, in the form of a majestic plant which, according to the head of IM&F Strategy Delivery, symbolises her personal and professional development. “I was given it when I changed jobs, and it has grown and flourished, just as I have, in my new environment,” she explains. “It also symbolises experience (and its ups and downs) as well as the strong roots that are essential in my role,” adds Axelle Ferey.

This article was written for the June 2026 issue of Paperjam magazine, published on 20 May. The content is produced exclusively for the magazine. It is published on the site to contribute to Paperjam’s comprehensive archive. Click on this link to subscribe to the magazine.

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