Alice Jossaume: China and Japan Share the Spotlight

This year, Portier & Associés is celebrating its 110th anniversary, making it one of France’s oldest expertise firms. Alice Jossaume, who joined the company 15 years ago to support Thierry, the founder's grandson, is now alone at the helm, heading a 100% female team. During Drouot’s Asia Week, we interviewed her about how the market has changed since the turn of the century. Isn’t being a woman, and a young woman at that, a handicap in this field? I’ve never had any problems in Asia. This may come as a surprise to you, but it's harder here in France! I studied the Chinese language and civilisation. I think that’s an asset in our relationships and a sign of respect. You’re now the head of a century-old firm. How do you manage that? I was raised at the "Portier School" of caution and continue in the same direction. This is essential because a lot of money is at stake in our field. I manage about 10,000 items a year. That's huge,…