Interview with Kilian Lefol (IMHI 2021), former President of the BDE, former Intern and Member of the Board AAIMHI

AAIMHI: What do you remember from your time at IMHI?

Kilian: The bond between classmates is something that has stuck with me, particularly the way we supported each other during group work, presentations, (and sometimes exams lol). There was a sense of camaraderie and a shared goal that brought us together as one team with one dream. I always appreciated the mutual support we gave each other, and it made the experience of studying and learning together all the more enjoyable and rewarding.

AAIMHI: You have been very active at IMHI 21 tell us about it!

Kilian: Yes indeed I was elected president of the BDE, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to fulfill all of my duties. Our class was severely impacted by the pandemic, and we were cut off from the typical ESSEC student life and activities for almost a year due to the various constraints. Despite this, I was fortunate to have a great team and I have to say a wonderful event manager working alongside me, and we were able to organize a successful graduation ceremony that allowed us to finish our studies on a positive note.

On the same time as I was unable to fully carry out my responsibilities as BDE president due to the pandemic, I found a new opportunity to contribute to the IMHI community by working with the AAIMHI. The association needed assistance with tasks such as email communication, website development, and database updates. It was a pleasure to collaborate with the board members, as we shared a strong attachment to the master's program despite our differences in ages and careers 

AAIMHI: What did you do right after graduating, can you share a bit about your different experiences?

Kilian: After graduating, I worked for a brokerage firm as an analyst for all real estate asset classes because I was curious to learn more about different areas and deepen my real estate skills. During my time there, I met a mentor who opened my eyes to the many facets of real estate. Six months later, he was offered a position at a real estate operator and I followed him because he was looking for someone with expertise in the hotel business. Unfortunately, ten months later, due to a situation that seemed like something out of a Hollywood film, I had to leave the company. Despite being laid off from my previous job, I still consider my experience valuable as I was able to develop a hotel project from start to finish with complete autonomy. This experience taught me a lot, and I feel that it was essential for my personal and professional growth. Now, I am looking for a new opportunity.

AAIMHI: Could you share an achievement you are particularly proud of?

Kilian: To be part of the IMHI family of course ;)

AAIMHI: Are there any lessons you have learned that you would like to share ?

Kilian: Follow your heart and do what feels true to you, rather than conforming to the expectations of others or societal conventions.

AAIMHI: Besides the academic degree, which are the soft skills you believe are particularly important today?

Kilian: Yes, I believe that humility is an important soft skill to have in today's world, particularly in the workplace. Humility is the ability to recognize and acknowledge one's limitations and weaknesses, as well as the contributions and strengths of others. It involves being open to feedback and willing to learn from others, even if they have less experience or a different perspective.

In a professional setting, humility can help foster a positive and collaborative work environment. It allows individuals to work effectively in teams, to be receptive to new ideas and approaches, and to approach challenges with a growth mindset. Humility can also lead to better communication, as individuals are more likely to listen actively and engage in respectful dialogue with their colleagues. 

In conclusion humility is for me the key that open all the doors in life!

AAIMHI: Do you believe the alumni association AAIMHI, the IMHI network, is important?

Kilian: Having been president of the BDE and member of the alumni association it would be surprising if I said no. 

Alumni associations such as AAIMHI and the IMHI network are very important for graduates, as they offer a variety of benefits and resources such as networking opportunities, career development, and access to industry events.

For me if I use an analogy the AAIMHI alumni association is like the potting soil that provides a foundation for growth and development. It serves as a starting point for graduates to connect with other alumni, access resources, and stay connected.

On the other hand, the IMHI network is like a tree or branch that grows and expands from that foundation. It represents the connections and opportunities that graduates can access through their participation in the alumni association. 

Overall, both the AAIMHI alumni association and the IMHI network can be valuable resources for graduates who are looking to build their careers and stay connected with other professionals in their field.

AAIMHI: What are your next steps?

Kilian: My next step in life is to find a new opportunity that allows me to contribute to an exciting project and grow my skills and expertise. A woman that I know well once said “It's never too late or too early to undertake” So maybe it is a good timing to undertake I don’t know 

All the Best Kilian!