Alumni in the Podcasts: Digital Sobriety, Situational Intelligence, Failure & Rebound, Accessible Finance, Sexual Health, and More

Interviews with leaders and entrepreneurs, experts, engaged professionals and artists...a host of podcasts feature ESSEC members. Here’s our selection

In the podcast Le Sens & l’Action, Côme Perpere (M06), Chief Sustainability Officer for Microsoft France, examines the role major digital players can play in environmental transition, given the explosion in use and the need for sobriety. He describes the strategies and actions Microsoft is rolling out to decarbonise its activities and help its customers do the same, and admits to the numerous challenges this raises.
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In the podcast Génération Do It Yourself, Franck Annese (E00) reveals how he managed to launch successful magazines such as So Foot and Society in the midst of the paper press crisis, from the creation of a fanzine during his studies at ESSEC to the development of a media group with an annual turnover of €25M and millions of monthly readers. "Delve into the entrepreneurial mind and daily life of a journalist and producer who is not afraid to hammer on doors! "
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In the podcast Legend Ladies, Natacha Hochet-Raab (E95) looks back at her career with some of the world’s most renowned luxury brands, from Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Dior to the management of the jeweller Fred, and speaks openly of her battles against anorexia, gender inequality and for education… "She makes no secret of the fact she has just turned 50, and with good reason. She feels freer and more in tune with herself than ever, runs marathons and celebrates life, while actively contributing to the causes she holds dear."
Listen to the podcast (Episode 2, Season 9 - in French).

In The Talent, Chloë Touati (EXEC PROG 09), founder of the talent management consultancy Authentic Talent, and Guila Clara-Kessous (E03), executive coach, UNESCO artist for peace and Knight of Arts and Letters, discuss situational intelligence. What mistakes does it help to avoid in the workplace? How can managers develop this skill? How can it be assessed and improved? What impact does it have, in particular for female leadership?
Listen to the podcast (Episode dated 7 March - in French).

In Immediate Takeoff, Maxime Renault (E17) criticises "the prevailing bullshit" of the start-up world and reveals "the entrepreneurial rollercoasters"  he experienced with his project, Monbanquet: "2 capital raisings, a bridge, an exit, receivership and a new transfer of ownership, in just 4 years!" He speaks frankly about the errors he made, how he bounced back in the health sector and why he chose to become an employee after being a CEO.
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In the podcast Demain et durable, Elsa Chai (E16) explains how the platforms Nota Climat and Open Climat work, which she co-founded to help citizens understand the climate paths of major brands. How does her team assess companies’ impact? And how do the latter react to these assessments? "This is also about providing citizens with a lever for action." 
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Mon Podcast Immo, Adrien Péligry (BBA 19), co-founder alongside Nino Spiegel (BBA 19) of the proptech Hestia, presents property leasing, a funding solution which enables tenants to rent their future property while waiting to reach the credit rating which will allow them to get a mortgage. Hestia has just raised €1M.
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Paper Club, Saskia Fiszel (E14) presents her start-up, Virgil, which helps first-time buyers to acquire property by investing alongside them, and discusses the current dynamics of the property market. "The upturn in interest rates indicates the return to a slightly more rational market. It’s logical that a flat sells in a week rather than in 24 hours. We’re seeing a rebalancing of power in favour of the buyer." 
Listen to the podcast (Episode 27 - in French)

In Innovation Leaders, Mounir Laggoune (BBA 13) outlines the aims he is pursuing with his start-up Finary: "To make financial success accessible to a new generation of investors, thanks to technology." He also shared his view of the current economic situation and his approach to cryptocurrencies. 
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Outdoor Minds, Cyril Espalieu (E09) presents Everide, an application for buying and selling second-hand outdoor equipment, which he launched following 3 years with Adidas and 7 with Salomon. He also shares his concerns as an entrepreneur: how can we really motivate employees to generate performance? What is one of the keys to implementing a successful CSR policy? How does he see the future of his sector?
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Teambakery, Beena Paradin Migotto (E96) reveals the story behind the creation of Amirita, her innovation studio for agri-food brands, after the launch of her gourmet vegetarian mix Beendi – while devoting one day a week to writing bestsellers such as L’Atlas des épices [The Spice Atlas]. She also shares her vision of innovation: "You have to know how to let the ideas come, rather than hunting for them relentlessly."
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Le Panier, Marie Stoclet Bardon (E91), co-founder of the pastry chain, La Meringaie, shares her recipe for success. "Location: having the most beautiful shop in a deserted street is pointless. Empathy: putting yourself at the service of the consumer and adapting to their use. Transparency: having a kitchen or a workshop which is open and visible to all. Create links: work on the customer experience with your staff. And lastly, pay attention to your distribution mix, with equal care for the digital and retail channels." 
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Fleur d’avocat, François de Cambiaire (E11) describes his actions for environmental law alongside non-profit groups and companies seeking to improve, particularly with regard to duty of care. With his law firm, Seattle Avocats, which calls itself ‘an open office’, he sees the complexity of transition on a daily basis, whether dealing with operational, management or recruitment issues. "You have to avoid any moral judgement, because being committed does not mean being perfect."
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Experts & Décideurs, Julien Ohana (BBA 03), co-founder of Alternego, claims that conflict can be an asset to be fostered in a company, as well as a source of innovation and productivity within organisations. Thanks to his experience in training leaders in negotiation, he reveals his tools, tips and levers to reverse this paradigm and answers numerous questions, such as the difference between hot and cold conflict. At what point should we call on mediation when communication reaches a deadlock in a company? Are liberated companies better equipped than others to deal with conflict? Has conflict grown with remote working?
Listen to the podcast (in French).

L’Essence invited Pierre-Henri Verlhac (E94) for an informal conversation on his career path, from media investment banker to festival photographer, founder of a publishing house for illustrated works, video documentary producer and more recently audio producer with podcasts, in addition to his talent as a sculptor. "A journey into matter, manner and craft."
Listen to the podcast (in French).

In Cheminements, Juliette Mauro (E98) presents My S Life, her women’s sexual health information platform. "She created a space of trust where you can find the answers to all the questions you may be asking yourself. We know how it is; at one time or another, we have all had questions about our sexuality and intimacy, questions we don’t dare or don’t want to share with professionals or the people around us."
Listen to the podcast (Episode 47 - in French).

In Micro Écriture, B.F. Parry¹ (E05) talks about the paths that led her to write and publish the Oniria saga, and reveals her projects for "the new stories we need right now to help us face our future with a positive outlook."
Listen to the podcast (Episode 33 - in French).

¹ pseudonym

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