These women who inspire us...
Photo ©Jérémie Leca/BPCE
On the occasion of International Women's Day, which celebrates the economic, political, and social achievements of women of yesterday, today, and tomorrow around the world on March 8, we asked Jennifer, our co-founder, to reflect on some of the famous and unknown figures who inspire her as an entrepreneur (or entrepreneure, as the Canadians say). What are the character traits of the women she admires? Who are the ones who have successfully combined femininity with success?
The answer in 4 personalities.
Mercedes Erra
Her background : A graduate of HEC, like Jennifer, Mercedes Erra founded and runs one of the most creative advertising agencies in the world. She has always promoted gender equality within businesses, and uses each of her public speaking engagements as an opportunity to spread her convictions.
Jennifer's words : " It's her pioneering side that I admire. A mother of five, she dares to say that it's also thanks to her husband, a stay-at-home dad, that she succeeded. A feminist in the male world of advertising, she became the first female president of BETC Euro RSCG, the largest French advertising agency. We crossed paths on a TV set and made a date for a coffee together. I can't wait! "
Armelle Baudard
Her career : After starting out in strategy consulting, Armelle Baudard pursued her brilliant career in major luxury and communications groups, such as Dior Couture, Canal+, and Virgin Mobile. In 2019, she became Managing Director of Aquarelle, the leading online flower retailer based in Brasseuse, Oise.
Jennifer's words : " Dynamic and passionate, Armelle makes no concessions when it comes to aligning her personal aspirations and her professional career. Holding down prestigious positions, she doesn't hesitate to give them up one after the other, to obtain the one that always suits her best. I think she's finally made it ;). Overflowing with energy, she knows how to unite people around her and motivate her troops: she's a born leader! "
Clarisse Crémer
Her career : After a rather traditional start in marketing, Clarisse Crémer decided to set sail to pursue her passion aboard various one-design sailboats. At only 31 years old, she has accumulated the most prestigious awards and records. With her cheerful and funny personality, she embodies this generation of sailors who share their adventures with the public, notably on her Facebook account "Clarisse sur l'Atlantique" to the delight of her fans.
Jennifer's words : " It's perhaps because I get seasick as soon as I set foot on a boat that I'm blown away by what Clarisse achieves. At 31, she has just broken the record for the fastest time for a non-stop round-the-world trip for women during her first Vendée Globe, while posting videos on social media recounting her blues on the open sea. "
Mahe Vandana Shiva
Her background : Born in 1952 in Dehradun, India, Vandana Shiva is a writer and feminist activist known for her high-profile campaign against GMOs. Winner of the Alternative Nobel Prize since 1993, the energetic and charismatic woman with the "gray bun" now heads the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resources.
Jennifer's words : " As an Indian environmental activist, her fight for sustainable agriculture inspires my thinking about building a more responsible fashion. The strength of her message is that it shows that specific problems like seed patenting or water privatization have much broader impacts, such as violence against women or certain recent conflicts. Keep in mind the big picture! "
