These women who inspire us...
Photo ©Jérémie Leca/BPCE
To mark International Women's Day, celebrated worldwide on March 8th, which recognizes the economic, political, and social achievements of women past, present, and future, we asked Jennifer, our co-founder, to reflect on some of the women, both well-known and lesser-known, who inspire her as an entrepreneur. What are the character traits of these women that she admires? Who are the women 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 companies and uses every public statement as an opportunity to spread her convictions.
Jennifer's comment : " It's her pioneering spirit 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-dominated world of advertising, she became the first female president of BETC Euro RSCG, the largest advertising agency in France. We met on a TV set and arranged to meet for coffee. I can't wait! "
Armelle Baudard
Her career path : 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 CEO of Aquarelle, the leading online flower retailer based in Brasseuse, in the Oise region.
Jennifer's comment : " Dynamic and passionate, Armelle makes no compromises when it comes to aligning her personal aspirations with her professional career. Moving from one prestigious position to another, she doesn't hesitate to leave them one after the other to find the one that's a better fit for her. I think she's finally found it ;). Overflowing with energy, she knows how to unite people around her and motivate her team: she's a born leader! "
Clarisse Crémer
Her journey : After a very traditional start in marketing, Clarisse Crémer decided to set sail to pursue her passion aboard various one-design sailboats. At just 31 years old, she has amassed numerous prestigious awards and records. With her cheerful and witty personality, she embodies this generation of sailors who share their adventures with the public, notably on her Facebook page "Clarisse sur l'Atlantique" (Clarisse on the Atlantic), much to the delight of her fans.
Jennifer's comment : " Perhaps it's because I get seasick as soon as I set foot on a boat that I'm blown away by what Clarisse is achieving. At 31, she just broke the record for the fastest women's non-stop round-the-world voyage during her first Vendée Globe, all while posting videos on social media recounting her bouts of seasickness. "
Photo ©Jérémie Leca/BPCE
Mahe Vandana Shiva
Her background : Born in 1952 in Dehradun, India, Vandana Shiva is a writer and feminist activist, known for her media campaign against GMOs. A recipient of the Right Livelihood Award (often called the "Alternative Nobel Prize") since 1993, this energetic and charismatic woman with her signature "grey bun" now heads the Foundation for Science, Technology and Natural Resources Research.
Jennifer's words : " As an Indian environmental activist, her fight for sustainable agriculture inspires me in my thinking about building a more responsible fashion industry. The strength of her message is to show 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! "
