Romain Cannone (SKEMA 2022): the discipline of a champion and professional excellence

Enriching international experiences

Originally from New York, Romain Cannone spent his childhood and school years in the United States, where he discovered the importance of specialising and of striving for excellence in a particular field. This philosophy led him to focus on fencing, a sport he describes as “an elite discipline comparable to French cuisine”. His decision to return to France was motivated by the desire to train in an environment conducive to athletic development. He was able to do this while studying at SKEMA, which has Olympic-level facilities nearby.

Balancing sport and study

Graduating with an MSc in Auditing, Management Accounting & Information Systems, Romain was able to successfully juggle his sporting commitments and his academic and professional ambitions. He chose this programme for several reasons, including the need to accommodate his intense training schedule and international competitions. This required exceptional time management and prioritisation skills, which he developed further during his studies.

Romain was also drawn to the programme’s practical applications. He explained that auditing requires the same discipline and method as elite sport, where performance is constantly measured and analysed. His natural affinity for numbers was also a key motivation. Although he hadn’t spent much time in the French education system, Romain explained to the students that he was naturally drawn to numbers and considered them to be a universal language. His choice of course allowed him to use his analytical mind, crucial in fencing, in his professional life.

A philosophy of success

As an Olympic champion, Romain spoke at length about his unique view of success, emphasising the importance of mental preparation and goal alignment. He presented several principles that have guided him on his journey so far:

• Set clear priorities: “My main goal was to become an Olympic champion, not to land sponsorships or chase fame.” This clarity allowed him to stay focused and avoid distractions.
• Learn from failure: according to him, progress comes from doing things over and over again and accepting your weaknesses. He stressed the importance of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone to keep moving forward.
• Surround yourself with the right people: he highlighted the importance of having a great support system in place, including mentors, friends, and role models, to stay motivated and find solutions when challenges arise.

Inspiring the next generation

During a discussion led by Professor Antoine Deplace, Romain spoke about the importance of the synergies between sport and the professional world. He also encouraged the students to adopt a different approach to work.

His story is a perfect example of resilience and adaptability. Even after winning the Olympic title, Romain continues to strive for excellence and wants to prove that he is not just a “one-and-done champion”. In his current role as a Management Controller at French energy company EDF, he uses his skills to help his teams cope with pressure and focus on long-term goals.

A lasting source of inspiration

To SKEMA, Romain Cannone embodies the school’s core values: ambition, commitment, and innovation. Kirsty Paoli, director of the MSc programme, said: “Our graduates make connections that go far beyond hard skills. They create a network, a hive mind, that enables them to excel anywhere in the world.”

Romain’s story offers students a valuable perspective on how sport and study can complement each other, and how demanding disciplines can prepare them to successfully meet the challenges of the professional world.