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Raphaël Sanchez (SKEMA 2002), CEO of Generix Group: ‘My definition of happiness is a series of positive experiences’
From Lille to the presidency of Generix Group, via twenty years at IBM, Raphaël Sanchez had no rigid plan for his career, being guided instead by freedom of choice, boldness and pivotal encounters. We sat down with this leader who believes as much in the power of opportunity as in careful preparation.
The SKEMA years: community spirit and innovation as catalysts
‘What comes to mind first for me is the mindset and the strength of the student community. I was president of the Arts Society and that really shaped my time at SKEMA,’ recalls Raphaël Sanchez.
Another thing that was pivotal for me was choosing the IMIM (International Master in Management) programme, taught entirely in English. ‘There was nothing else like it at the time. Three years with Anglo-Saxon lecturers: total immersion, very avant-garde.’
Two people who particularly inspired him were Roland Serroussi, lawyer and law professor, ‘a passionate speaker who made us feel as if we were right there in the courtroom with him’, and Patrick Lefebvre, head of the Sales specialisation, who encouraged his students to take part in all the national competitions. These key figures gave him confidence, and he later turned to them for support with his application to an international IBM programme.
IBM, a school of patience and mentoring
Raphaël Sanchez entered IBM through the front door, via an internship that led to a twenty-year career. "I didn't have a set plan; I seized one opportunity, then another. And above all, I was very lucky: I ended up at IBM surrounded by five mentors."
For him, one lesson became clear: the higher you climb, the more advice and coaching you need. "There’s a widely held belief that managers shouldn’t need to ask for as much help. But on the contrary, they need a stronger support network."
He also gained first-hand exposure to international environments: "At IBM, my bosses were American, my teams Indian or Romanian, and my clients French or German. You learn to decode different cultures and this is something that has served me well at Generix."
Generix Group: writing a new chapter
In 2022, a former IBM boss offered him an ‘extraordinary’ opportunity: to transform Generix Group, a logistics software publisher founded in Lille, into a global champion. He took the helm in 2023.
"After twenty years in a large corporation, I wanted to see what I could achieve in a smaller company with a clear and ambitious vision. At Generix, I can play a more direct role in shaping the company’s direction and strategy."
Supply chains are a strategic sector: "Behind every stock shortage, every health crisis, and any geopolitical tension, logistics are at play. Our software optimises the management of goods, from receiving and storage to preparation and dispatch. Thousands of operators and carriers worldwide use our solutions. We also optimise loads and kilometres travelled, and give unsold goods a second life. Our work is economic, social and environmental."
A vision for the next generation of leaders: boldness and humility
Raphaël enjoys sharing his experience with students. His message? Learn how to learn, and stay free. "We only have one life. The most important thing is to retain the ability to choose, to change, to multiply positive experiences."
For the new generations, he advocates balance: "between ambition and patience, boldness and humility. The world moves fast. You have to be daring, but you also have to see things through. Having energy at the start is not enough; it's how you finish that really counts."
His advice to SKEMA students and recent graduates?
- Prepare well: "Talent alone is not enough."
- Surround yourself with mentors, networks and communities.
- Dare to take risks, without fear of failure.
- Own your choices and their consequences.
"I'd love to see SKEMA leaders join Generix in the future"
Deeply attached to the SKEMA community, Raphaël Sanchez has a clear message for students and alumni: "Come and see us! I’d be thrilled if the future CEO of Generix were to come from SKEMA. We have offices in Paris-La Défense, but also in Madrid, Porto, Montreal, Hong Kong, São Paulo... Our doors are open."
This is a career path that perfectly embodies the SKEMA spirit: curiosity, international outlook, and a taste for challenge.
Many thanks to Raphaël for his time, his authenticity, and this inspiring reflection on the freedom to choose one’s path, the power of meaningful encounters, and the value of playing long term.
