Review of the “Altruistic Management and Entrepreneurship” round-table in Lille!

Some fifty participants were interested in the theme of the Lille Entrepreneurs’ Club’s first 2017-2018 round-table hosted by our ambassadors, Xavier Trub (SK 1994) and Xavier Gendron (SK 1995)!

A rich and current topic that really resonates with our 3 speakers: François Haimez (SK 1997), CEO of Kiabi France, Eric Mouveaux (SK 1984), CEO of Reflets VIDEO, Pascale Richard and Sylvie Arufas, both coaches and founders of Upaya Développement (see the photos / watch the video here).

Eric Mouveaux, CEO, entrepreneur and “altruistic” manager, spoke about the reasons for implementing this style of management in his company (inspiration from his customers), and how the change affects him, his employees, but also his customers and partners.
He spoke about the experiences implemented at Reflets Vidéo (seminar in Lapland, for example, or the implementation of participation, listening to each other/trust, the definition of values/vision/mission for this SME with 26 employees…), before sharing some advice.

François Haimez spoke about the history of the implementation of this participative, altruistic style of management by his predecessors within this retail chain from the north of France, and gave some concrete examples (greater recognition of the role of sales assistant, autonomy, accountability, creativity…). He also talked about the challenges and the time it can take to implement this type of management and get everyone on board, as well as the positive effects both internally and for customers!

To complete the concrete examples provided by the speakers, Sylvie Arufas and Pascale Richard presented some of the whys and wherefores of the philosophy behind altruistic management. “During our discussions, we touched on the following points, which we find essential.
Altruism is underpinned by benevolence and compassion, not complaisance or pity. It requires managerial courage and assertiveness as much as it does empathy.
To deploy this style of management, it is important to trust in human nature and to give the changes time. This is an iterative and constructive process that is enriched by experience and imparts meaning to performance. This mindset can be deployed in any company whose CEO is conscious of the impact their decisions and actions have on the ecosystems in which they work.

Engaging in altruistic entrepreneurship and management means making people the company’s top priority and taking into consideration the fundamental needs of human beings to achieve authentic shared happiness."
Pascale Richard and Sylvie Arufas, coaches and founders of Upaya Développement.

See you on Tuesday 13 February 2018 for the next pitching session! Whether you’re starting a new business or taking over an existing one, update your profile to include your “entrepreneur” status so you’ll receive invitations!
Feel free to contact Audrey Touyon if you’d like more information about the Entrepreneurs’ Club!

We hope to see you all there!