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SKEMA x Force Femmes Reverse Mentoring workshop: an inspiring and committed 2025 edition
The 2025 edition of the Reverse Mentoring workshop was a wonderful afternoon of cross-generational, cross-cultural, and cross-entrepreneurial learning, filled with energy, frank exchanges, and real breakthroughs. Now in its 6th year, this collaboration between SKEMA Business School, SKEMA Alumni and Force Femmes* once again confirmed the power of authentic, high-quality connections.
Aurelle, an alumna and participant, summed up the spirit of the day perfectly: ‘The idea, the format and the commitment are really great!’
When experience meets entrepreneurial drive
On Thursday 6 November 2025, six female entrepreneurs supported by Force Femmes gathered on campus for an intensive workshop: three hours to tackle their challenges head on, test their hypotheses, come up with new strategies ... and, above all, benefit from the perspectives of SKEMA students and alumni.
From the very first exchanges, a dynamic was established.
One of the participants confided: ‘I'm glad to have taken part in this workshop; I've come away with a lot of ideas, and it's very motivating to gather different points of view on our project.’
Sales prospecting, time management, digital communication, positioning, HR development, structuring an offer: each issue was tackled with a direct, concrete, solutions-oriented approach. No theory, just real-life practical experience.
Another entrepreneur commented: ‘I liked the pragmatic approach, the simplicity of the discussions, and the facilitation that generated effectiveness.’
Engaged, inspiring alumni ready to challenge
This year's event brought together a particularly engaged group of alumni from a wide variety of backgrounds, offering the entrepreneurs a depth of analysis that is rare in such a short format.
The following contributed their expertise, advice, and honest and constructive feedback:
Hamid Echarkaoui (SKEMA 2004) - Founder & CEO at CRYPTR, ambassador of the SKEMA Alumni Entrepreneurs club
Lauryn Berro (SKEMA 2018) - Manager of La Cabane de la Glisse / LB Cedars, public speaker in schools, ambassador of the SKEMA Alumni Entrepreneurs club
Pierre Gaignard (SKEMA 2015) – Founder of Mr. Biltong
Ingrid Robil (SKEMA 2007) - HR strategy consultant, certified coach
Aurelle Montanger (SKEMA 2011) - Founder of Team'Up
Bénédicte Nicolas (SKEMA 2015) - Manager of VAKOM, certified coach, member of CJD Artois
And Anne Leclercq - Consultant coach and trainer at Force Femmes
The level of engagement throughout the afternoon was remarkable.
‘I always take great pleasure in listening to presentations of entrepreneurial projects and exchanging ideas with students and alumni,’ confided Ingrid, setting the tone for a particularly hands-on session.
Bénédicte was equally impressed by the immediate impact of the discussions:
‘Seeing the concrete effects of our suggestions on the entrepreneurs first-hand ... This workshop was an incredibly rich experience and there was a positive energy throughout.’
She went on to add:
‘This event was the dose of reassurance I needed on my entrepreneurial journey. Together, we go further.’
An afternoon with a real impact
Over the course of the afternoon, each entrepreneur was able to:
- clarify their priorities,
- test their hypotheses,
- come away with short, realistic action plans,
- benefit from an external, experienced perspective,
- find renewed confidence in the journey ahead.
And the participants expressed this enthusiastically.
One explained: ‘I liked the fact that everyone had a chance to introduce themselves and debrief.’
Another insisted: ‘I really enjoyed this very constructive time with the mentors, who gave great advice: it helps to gain a fresh perspective. Thanks to all of you and Force Femmes.’
Last but not least, a number of participants mentioned the value of putting things into practice right away: ‘I enjoyed the exchanges with the pros and the pitching exercise.’
The intergenerational element wasn’t just for show: it was the key ingredient in the richness of the contributions. The alumni’s professional experience complemented the students’ analytical perspective and the entrepreneurs’ boldness.
A partnership that creates meaning
Force Femmes and SKEMA share the same conviction: success is often a matter of meeting the right people. This workshop was a striking illustration of this.
Many thanks to the organising team:
Audrey Touyon, SKEMA Alumni Network Coordinator
Stéphanie Chasserio, SKEMA professor
Franck Hanoh, Manager of SKEMA Entrepreneurs Lille
And thanks to the students, alumni and all the participants for their involvement and the quality of the discussions.
This is a great way to continue to move projects forward, support career paths and nurture ambitions… together.
