Nathalie Yserd (MBS 1993) - Reconciling business and environmental impact with Ecosystems

In this new episode of"La Voix des Alumni MBS", we meet Alexis Papon (MBS 2020) CSR Director Elior France.

Hosted by Maryne Avril (MBS 2019) CEO of Studio Moya, this episode immerses us in an inspiring testimonial, where Alexis Papon shares his journey, from his first steps at MBS to his current role as CSR Director within the Elior Group. He invites us to discover how he has built a career aligned with his values.

Alexis offers us an authentic look at the opportunities he has seized and the learning he has gained from each step, while emphasizing the importance of finding one's alignment and contributing to a positive societal impact.

"To have a real strategy, you have to succeed in mobilizing everyone and every part of a company. It's not something you do in your own corner, otherwise it won't work."

5 tips for making CSR an integral part of your career :

1. Raise awareness of the importance of environmental impact

Alexis points out that reducing our carbon footprint requires concrete actions that are sometimes difficult to understand, such as cutting down on meat consumption. By explaining what's at stake to your staff and customers, you can help them to commit to a responsible approach.

2. Adopt a collaborative and educational approach

For Alexis, the key is to mobilize all stakeholders. Create spaces for exchange, not necessarily professional or formal, to align everyone's environmental and societal objectives.

"You have to go and see them at times other than in a sales posture, [...] make customer meetings around a theme [...] at times when there's no story of negotiation, contract, etc.".

3. Combine economic performance and sustainable impact

Highlight the economic benefits of responsible actions to convince more stakeholders. CSR is not synonymous with financial losses; on the contrary, it can even become a commercial differentiator.

"When I reduce energy consumption, it saves money."

4. Prioritize concrete, measurable actions

Commit to measurable projects that clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of CSR initiatives.

"We know how to implement CSR initiatives operationally, particularly in terms of carbon impact monitoring".

5. Demonstrate humility and pedagogy

CSR is a transition that takes time and adaptation. Adopt a clear and benevolent communication approach to get stakeholders on board.

"The professional is an extension of the personal [...] Finding that alignment between our values, who we are, and what we do gives meaning to everything we do."

Alexis Papon shares his practical advice for finding alignment and excelling in your field:

• Explore and seize opportunities

Take the time to experiment with different experiences and cultures to discover your passions. Every opportunity you seize is a chance to better understand your aspirations and broaden your horizons.

• Align your personal and professional values

It's essential to find a balance between who you are and what you do. This alignment gives meaning to your actions and keeps you true to your convictions.

• Learn from your mentors and peers

Drawing on the experience of others can enrich your thinking and help you make the right choices. The advice and perspectives of people in your professional circle can be invaluable resources in building your career path.

• Get involved in meaningful projects for you

Choose missions where social impact and economic performance converge. Projects aimed at reducing food waste or promoting sustainable practices are examples of initiatives that combine efficiency and usefulness.

• Take time to reflect and adjust your trajectory

Introspection is crucial to maintaining alignment between your values and your career. If you're feeling a learning gap or misalignment, it's probably time to re-evaluate your direction or make a change.

"When you feel that you're no longer learning, or that you've drifted away from that alignment, it may be time to reorient yourself, change company or sector."