same when looking at higher education in France as a whole, reasoning that “the presidents of universities are, generally speaking, male”. Self-censorship is a problem Huault pinpoints, arguing that while there may be greater opportunities to become a female leader now, we still need more role models. It is this same issue that Emlyon seeks to address when preparing students for their future careers. “We try to foster professional equality to avoid the self-censorship of our female students and to promote, for example, finance as a field for them,” she says, referencing an industry that has long been deemed less attractive to emerging female leaders and drawing a comparison to roles in human resources or marketing, with which they have been traditionally associated. “We really focus on this topic during their journey here in the school,” she adds. New directions & faculty opportunities Another important aspect of Emlyon’s strategic plan for the next few years is to swell the ranks of its top‑tier faculty. As mentioned, there is hope that the new
in the future, so we must be careful regarding our perspective of development and expansion; that’s why we want to attract international students.” This line of thinking bolsters Emlyon’s multi‑campus approach, with its Lyon headquarters supplemented by a presence in Paris, as well as outposts in Shanghai, China and Mumbai, India. Yet, the current geopolitical context presents both a challenge and an opportunity in the school’s pursuit of greater international diversity. On the one hand, the instability and inward- looking policies observed in many locations create obstacles for any student seeking to study overseas. On the other hand, however, recent legislative changes affecting study permit and student visa processes in destination countries such as Canada, the Netherlands and the UK could make France more attractive. “You have lots of countries closing their borders to international students and a rather unstable geopolitical situation,” concedes Huault, before speculating that perhaps her school has some increased opportunities with students in China because of the current strained relationship between the US and China, as
city-centre campus will boost the school’s appeal in this regard, particularly in the eyes of scholars from outside France. “We want to have 10 more faculty members each year until 2028, to give a total of 50 new positions by 2028,” says Huault matter-of-factly. “We want to improve our
well as with students in India because of recent changes in the UK and Canada. She then adds that Emlyon helps all its international students develop their French language skills and that its career centre is focused on helping
“We are a research-intensive institution, so it’s very important for us to attract international scholars”
them to land jobs with French companies. Overcoming self-censorship
student-to-faculty ratio and our strategy around the production and publication of scientific knowledge. We are a research-intensive institution, so it’s very important for us to attract international scholars.” The Emlyon dean points to the benefits of the school’s location at the epicentre of France’s leading industrial area and Europe’s sixth-largest regional economy by GDP, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. “There are lots of opportunities to conduct research and connect with the world of practice,” she advises. Huault then outlines the school’s teaching and research conditions, as well as a mentorship programme that links all incoming academics to a more senior faculty member from either their department or research centre. “I think this is a very good ecosystem to grow and develop as a young researcher,” she concludes.
Of course, geographic background is just one aspect of diversity and Emlyon is keen to promote a better balance between men and women in leadership across all industries. Huault herself is one of a handful of female deans currently at the helm of France’s leading business schools, but she remains decidedly unconvinced at talk of progress towards gender equality in higher education. Her point is that even when it is possible to find a female leader, they remain a minority: “At the moment, I think we have four female leaders at the top 10 business schools in France, but challenges remain. I can’t say that there are more and more female leaders in business education, so I’m not sure there is progression.” She says the picture is the
18 Business Impact • ISSUE 2 • 2025
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