in companies or get involved in a humanitarian, sporting or cultural project contribute to this feeling of an original and individual trajectory in which students can outline a professional project consistent with their personal project and their values. ESSCA has focused on developing physical campuses across France and around the world. How does this initiative fit in with your future digital plans in terms of online/hybrid teaching and learning? ESSCA made a structuring choice by deciding to develop a network of campuses on a human scale (from 1,000 to 2,500 students) with a tighter programme offer. We are thus able to guarantee uniform processes and quality of service at all our sites. With the constitution of this multi-campus network and the growing mastery of new educational technologies, we will be able to offer a unique, blended- learning educational model because we are the only triple-accredited management school to cover 90 per cent of French territory in less than three hours’ drive. Your background is in engineering, and the industry-based senior management positions, as well as business education. How does this diverse experience help you in your role as dean?
After my engineering studies in agronomy, I started as a rural
jobs related to the ecological transition and to ensure that our building stock tends towards carbon neutrality in 2035; and stakeholders’ experience – pursue the qualitative upgrade of all our activities so that the school can assert itself as one of the best frameworks for work, research and learning in Europe. I try to work to this quote from Bergson: it translates as: “Act as a man of thought and think as a man of action.” I find this to be a source of inspiration for any decision- maker, and for deans in particular. Finally, do you feel optimistic about the future of business and the economy amid ongoing volatility, and what role do business schools have in supporting the wider business community? I am, by nature, a reasonable optimist. There are many uncertainties and concerns in the present context. Yet, I remain deeply positive when I see the vitality, creativity and values of our students. Because they are interested in the life and dynamics of organisations, business schools will play a key role in supporting companies and training people who will make it possible to meet economic, technological, ecological and societal transitions. I think we are doing a job that makes sense. It is a source of great satisfaction and fulfilment. It is also a mission that we must accomplish with discernment and humility.
development engineer in the Indian Ocean. For 16 months, I worked with farmers facing soil erosion problems in tropical areas. Subsequently, my 10 years in the food industry made me deeply aware of the issues related to food quality and environment, but also the social responsibility of managers in companies conducting industrial restructuring. Last but not least, my experience as a PhD student after 10 years as a practitioner helps me realise the importance of life-long learning and the added value of research in order to ask the proper questions and prepare the ground for sound answers. Undeniably, these experiences have taught me to be proactive, to be demanding in order to better prepare for difficult situations and to ensure that a climate of trust and commitment is created between employees. What are the next steps for you as a leader in the short to medium term? I intend to continue the development of ESSCA by devoting myself to three concurrent projects. Europe – ensure the launch of our new campuses in Spain and Luxembourg; the social responsibility of the school – strengthen the interdisciplinary nature of the training courses to better prepare our students for
Biography Agro-food engineer Jean Charroin spent 10 years in technical and financial positions with major agri-food companies in France and overseas. He started a PhD in management at the age of 34 and elaborated a thesis on the industrial value chain dynamic of companies facing globalisation. Charroin was appointed Dean of ESSCA School of Management in December 2018. Subsequently, he brought together various stakeholders to devise the Odyssée 20/24 strategic plan, designed to position the school among European institutions offering the very best working, research and learning conditions by 2030.
| 21
Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online