After an MSc at EMLYON in France, Léo Denes ditched PwC to launch his own start-up. But it paved the way for him to launch an expat website to help his lost countrymen in Australia.
Léo Denes is trying to navigate his way off Sydney’s public transport. “Bear with me,” he says, “I’ve got to get out of this bus.” It is not surprising for the Frenchman. He is not a tourist anymore but his business thrives on those who are lost Down Under.The commuting entrepreneur has spent the past four years carving out a slice of the Australian start-up market. He has put cash behind a consulting and guide firm which has helped some 2,000 expats find their feet.
He is well known in certain circles (his company was the feature of a French television show: “we got 2,000 emails after that”), but is bashful when it comes to talking about his achievements. Australia, he says, is a dynamic environment for entrepreneurs.
“France has a conservative mentality. When someone says: ‘I want to change this’ the first reaction is: ‘This isn’t going to work’,” he says, disappointed and serious. “In Australia they say: ‘Hey buddy, good luck, good on you’. The mentality is more open to entrepreneurs.”
To ensure Sydney has enough upstarts and career-hungry students, Léo has built up a community for his countrymen – and other expatriates hoping to mint their fortunes on Australia’s sunny shores. He runs Pacific media and Consulting Group, a firm he set up to consult companies, and Australiance.com, an online guide designed for those who want to discover Australia. Through his website, internationals can find networking, recruitment and coaching.
“I arrived [in Australia] with a job and therefore a visa. I was very lucky,” he says. “After two years I saw a lot of Frenchies and Europeans coming to Australia and not having this luck.” “Helping expats to succeed in Australia – that’s why I launched my first website,” he adds.
Last year, his firm was celebrating their first million webpage hits. “We are helping people with everything from finding health insurance, bank accounts, accommodation, everything that touches relocation to Australia.”
Léo is talking about the coaching aspect of his business; they offer resume reviews, job search and other recruitment solutions. “When a candidate is good we connect [them] to some of the companies we advise,” he says.
Léo, who graduated from a Master's program at EMLYON Business School, and an MBA exchange program at Melbourne University, is also the co-founder of the French Business School Alumni in Australia network, and is an official representative for EMLYON’s alumni network Down Under.
In 2007, he landed a secondment with PwC, the consultancy, to spend two years relocated in Sydney. Before that he had climbed the ranks at PwC Lyon to senior accountant, in charge of various audit teams. He moved into a senior consultancy role with Portland Group in 2010, before joining Commonwealth Bank of Australia a year later.
“Either you’re an entrepreneur or you’re not, irrespective of the job,” Léo asserts when I ask why he switched paths. “I’ve always considered myself as an entrepreneur – even when I was 14.”
The Master’s graduate managed to fit in Le Grand Raid, a 170 km run which includes crossing the rim of a volcano on France's Réunion Island, while running his fledgling firm, and last year completed Winner Wildendurance, a 100 km hike across Australia’s Blue Mountains.
It was after completing a Master of Management at the leading French business school that Léo set-up his first company. “It was not profitable, but it was good experience,” he laughs.
After relocating to PwC Sydney, his management role quickly began to lose its lustre. “I was fed up with the traditional corporate life, and I realized I really wanted to stay in Australia,” he says.
But that background was part of the motivation for launching Pacific media and Consulting Group. “I worked with over 50 companies around the world, so I wanted a line [of work] around consulting, targeted for not-for-profit and small and medium sized businesses.”
It wasn’t long before he started to secure consultancy contracts. They part-funded the businesses launch. The rest of the investment came from Léo’s own pockets. “That’s why it was difficult; when you’re working for other companies, you’re not spending the time building your own website,” he says.
The company is a three-way-split: consulting, marketing (adverts) and coaching. The revenue streams are quite balanced, Léo says, but for the first three years they were unable to turn a profit.
“It was cash burning for almost two years. Last year was balanced, and this year we’ve got a small profit,” he says. “This cash flow will help us take the company to the next level.” But he has no regrets: “From a human perspective it’s amazingly rewarding, so I’ll never regret all the hard work.”
He wants to secure a series A funding round, which he reckons will multiply the company’s size by five in a year. The company has three official employees but he hires interns from engineering and business schools.
Léo grew up in eastern France and began his business school program in 1999, graduating in 2003. Before that the former EMLYON football captain spent two years at Lycée Henri Poincaré, a French high school, in a prep class for exams to the leading French business schools.
His background makes for an unlikely entrepreneurial talent. “That’s something you have or you don’t have,” he deadpans.
Léo is redefining his online strategy in a bid to improve growth. A million website hits are seemingly not enough. “We also found a great partner, another start-up that is really booming in Australia. Watch this space,” he says, but refuses to reveal more.
So was a Master’s really worth it? “What French business schools do well is getting practical experience, and some kind of entrepreneurial program,” Léo says proudly. “So it gave me good people management skills – and obviously the network.”
But what does he say to other entrepreneurs? “Once you’ve been in business for a while and you really want to set-up a business, setting up with friends is the best way to learn.” And an MBA program? “I’m starting to be a bit too old to do an MBA now.”
Student Reviews
Intense courses, helpful professors
I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA.
The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.
Leadership in an amazing city
I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends
A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.
You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.
MSc in Digital Marketing
Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.
Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs
EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.
Emlyon campus in Paris
It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.
Entrepreneurship
Overall good content and good activities.
Lack of administration but still ok.
Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.
Good Reputation and International Business School
The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark.
The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments.
The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources.
Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.
MSc International Hospitality Management
The best educational experience of my life so far!
It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.
Real networking opportunities
- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school.
- going abroad to study luxury
- being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM)
- having such a great professional core
white baccalaureate in the world of work
I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.
Great
Pretty great !
Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.
Emlyon makes us confident!
Since I got into emlyon business school in September 2024, I’ve had many occasions to discover various subjects, but also to gain confidence and strength in several fields. Our « ADN » classes involve active participation and teamwork which enlighten our everyday life here in Lyon.
Teachers are welcoming and available, classes are dispensed in small rooms, all of this turning our studies into a real life experience.
As a top business school in France and in Europe, rest assured that this programme will take you to places you never had the chance to go to.
Worldwide School
If you're looking for a school with an international perspective, emlyon is the place to be. Academic exchange and double-degree opportunities are widely varied around the globe, and the school has 4 international campuses.
Warm welcome
emlyon is one of France's top business schools, offering a wide range of programs and masters degrees that allow students from all backgrounds to perfect their skills. Students are very friendly and student life is dynamic with 42 associations (art, culture, finance...). With the inauguration of its new campus, the school also offers students a highly advantageous working environment right in the heart of Lyon.
Experience at emlyon
My experience in emlyon business school was nothing but fantastic. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful and are the best in the field to guide you to build your future self. The campus life is also really great and you get to meet amazing people!
A Global and Data-driven Learning Experience
As an international student from Taiwan, currently studying Digital Marketing & Data Science at Emlyon Business School's Paris campus, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding.
1. Academics & Curriculum
The program is highly data-driven, integrating real-world marketing strategies with technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Professors bring industry expertise and often collaborate with companies, making classes interactive and practical.
2. Campus & Student Life
The Paris campus is a great location for networking, surrounded by top companies and start-up ecosystems. There are plenty of career events, hackathons, and networking opportunities, which have helped me connect with professionals in my field.
3. International Student Experience
Coming from Taiwan, Emlyon provides a diverse and global environment. The school supports international students well, but navigating administrative processes (like visas and housing) can sometimes be challenging. However, the student community is welcoming, and there are many activities and student initiatives to engage with.
4. Overall Impression
I think Emlyon is a great choice for students looking for an innovative, hands-on learning experience in business and technology. While some courses could benefit from even more structure, the real-world projects, industry collaborations, and international environment make it a strong business school for aspiring digital professionals.
Very Good Program and Life-Changing Opportunities
I was truly delighted with my program as it provided me with valuable knowledge and skills. The campus is outstanding, offering an inspiring and welcoming environment for students. Moreover, my program opened up new professional opportunities that I would never have been able to access without completing this Master's degree in Strategy in International Business Development (in partnership with CentraleSupélec). I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience!
BBA1 EM Lyon business school
This is my first year at EM Lyon and one of the first factors that makes me love my school is its campus. The location, the layout of the premises, the exteriors... all the facilities are functional and largely allow students to flourish in their studies (very large library, individual and collaborative workspaces, fully equipped rooms that can be booked, catering and relaxation areas, roof... everything is there!) Also, what I particularly appreciate is the format of the courses which combines practice with theory. My program is intended to be very professionalizing, so we have courses and modules that put us in real situations, the professors and external speakers are for the most part people in professional activities in companies which allows us to benefit from concrete illustrations and notable anecdotes. The classes are not very numerous, offering us an opportunity for interaction and group work. In addition to the courses, the school has many very advantageous partnerships for internships and academic exchanges. In addition, the school offers many conferences and workshops at the Makerslab that allow us to educate ourselves and learn new things. Finally, my program is internationally oriented and that is one of the reasons why I chose it: internships and academic exchange abroad. Finally, student life is a real added value for us since the associative life occupies a preponderant place in our course due to the variety of associations, the premises that are reserved but especially the budget that is allocated.
Makers Spirit
Emlyon business school is a incredible university, i've been able to learn a lot of informations, and making contacts and meet a lot of people. The courses are very interesting and i'm looking foward to earn more experiences (academic or professional).This school gave me huge opportunities and still do, I intend to take them and use them, this school change my life, and me as a character. I want to make it known to as many people as possible, and grow the makers spirit!
Digital Marketing and Data Science
Courses are practical, and the program is intensive. We have so many tasks need to fulfill. I love the school provide many career and alumni resources. And also give us many opportunities to approach to different fields.
Current Student
Likes:
abundant resources
the network of alumni is really healpful
wonderful location (center Paris)
a lot of interesting lectures and company visits
the school opens until 2200, great for studying
Dislike:
not enough spaces to study
some study rooms are toooooo cold
some classrooms have limited access to charge and the air is stagnant
Stepping Into the World of Data
I come from a business background, and I stumbled upon Python a few years ago almost by accident. I found myself spending hours debugging code, completely losing track of time. It was as if a new world had quietly unfolded before me, one I hadn’t even realized I was searching for.
But without a scientific background, I felt behind. We tend to put ourselves in boxes, believing certain paths are out of reach. This master’s program proved otherwise. It gave someone like me with a non-technical foundation a chance, it opened the door to data and analytics.
Yes, it’s a challenge. The curriculum is intense, and the learning curve is steep, but the support from professors and peers makes all the difference. The hands-on projects, the balance between theory and application, and the exposure to real-world case studies ensure that learning isn’t just theoretical: it’s practical and impactful. I’ve worked on diverse datasets, from images to audio, passing through the more familiar tabular data, and every project pushes me to think critically and experiment confidently.
One of the standout aspects of this master’s is the collaborative environment. My classmates come from different backgrounds; engineering, business, social sciences, and that diversity makes discussions richer and group work more dynamic.
Slowly but surely, I’m bridging the gap between curiosity and expertise. If you're drawn to data, AI, and the power of code, this master’s might be the door you’ve been waiting to walk through.
The question is: Are you ready to take that leap?
Good school
This school is really very interesting! We learn a lot there and the teachers are professionals and therefore have experience to share with us. The only problem would be just the fact that some teachers are not very educational which makes the lessons sometimes hard to follow...
An excellent school that deserves its reputation
I am a PGE student at emlyon BS and I am completely fulfilled there: the courses are of high quality, punctuated by stimulating group projects and the associative life allows the class to bond and to spend very good times with people who share a common interest or passion. In addition, the academic excellence of emlyon is recognized both in France and abroad, which allows students to benefit from very good internship opportunities and great career prospects. In other words, I recommend emlyon BS
Experience at emlyon
During my time at EMLYON Business School, I discovered a demanding and stimulating academic environment, marked by a strong entrepreneurial culture. The pedagogical approach, focused on learning by doing, allowed me to develop concrete skills in project management and strategic decision-making. One of the highlights of my experience was participating in a business game where we had to manage a fictitious company in a competitive market. This simulation taught me the importance of data analysis and adaptability in the face of economic contingencies. I was also able to interact with professionals at conferences and workshops, which gave me a clearer vision of the challenges of the business world. Finally, the diversity of the student network, made up of international profiles and varied backgrounds, enriched my experience. Working in a team with people with different approaches was a real asset to develop my ability to collaborate and innovate. This immersion at EMLYON has strengthened my entrepreneurial spirit and my desire to evolve in a dynamic environment, where learning is not limited to theory but is anchored in practice and experimentation.
Nice campus
Located near the center of Lyon which allows for easy commute and proximity to stores/restaurants.
Amazing student life, there are events every week (sports, lunches, parties but also networking and work opportunities). Great school if you're interested in consulting or finance as top firms come and teach classes every semester.
Some classes are online and some classes are in person.
If you come as an international student in the MIM program you cannot do exchanges internationally but there are many double diplomas to chose from. French students have the possibility to do exchanges at MIT, UCLA, Bocconi, Berkeley etc.
A Fun and Insightful Learning Experience
Attending emlyon business school has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The MSc in Health Management & Data Intelligence program offers a perfect blend of theory and practical applications, with a strong focus on the healthcare industry. The professors bring a wealth of real-world experience, making the learning process engaging and insightful.
The campus life is vibrant and multicultural, providing opportunities to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on projects and the interactive learning environment, which have significantly enhanced my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
One standout moment was participating in the international seminar, where we visited leading healthcare companies and gained firsthand insights into global industry practices. Another memorable experience was the Transforming Early Makers project, which challenged us to innovate and present solutions to real-world healthcare problems.
The career services team is supportive, offering guidance and resources that help in preparing for the professional world. I would highly recommend this program to anyone looking to develop their skills in healthcare management and data analytics.
#InnovativeLearning #HealthcareManagement #DataDrivenEducation
Excellent education and association system
A very diverse courses and cultures are present in the school.
It was a place where I learned much, especially about job opportunities.
The association life is great. Student can learn a lot of things about the difficulties in work, and allow them to have experience as a future managers.
