Anne Mandron established her cleantech consultancy during an Executive MBA at France’s EMLYON Business School
Anne Mandron only considered France’s EMLYON Business School when she decided to pursue an Executive MBA. Why? Because she knew exactly what she wanted; to learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur.Having been in effect an intrapreneur for most of her career in the engineering industry—starting new projects from scratch, launching new services, and covering new territories—she was fascinated by entrepreneurship and saw the EMLYON’s philosophy of ‘educating entrepreneurs for the world’ as the perfect match for her career aspirations.
Now, since completing her degree, she’s founded her own independent consultancy and helps startups and SMEs in the clean technology—cleantech—sector to develop their business plans and grow into successful companies.
How did the idea for your cleantech consultancy come about?
One of my colleagues, a business angel, put me in touch with a startup trying to raise funds. I was able to support them in developing their business plan and financial model, and that’s really how it all started!
Straight after the MBA, I moved to Lausanne in Switzerland to rejoin my partner. I immediately investigated the cleantech Industry, positioned myself as an independent management consultant and started to get projects to work on.
How have you been supported by your EMBA experience?
I had loads of business lectures, personal work and projects. Through these, I acquired a thorough understanding on how to run a business, tackle scale-up phases, strategy definition and implementation—all of these are essential knowledge for a management consultant.
On a more practical side, we used a set of tools and methodology during the MBA that I am now using on a day-to-day basis with my clients. I have access to an extensive network in all possible industries. Just name it, and I will find somebody that is a business expert in this field and can help us with moving the project forward.
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA at EMLYON?
I worked for more than seven years for renowned engineering consultancy companies on water projects all around the world. Mostly based out in the field, I was responsible of key projects really early on.
In these international environments, fast learning was key, but I reached a stage where I felt I had to strengthen my business acumen to perform better at an executive level—especially on subjects such as finance, strategy and strategic change management. An MBA seemed like an obvious step.
I only applied to the EMLYON program because of the focus on entrepreneurship. I was excited to investigate entrepreneurship, get a grasp of what’s behind the buzzword startup, and maybe start my own journey as an entrepreneur.
I met Marjolaine Briquet, in charge of EMLYON recruitment, and this made up my mind. The program met my expectations and, most importantly, I felt it was a benevolent environment where I could grow, personally and professionally.
What advice do you have for anyone considering an MBA?
Know why you want to do a MBA. This will help you get the most out of the experience.
You should also carefully select the business school that matches these objectives. The different schools have different strengths so research is important in determining which school is best for you. Finally, reach out and discuss the experience extensively with the alumni. There’s no one better than a school alum to tell you what an MBA program is really like!
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.
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