On October 6, Bpifrance organizes its annual big gathering at the AccorHotels Arena. The theme of BIG’s 2022 edition, which? Madame Figaro partner? Metamorphosis. A virtue specific to entrepreneurs whose values respond more than ever to the challenges of the current era.
Madame Figaro.- Why did you choose the theme of transformation for this 2022 edition of BIG?
Nicolas Dufourk. Because I am convinced that the times we live in are radically changing us beyond transformation. Transformation is predictable, while metamorphosis contains a measure of the unknown, which seems to me more appropriate for what we are going through, from Covid to the threat of nuclear war, going through deglobalization… Liter Moreover, he notes that transformation, a word of Greek origin, is determined by the gods, in some way superior to us; whereas transformation, a word of Latin origin, refers to a change determined by men.
How to deal with this period of upheaval? What can we learn from the attitude of entrepreneurs faced with a constant burst of the unknown?
Entrepreneurs are seafarers accustomed to facing ever-changing seas. What you can learn from them is to “navigate your life”, that is, constantly change, adapt the way you navigate. At the moment, it is clear that we are not in the midst of trade winds. Then, when on the right, on the left, reliable third parties fall, the center must hold. And this center, for entrepreneurs, is the financial strength of their company (maintaining its cash flow, maintaining equity, maintaining cost savings), but also innovation, fertility, the ability to always be inventing and anticipating. It is energy, courage. And I will add. an almost philosophical attitude, which consists in seeing this metamorphosis as a huge source of possibilities. We will have to outdo ourselves! Those who foresee it, looking it straight in the eye, will build businesses they can be very proud of. Like those who ten years ago, somewhat alone, predicted the ecological and energy transition…
How to become a “seer”?
It includes the courage to make mistakes. Accept not knowing and know what you don’t know. this is what allows you to make a choice. Then there is always some “triple”, a voice that comes from within, and which you must know how to listen to, not everything is mathematical. What also helps is to test multiple scenarios, sometimes simultaneously. You should always be strategic, fluid.
Entrepreneurs are seafarers accustomed to facing ever-changing seas
Nicolas Dufourc
How do you think entrepreneurship can transform society, our lives? What is the role of entrepreneurs in transition?
I believe that entrepreneurship and the values it embodies are the keys to many of our problems. That is why Bpifrance has set itself the task of doubling the number of entrepreneurs in France. It is a political-philosophical goal. our role with our partners is perhaps above all to allay French fears. We believe that French society has matured to be even more liberal than it is today. Surveys show: every third French person is related to entrepreneurship. they have previously started a company, are currently running one, or dream of starting one. We are fortunate to be protected and accompanied to undertake today in France. It almost includes the duty to follow one’s own desires. If it doesn’t work, is it so bad? Entrepreneurship always means improving one’s employability. Human rights defenders appreciate those who have tried the experiment. Everything is a matter of perspective, that’s why I think that the current change should also inspire education. to be less afraid of risk, which also implies knowing how to appreciate it better, which can be learned in school.
What exactly needs to change for there to be more female entrepreneurs and female-led unicorns?
It is important to make business support networks more popular so that women can more easily access them. They are many in France (more than 300 associations, 50,000 volunteers). This holistic infrastructure can really help overcome the sense of dizziness that feeds fear and the brakes that still hold some women back, particularly impostor syndrome. I also think about this other fear that sometimes hinders them. fear of sacrificing family, personal life. Our studies show that male and female entrepreneurs divorce less often than the rest of the population and have more children. Perhaps because when a person incarnates, when a person fully lives his life, his desires, everything is always better. But also because entrepreneurship can become a marital adventure that strengthens solidarity and extends to the family, children. And it is very important to say.
More information and registration here. big.bpifrance.fr:
Source: Le Figaro
