Theme: Catalyst: Sparking tomorrow

This year’s theme is Catalyst: Sparking Tomorrow — a celebration of ideas, individuals, and actions that ignite transformation and shape the future.

Join us in Nice for a unique event that brings together bold thinkers, unconventional perspectives, and powerful stories. From innovation to human potential, our speakers will explore how catalysts—big or small—can spark meaningful change.

EDHEC Business School
393 Promenade des Anglais
Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, 06000
France

Anouk Schapp

Leadership coach

A leadership expert and EDHEC alumni, she began her professional journey in finance finding then the courage to embrace change, pursue continuous learning, and ultimately create her own company. Today, she conducts deep board evaluations that reveal both visible dynamics and invisible undercurrents shaping decision-making. At the heart of her approach: speaking truth with tact to foster healthy leadership that genuinely serves others.

Benedicte Defour

Professor and interior designer

An experienced interior designer with nearly 30 years at IKEA, Bénédicte brings a global perspective shaped by her experience living and working across cultures. In her talk, "When Differences Unite: A French Woman in Mumbai" she reflects on how embracing contrast, both personally and professionally, can create spaces (and societies) filled with balance, harmony, and connection.

Ghassan Paul Yacoub

Strategy and innovation professor

An award-winning professor, researcher, and advisor, Ghassan serves as the Academic Director of the EDHEC Global MBA. Before entering academia, he worked as an M&A Investment Banker, leading multi-billion cross-border transactions. Today, he advises leaders on strategic and digital transformation while continuing to publish research in top journals and present at international conferences.

Julian Boucherat

Digital consultant

As a Digital Consultant and advocate for authentic leadership, Julian brings both personal insight and professional perspective to the stage. In his talk, "Build Your Future, Your Way," he’ll explore how embracing our uniqueness—whether in background, mindset, or approach—can guide us to our goals without losing our identity in the process.

Louise Delaigue

Post-doctorate resercher

With a PhD from Utrecht University and NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and an MSc in Earth and Planetary Sciences from McGill University, Louise's immense passion for science and nature has seen her do everything from sailing in the Canadian Arctic to studying shark species in South Africa

Simon Crann

Entrepreneur

An impact entrepreneur and community-builder, Simon brings a deeply personal and action-oriented perspective to the TEDx stage. In his talk, "Legacy by Design: How Today’s Actions Shape Tomorrow," Simon explores how we can each act as a catalyst for positive change by aligning our actions with care, clarity, and courage. Through stories from his childhood, entrepreneurial journey, and community-building experiences, he invites us to reflect on how the legacy we leave starts with the choices we make today.

Susanne Meish

PhD in American Cultural History

Strategy consultant, cultural historian, and MBA candidate with a passion for combining structure and energy. As an MBA student at EDHEC and passionate advocate for holistic strength, Susanne will deliver a powerful talk titled “Becoming Unbreakable: How Strengthening the Body Strengthens the Mind.”