Cahier de voyage: Greek Odyssey

As Einstein said: "We cannot solve today's problems with the same thinking that created them." With this same logic, the pedagogical team at ESSEC Custom Programs developed the CIME program around the idea of "shifting perspectives." When we change the point of view, the image changes, and new perspectives emerge.

With over 500,000 employees worldwide, present in over 130 countries, the three French groups cover two major sectors of the French economy: agribusiness and construction. These sectors are currently undergoing significant transformations, putting executives on the front lines to deal with the complexity of internal and external changes.

From this complexity we departed to design a tailor-made program for these executives and managers, constantly seeking new perspectives and knowledge to cultivate visionary and adaptive leadership.

Why go to Greece? To share a common reflection on global geopolitics. Greece holds a strategic position on the edge of the Middle East and the Balkans, making it a privileged place to understand the region's reality.

Meetings with local experts allow us to grasp Greece's unique perception of the contemporary geopolitical landscape. Indeed, being at the doorstep of Turkey enable a better examination of the complex relations with its neighbors, as well as the implications for the European Union.

What lessons can we draw from this seminar in Greece? "By stepping out of the usual framework, participants can gain new global perspectives, better understand current global dynamics, and their impact on the region. Conferences led by experts on topics such as geo-economic risks, Greece-Turkey relations, and the business reality in Greece allow participants to reflect on the geopolitical implications for their companies, their role as citizens, and their leadership," explains Mélie Joubert, Key Account Manager at ESSEC Custom Program, who has been accompanying companies in the CIME program for 8 years now.

"These 3 days in Athens were a very enriching experience, I would say in addition to the seminar in Brussels. Delving into Greek culture and its specificities, understanding its connections and differences with the rest of Europe. As always, we come out transformed from each CIME seminar. Exciting!" says Rémi, Director of Industrial Performance at Savencia.

Introducing this type of experience into a program like CIME has numerous advantages for managers of the three French groups:

• Vision expansion: by exposing participants to various geopolitical perspectives, the seminar stimulates their strategic thinking and creativity.

• Networking and sharing: interactions with peers and experts promote the sharing of experiences and best practices, thus strengthening professional ties.

• Cultural enrichment: in addition to geopolitical aspects, the trip offers an immersion in the rich history and culture of Greece, thereby expanding personal horizons.

"The world is complex, and we have had the chance to glimpse some of its mechanisms thanks to the quality and diversity of the speakers. I draw lessons for life in business: fostering openness, and exchanges, taking into account all points of view, and not neglecting the weight of history, whose roots sometimes emerge. This trip was useful and necessary to understand the mechanisms of the world but also, for me, working in Human Resources, and individual behaviors. In conclusion, a very rich oxygenation of teachings!" concludes Pierre, CIME auditor and HRD at Saint-Gobain.

Would you like to contribute to the evolution of your organization, co-build customized training programs for your workforce? Contact the ESSEC Custom Programs team; we are here to listen and take action together.