Bertrand France

BSc Engineering and Business Studies, 2012

Based in: Paris

First job:

Business Analyst at Efficio Consulting

Ambitions for the future:

My ambition is to grow Cadence Runners into a global movement. I want to make running more accessible and enjoyable for more people, fostering connections and a sense of community through the sport. My ultimate goal is to help people bring more balance to their lives through running, as it has the potential to provide structure and offer so much more than just physical health.

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

What’s your favourite part of the role?

What I enjoy most about this role is working on a subject I am truly passionate about. It’s incredibly rewarding to overcome challenges, build something meaningful, and witness the tangible impact my work has on the athletes we support. I also love the variety it offers, allowing me to work on multiple fronts simultaneously and gain a 360-degree perspective on the business.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Studying engineering and business at Warwick equipped me with a strong analytical mindset, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think both strategically and creatively. The interdisciplinary approach of my studies helped me to develop resilience, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit – all of which are essential in entrepreneurship. Additionally, Warwick’s emphasis on global perspectives and teamwork has been instrumental in managing diverse teams and building a business with an international outlook.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

Yes, I’ve always had entrepreneurship in mind as my ultimate goal. I wanted to build a project I was truly passionate about, and Warwick gave me my first opportunity to explore this path. During my time there, I created a society focused on music, one of my passions, which was an early entrepreneurial experience for me. At the same time, I was also interested in consulting, as I saw it as a way to build the skills and gain the experience I would later need for entrepreneurship. This dual focus on entrepreneurship and consulting was something I had already identified during my time at Warwick.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

1. Start with passion: Running a business in this sector requires a deep personal connection to the mission. Passion is what drives resilience and authenticity.

2. Embrace learning: The fitness and sports tech sectors are constantly evolving. Stay curious, follow industry trends, and don’t hesitate to upskill, particularly in areas like technology and customer experience.

3. Build a strong network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals, whether that’s through alumni groups, industry events, or professional networks. Collaboration and mentorship can open doors and provide valuable insights.

4. Be ready to wear many hats: Entrepreneurship requires you to work on multiple fronts. Develop versatility and time management skills to balance competing priorities effectively.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Honestly, no two days are alike because my schedule depends heavily on the projects we're working on. Typically, I start the day with a meeting with the freelancer who works with me to align on priorities. Marketing tasks are a frequent part of my routine, but right now, I'm spending a lot of time on pitching as we're in the process of fundraising. My role is very dynamic, and each day involves a mix of strategy, operations, and creativity, depending on what needs the most attention.

What has been your greatest career challenge to date and how did your experience and skills help overcome it?

The biggest challenge I've faced has been transitioning from a decade-long career in strategy consulting “a structured and academic environment” into entrepreneurship. Starting my own business required me to not only learn new skills but also to gain a much deeper understanding of myself. Entrepreneurship is as much about self-discovery as it is about building a business. Overcoming this challenge meant leveraging the analytical and problem-solving skills I developed in consulting, while also learning to trust my instincts and adapt quickly. It was incredibly difficult, but it's also been the most rewarding experience of my career.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

The best advice I've received is to trust my instincts. There's a speech by Steve Jobs at Stanford's graduation ceremony where he talks about the importance of following your intuition, even if the path ahead isn't clear at the time. That resonates deeply with my career. Often, the best decisions involve stepping into the unknown, and trusting your instincts helps you find your way. Looking back, I can see how following this advice has allowed me to take risks, grow, and ultimately land on my feet.

What should current students or recent alumni be doing to move their careers forward?

I believe the key to moving forward in your career is self-awareness. It's important to understand your passions, interests, strengths, and weaknesses. This clarity helps you make choices that align with who you are and what you want to achieve. There's no 'perfect' career; instead, there are careers that align with your values and aspirations. The more aligned you are with what you truly enjoy and excel at, the more fulfilling your journey will be.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

One thing I've learned is the importance of aligning your career choices with your passions and values. When applying for jobs, it's easy to focus solely on the role or company reputation, but I've realised how crucial it is to think about whether the position will help you grow personally and professionally. Also, understanding that every role, even if it's not your dream job, can be a stepping stone to your ultimate goals.