Florence Masnada

Florence Masnada : «Individual success does not receive enough recognition in the work place»

When she was a high-level champion skier, Florence Masnada (PGM 2001) always managed to combine sports and study in order to “be open to new horizons”. One year after quitting competitive sport, she finished her studies at emlyon business school and founded a consulting agency, Nag. She created a business that mirrored her own qualities - it was something original and multi-faceted.

• During your sporting career you continued with your studies - were you already thinking about what you would do in the future?Study, just like sport, was also part of leading a balanced life for me, even if I had to adapt my rhythm, especially when I was injured! With sport, you are focussed on yourself but studying allows you to open up and meet other types of people. It was this open-mindedness I was looking for through study, rather than a future professional career.
• In 1999, when you joined the General Management Programme at emlyon business school executive development, you didn't yet know what you wanted to do afterwards?
  No, I wasn't totally sure. But I knew I didn't want to work in an office with fixed hours. I was already thinking about the field of communication or events, the best way to be a part of things but still have enough time to indulge my passion for skiing. That's what setting up my consulting agency, Nag, allowed me to do. I widened my skill set enough to be able to work in the events sector, run training courses for employees, and pick up the microphone as a commentator during ski competitions, whilst still getting the opportunity to ski the slopes myself !
  I start with my experience in order to show the similarities between the worlds of sport and business. In both cases, success is collective, even though the sportsperson is the one who gets all the attention when they win. From my point of view, individual success does not receive enough recognition in the work place, everyone just thinks that it's simply a case of doing your job. During my consulting sessions I also talk about leadership questions. I talk a lot about the mental side, what makes the difference between a champion and a really great champion and the fact that, in the business world too, you have to fight to achieve excellence.
• Today, what connections to you still have with the emlyon business school executive development?
  I recently became a member of emlyon business school forever alumni network and took part in the launch of the 2014 contact directory at the beginning of June. Together with two other emlyon business school graduates I talked to new graduates about my experiences. It was a great opportunity to exchange and meet new people.