A spectacular start for the 7th EVE International seminar. Welcomed at the Grange au Lac at 9 o’clock this Wednesday the 5th of October by Anne Thevenet-Abitbol, Editorial and Creative Director and Christine, Executive Producer, the 300 participants were immediately immersed into the EVE atmosphere, with the plenary of Joanna Barsh.

With an unparalleled sense of humour that distinguishes her, Joanna talked about the concept of ‘centred leadership’ that she has developed and implemented in a Programme dedicated to unleashing the potential of individuals and organisations.

 

Following Joanna, Patrick Scharnitzky, a diversity consultant at AlterNego, took the stage to illustrate an approach to the question of stereotypes that breaks with traditional views. For Patrick, ‘the problem is not having stereotypes… But using them.’

His belief is that by leaving behind the moralistic attitude to stereotyping one can better act against it: meaning being capable of calmly and honestly identifying one’s bias (gender, or other) results in the ability to overcome decision-making biases in order to better render one’s commitment and values.

 

In the afternoon, the EVEians attended the presentation of the missions and actions undertaken by EVE’s Wise Committee ; composed of representatives from all partner companies.

Amongst others, the Committee assumes a think tank role, producing research work on topics from the Programme. A report on the facts and figures of professional equality, presented by Sylvie, reflects this approach.

 

The participants were subsequently introduced to mindfulness and its practices by Martial Vidaud.

Inviting each individual to question anything that interferes with his/her ability to be true to oneself (the mass of information we are subjected to that can reach stressful levels or ‘multitasking’ working practices), Martial provided each and every one with a mindfulness session that greatly worked towards opening minds and rendering them more receptive for the next speaker…

 

… Who was none other than Frédérique Bedos who moved the assembly to tears with the account of her unusual childhood – among a score of adopted brothers and sisters — whose remanences led her to launch in 2008, the Project Imagine – Journalism with Hope.

Refusing to let hope be nibbled away by commonplace fears, she pays tribute to ‘The Humble Heroes’ who, inspired and driven by their love of others, work to change the world in the way of the hummingbirds who each ‘do their part’ and believe that a drop of water can influence the flow of the largest rivers.

 

In the evening, Frédérique’s vision was illustrated by the screening of her award-winning film Women and Men that sets out a comprehensive overview of the status of women in the world and the truly courageous actions implemented to improve it. 

A poignant and inspiring moment that has undoubtedly and greatly contributed to forging the minds of ‘game changers’ among the EVEians of the 2016 promo.

 

The EVE International seminar continues Thursday the 6th of October, with a programme that includes a wealth of new encounters, plenaries and workshops.

 

Marie Donzel

Translation : Tammy Hassain

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Photos from the first day of EVE International 2016