J.-P. Courtois: “Technology May Have Erased Distance, But Not Difference”

Invited to SKEMA's Grand Paris campus by Rodolphe Desbordes and Frédéric Munier, the chairman of SKEMA reflected on the decisions that shaped his journey, from his student years to four decades at Microsoft. One theme ran throughout his story: the courage to make bets before they become obvious.

The heart of his message, however, lay elsewhere. Drawing on a career spent working across countries, cultures, and generations, Jean-Philippe Courtois shared a conviction forged through experience:
“Technology may have erased distance, but not difference, and it is through those differences that we grow. Trust is built one person and one country at a time.”

He encouraged students to remain curious, learn from others, and invest time in the people around them. In his view, leadership is not defined solely by responsibility or achievement. It is measured by the ability to help others grow.

The discussion concluded with an exchange on career paths, entrepreneurship, and the challenges shaping today’s world.