In this interview, she shares the details.
Congratulations on your appointment! What led you to becoming a member of the CCEs?
CCE advisors are chosen from executives, company managers and independent professionals in positions of responsibility, who contribute to France’s international reputation.
The issue of aligning missions also probably influenced the decision of the French authorities to choose a SKEMA representative in Brazil, which went through the consulates and the Embassy. They contacted me and introduced me to the head of the Brazil Committee. There are several stages in co-option: an initial interview, an application to be submitted, validation by the Embassy and confirmation in France by an interdepartmental group involving the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Finally, advisors are appointed by the order of the French Prime Minister.
My first meeting took place in February 2020 and I received a confirmation of my appointment by email in late August.
I recently participated in the first meeting (online) with around fifty of my counterparts, who have key corporate management responsibilities in Brazil and Latin America. Representatives of the French Embassy in Brazil were there too, and presented a very interesting economic overview of the country.
How do you see your mission?
When I agreed to join the network, I wondered at first if there was a possible conflict with my responsibilities at SKEMA. The answer was simple: no, quite the opposite! There is a real convergence between the CCEs and SKEMA’s missions, like participating in the development of territories in close collaboration with companies and public authorities, training young people on an international scale, and promoting France’s assets throughout the world.
You need to have a strong attachment to your country of origin, even if I joke that I am also Brazilian at heart. Being a CCE advisor is a three-year volunteer role, where you think more about contributing than receiving in terms of information sharing, research on the sector you work for and work experience. I can tell you that during a pandemic, there’s a lot to learn. Of course, we also promote France through our businesses.
My PhD thesis, submitted in 2009, focused on communities of practice. I think that’s precisely what this experience in the Brazil Committee of the CCE network will involve!
What is the mission of the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France?
If you read the
presentation of CCEs on the French economic diplomacy website, you would see that this organisation has brought together “
4,500 businessmen and women and international experts who have been working for France’s development for over 120 years. Present in every French region and more than 150 countries, the Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France volunteer their experience to promote the development of France. Each day, they carry out concrete actions in partnership with public and private players involved in promoting and supporting the internationalisation of French companies.”
CCEs are assigned four missions by the public authorities: advising public authorities, supporting companies, training young people at international level, and promoting the attractiveness of France.