“I am more a coach than a teacher”

How did you become an entrepreneur?

In 1993, I moved to the United States to pursue my MBA at the University of Oregon. During my time there, I discovered a Business Plan competition hosted by Bank of America and decided to participate with a friend. We advanced through local and state levels, ultimately reaching the top ten nationally! What began as a fun project became a turning point that ignited my passion for entrepreneurship.

After completing my MBA, I embarked on several exciting ventures:

• Consulting Firm: Offering strategic advice and innovative solutions.
• Compost Distribution Company: Promoting sustainable farming practices.
• Water Treatment Enterprise: Addressing environmental challenges.
• Collaboration with University Professors: This led to ventures in animal healthcare and, eventually, the creation of Paris Leaf Kft in Hungary – a skincare company blending science and nature to achieve radiant skin.

Being an entrepreneur is about freedom – the freedom to create, innovate, and turn ideas into reality while overcoming challenges. It’s a journey of continuous learning, growth, and, most importantly, making a meaningful impact on the world.

Why did you start to teach and where do you teach?

After earning my MBA and launching a strategy consulting firm, I was invited by my alma mater, Unilasalle (a French engineering and veterinary school), to teach project management. Teaching scientists how to write and present projects was an entirely new challenge – and a fulfilling one. Currently, I teach at Unilasalle and other institutions, focusing on crafting and presenting business plans. My courses emphasize innovation, market entry strategies, and creating a global impact.

In my classes, around 40 students collaborate to create business plans, presenting their ideas to a jury of potential investors, incubator managers, bankers, and professors. Witnessing students launch their businesses and join incubators is incredibly rewarding. While I’m still waiting for my first Unicorn startup, I hope it might come from an ELTE project!

Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about being inspired by the next generation. Gen Z faces immense opportunities, from harnessing AI to addressing environmental challenges. I see myself as a coach, guiding students to optimize their potential. Recently, I was elected at the French Trade Council’s national education board, advising the French government on preparing students for international careers. Seeing students achieve happiness and success is the ultimate reward.

What can someone do during their university years to prepare for successfully running their own business later on?

It’s simple but profound: trust yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will. Secondly, seize opportunities.Bill Gates often said his success stemmed from jumping on opportunities as they arose. Your generation is uniquely positioned with countless opportunities around you.

In short: trust yourself and be ready to act when opportunity knocks.

Even if someone isn’t considering entrepreneurship, why is it worthwhile from a career perspective to understand how businesses operate?

This course goes beyond entrepreneurship; it’s tailored for aspiring leaders, project managers, and investors.

Key takeaways include two aspects: firstly, a feasibility study helps to learn to assess the viability of a project with a well-crafted plan. Secondly, a persuasive pitch through which you can master the art of convincing stakeholders about your project’s potential.

These skills are critical not just for launching a business but for excelling in leadership or managerial roles. In corporate settings, about 90% of your time will involve persuading others. This course equips you with the tools to advocate for your ideas effectively. Even as an export manager, I realized I lacked insights into how growth impacted cash flow. This motivated me to deepen my knowledge of finance and cost accounting. The course integrates key business disciplines – marketing, management, and finance – into a comprehensive framework that can significantly enhance your career.

Is it worth attending the course even if someone doesn’t yet have a specific business idea?

From my experience teaching this class, I’ve observed that students often bring incredibly innovative ideas to their Business Plans. They identify unmet needs and uncover market gaps, which is inspiring. Our focus goes beyond merely creating products – we aim to develop concepts. 

This course is more than just a classroom experience; it’s a dynamic environment where students network, exchange ideas, and find inspiration for future ventures. It’s about laying a solid foundation for viable business concepts. Students can work individually or in teams of up to four, leveraging each member’s unique strengths. Visionaries often need skilled business managers to bring their ideas to life. The projects don’t have to reinvent the wheel – they can be as localized as buying a store or starting a food cart. What matters most is the thoughtfulness behind the idea. And do what you like and love.

This is not the first time Patrick Meunier (second from right) has visited us, you could meet him at our 2022 Summer University.

How can this course contribute to achieving career goals?

This course should have a great impact by evaluating Feasibility to develop the skills to assess project viability and by mastering persuasion in order to gain the confidence to pitch and convince others effectively.

Think of it this way: when planning a group activity, the most persuasive person usually gets everyone on board. This course gives you that persuasive edge, empowering you to lead confidently. Persuasion allows you to get what you want and maybe even a pay raise.

While professional success is vital, true fulfillment also involves personal happiness. This course equips you with the tools to build a career aligned with your unique goals and values.

I look forward to seeing you in January and February. Together, we’ll explore your potential, tailor the class to your needs, and help you achieve a career that leaves a lasting impact. This class will be your class! I am more a coach than a teacher.

Photos: Anilla Bodó