At the 20th edition of the Women’s Forum, ESCP students joined leading changemakers and walked away with bold new perspectives on leadership
From self-belief to salary negotiation, from inclusive innovation to climate justice, the 2025 Women’s Forum was a masterclass in courageous leadership. Held November 6-7 in Paris, this edition welcomed leaders, changemakers, and allies from over 100 countries to explore the theme: “Courage: Bold Moves for a Better World.”
Marking the 20th anniversary of the Women’s Forum—and the fourth year of ESCP’s academic partnership—the event deepened an ongoing dialogue between the school and the Women’s Forum community. For the ESCP students in attendance, the Forum was a transformational two days of listening, questioning, and connecting with the women shaping tomorrow.
Courage on stage: inspiring stories and conversations
Whether in the front rows or behind the scenes, students felt the power of representation. “Seeing so many women with diverse yet successful paths at the Women’s Forum is truly inspiring,” shared Inès Ould Ali, Master in Management (MiM) student. “Each speaker and participant brings a unique story of resilience, leadership, and purpose.”
Meanwhile, onstage, ESCP brought the spirit of courageous leadership to life. ESCP Professor Alisa Sydow joined the New York Times Debate on whether business will ever be brave. Alumnus Nicolas Santi-Weil (ESCP 2001), CEO of AMI Paris, joined Pascal Morand, Executive President of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode and former ESCP Paris dean, for a breakout session on how creative disruption can drive inclusion and cultural change.
Seeing so many women with diverse yet successful paths at the Women’s Forum is truly inspiring.
Inès Ould AliMaster in Management (MiM) student
Professor Alisa Sydow on stage at the Women’s Forum Practical lessons in leadership
Throughout the Forum’s 30+ talks and breakout sessions, the urgency of inclusive leadership was palpable. Conversations moved beyond headline issues—gendered pay gaps, bias, harassment—to examine accountability, allyship, and the systemic and concrete shifts needed to build more equitable organisations.
Students also took away actionable advice on navigating early careers. “I’ve gotten a lot of really good tips about salary negotiation,” shared Agathe Dewitte, MiM student. “One thing that I’m going to take away is the fact that we still have so much to do.”
Rising Talents × ESCP Mentorship: A New Chapter Begins
The Forum also marked the official launch of the first-ever Rising Talents mentorship initiative, that will bring together 20 ESCP students and 10 exceptional women leaders for a year-long programme dedicated to leadership development, cross-sector learning, and personal growth.
At the mentorship kickoff session, members of the 2025 Rising Talents cohort shared formative moments from their lives: stories of risk, reinvention, and resilience.
“What resonated with me most was the Rising Talents’ perspective on growth; if your journey is linear, it’s because you’re not taking enough risks," shared MiM student Marie-Catherine Deschênes, reflecting on her key takeaways from the session. “Failure should be seen as a catalyst to grow and learn rather than a setback.”
Inès Ould Ali, Master in Management (MiM) student poses a question to Rising Talents panelSince 2007, Rising Talents has identified and supported high-profile women under 40 on their way to becoming influential global leaders. Today, the network includes more than 270 women worldwide, including leading voices in business, policy, and innovation.
“The discussions highlighted how valuable it is to build connections across sectors. Engaging with people from various sectors enriches our thinking and strengthens our ability to create meaningful change,” added Marie-Catherine. “I’m excited to continue this mentorship journey throughout the year and carry these lessons with me moving forward.”
The first-ever Rising Talents mentorship cohortBuilding courage, one connection at a time
Across the Forum, one message became clear for ESCP students: courage grows through connection, curiosity, and the willingness to stay true to yourself. “The Forum is a powerful reminder that success takes many forms, and that staying true to one’s values is what ultimately drives impact,” shared Ines.
The Women’s Forum reminded students that leadership isn’t a fixed role; it’s a lifelong practice of learning, listening, and choosing to lead with courage. Asked to share her key takeaway, Marie-Catherine didn’t hesitate. “Be bold, be disruptive, and don't be afraid.”
My key takeaway is be bold, be disruptive, and don't be afraid.
Marie-Catherine DeschênesMiM student
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