- Argos Wityu member since 2024
- Speaks French, English and Spanish
- Master in Management ESCP Business School
- Master en Administracion y Direccion de Empresa Universidad Carlos III
- Argos Wityu member since 2024
- Speaks French, English and Spanish
- Master in Management ESCP Business School
- Master en Administracion y Direccion de Empresa Universidad Carlos III
Please introduce yourself briefly: your age, your family situation and the country you live in
Amélie
Tell us about your career and how you joined Argos.
Amélie
Before joining Argos, I worked for another PE firm doing only Impact Private Equity. I was more focused on social impact, supporting small companies that were helping to reduce social inequalities through their products and services. At the same time, I also did a two-year research project studying how to integrate companies’ non-financial performance into asset managers’ valuation models. More specifically, I looked at how you can create value taking into account nonfinancial strategies.
After three years at my previous firm, I realised I wanted to focus on transformational impact rather than just native impact. While innovation is key, we also need a transition in the broader economy. I believed I could contribute to a fund that has this kind of strategic focus, which led me to Argos and their Argos Climate Actions initiative.
Is this the path you thought you would take when you started your studies?
Amélie
Not quite! Initially, I wanted to become a senior civil servant, so that I could influence public policy and help improve our society. But I also found myself attracted to entrepreneurship through podcasts and conferences. I thought about combining both ambitions by collaborating with inspiring entrepreneurs to make a positive contribution to society. Later, I discovered investment and particularly impact investing, and everything fell into place from there.
The world of private equity has changed a lot in recent years. What is your definition of PE? How do you see it?
Amélie
I come from a background where people often struggle to understand my profession.
Occasionally, there is even some resistance to private equity. As I enjoy explaining to my friends and family, my role involves supporting unlisted companies, helping them to grow and achieve their goals. PE significantly benefits the real economy by providing financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which in turn creates jobs (over 330,000 between 2017 and 2022 for example). PE enhances value through insightful advice and access to our networks, and also generates positive impact.
As for how PE is changing, it’s happening across a number of dimensions. We are now navigating a landscape characterised by greater uncertainties: conflicts, economic crises, pandemics and environmental and social challenges. Historically, PE thrived during times of stability, but now we have a pivotal role in helping companies adapt to this new era and in encouraging innovative thinking.
I firmly believe that beyond helping entrepreneurs adapt, we must act responsibly: with great power and wealth comes great responsibility. Many people are looking for more meaningful jobs, and PE is also concerned by this trend. Rethinking investment strategies and our industry’s perspective is essential if we want to attract and retain talent and convince the companies we want to invest in. As Pascal Demurger said, we want “a world where companies assume their political responsibilities and make a positive contribution beyond just economic contributions”.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Amélie
I sincerely look forward to learning and being part of a collective effort. This is what motivates me daily. By continuing to learn and working with inspiring and kind colleagues, I keep moving forward. I am fortunate to have a job I love and to be engaged in Argos’ project. Additionally, I am involved in other initiatives. I was appointed as a board member of the Youth Board of France Invest. This group undertakes various projects to invigorate Private Equity, and specifically, I am working with two other board members to create a mentoring program for young professionals entering our field.
This project is particularly engaging as it allows me to focus on broader topics, especially talent retention, which I believe is crucial for our industry and aligns with my passion for management. Lastly, I am blessed to have amazing family and friends, and spending time with them provides daily motivation.
Are there any specific encounters – or moments – that have stood out for you in your journey at Argos?
Amélie
During my second week, I attended the full team seminar in Amsterdam. This event was not only my first opportunity to meet colleagues from all offices but also offered an impressive overview of Argos’ achievements. It really helped my integration into the firm and confirmed that joining Argos was the right decision, because I felt truly inspired.
There have been many other memorable experiences, such as visiting Selmer’s production facilities in Mantes-la-Ville and gaining insights into their saxophone manufacturing process. Another notable moment was being assigned to my new portfolio companies: Talentia and EPC, two distinct organisations, both integral to Argos’ history.
It’s said that we are the average of the people we meet. Who are those people for you, and how do they influence you?
Amélie
I completely agree with this statement. For me, those people are my family and also my friends. My parents and grandparents are very supportive and loving, as is my brother. Regarding my friends, I like to say they all inspire me: they come from diverse backgrounds, often far removed from the world of finance, and help me gain new perspectives, reassess situations, and put things into perspective when necessary.
Lastly, I believe having mentors is essential. Throughout my experiences, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some extraordinary individuals whom I now look to for guidance. I consult them when making decisions because they know me well but also provide advice that’s different from what my family and friends can offer. They’re more realistic, willing to speak frankly and have significant professional experience, which I greatly admire.
You interact with managers every day. Which entrepreneurs do you admire in your market?
Amélie
If I had to choose the person I admire most, it would be Gisèle Halimi, a French-Tunisian lawyer, feminist activist and politician. Her book with Annick Cojean, titled Une Farouche Liberté (“A fierce freedom”), has been a defining one for me because it articulates experiences that resonate with me and highlights the importance of a commitment to equality. I particularly like the following quote: “Fighting is a duty, reaching out to other women is a responsibility, convincing men of the justness of the cause is a necessity.”
This is crucial, given that PE still needs to make significant improvements to become a gender-equal and diverse industry. For example, in companies supported by PE funds, the proportion of women in leadership roles – such as chairpersons, managing directors or CEOs – is still only 12%, and the proportion of women on executive bodies is 30% or lower in 81% of holdings (Parity Barometer, France Invest).
How do you find balance in your life as a whole?
Amélie
I have various ways of finding a balance. I spend lots of time with my friends and families, and I also try to be as active as possible by doing sports regularly: I practise yoga, Pilates crossfit, functional training and rowing. I try to walk as much as I can to rest my brain. I read a lot as well because it’s a form of escapism.
Outside of your job, what are your passions or commitments?
Amélie
Taking part in various sporting activities helps me clear my mind. I used to row, but I’m now focusing on yoga and Pilates, and I’ve recently taken up running to prepare for the Argos Olympics. My sanctuary is Circle Movement, which is reputed to be the best fitness studio in Paris 😊. They take an innovative approach that integrates mobility, strength, cardio and breathing exercises. I highly recommend incorporating these exercises into your daily routine.
In addition to sports, I read extensively, spend quality time with friends and family, seize every opportunity to immerse myself in nature, and I also enjoy cooking.
As for my commitments, I’ve been elected as a member of the Board of Directors of under 35s of France Invest where I’m helping to create a mentoring programme for young people in Private Equity. I also visit schools to talk to students about entrepreneurship and sustainable finance, which is something that brings me a lot of pleasure because I love to pass on my knowledge.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Amélie
It’s a challenging question. When I was younger, I had a straightforward answer, but now it’s more difficult because I feel my life has changed significantly over the past 10 years. I think if you compared my expectations with how my life has actually turned out, the results would be quite surprising. I hope that in 10 years, I will be happy, still surrounded by friends and family, and still enjoying my job as much as I do today (hopefully with greater responsibilities 😊).
Perhaps my life might be quieter, because it’s currently quite hectic, and I’d like to slow things down a bit. However, I also want to stay open to what life brings, especially given how quickly the world is changing. I believe it’s wise to remain flexible because the way we live and work today is likely to change considerably. We’ll see…
Can you tell us about a place that’s important to you: one that inspires you and helps you maintain your balance?
Amélie
In another life, you would be...?
Amélie
If you would like to have a direct discussion with me, feel free to
