On May 24th and 25th, 2025, ESSEC Business School held its traditional Commencement Day at the Philharmonie de Paris, a major venue for music and culture. More than a graduation ceremony, the event marked a time of transition and inspiration for graduates, a moment to close one chapter and open new ones. In today’s dissonant world, this year’s event encouraged boldness, commitment, and cooperation as ways of building harmony.
Studying at ESSEC means more than joining a top business school. It’s about becoming part of a global network. It’s about exploring new continents, ideas, and ambitions
They show boldness, drive, and the will to make a difference. For Commencement Day 2025, we highlight four inspiring journeys: Julie Nauthonier, a conductor who empowers women through music. Samir Benkirane, a tireless builder of bridges and projects. Samy Boudiaf, a young film producer already noticed in Cannes. Cédric Carrasso, a former soccer goalkeeper who now shapes women’s sports. Four graduates. Four bold stories. One shared goal: to change the world in their own way.
Nicolas Hieronimus shares three key pieces of advice with the graduating class: the opportunity to drive impact within large companies, the irreplaceable power of human intuition in the age of AI, and the importance of protecting your energy over the long run.
L'Oréal CEO (E85)
In a heartfelt speech, Petronille Ricard shared an inspiring message: the importance of daring, staying true to your values, and finding meaning in every experience, even the unexpected ones.
CSR Director at Celio
Through a personal and heartfelt story, Amal Louis reflected on the encounters and opportunities that shaped her path: from her beginnings in the maritime industry to her time at ESSEC, including the challenges, doubts… and moments of confidence along the way.
Director at the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille (EEE 17)
From Libreville to Paris, from ESSEC to global leadership, Sandra Sandier Sultan retraced her journey with humor and sincerity, sharing how embracing her identity, as a woman, African and French, mother of five, and leader, shaped her path.
Senior Partner at McKinsey (MBA 93)
Irene Sunny reminds us that behind the numbers and algorithms, it is empathy and kindness that make the real difference.
Graduate of the Master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics
Ophélie Mérignac delivers an inspiring message about her generation, the Covid generation, and how it transformed obstacles into opportunities.
Graduate of the ESSEC Global BBA
Ahmed Yousfi, shares a powerful message on the theme of the unknown, that fear we learn to overcome throughout our journey.
Graduate of the Global BBA
In a powerful and moving speech, Jérémy Letellierinvites us to view our journey as a game of chess: dense, demanding, and deeply human.
Graduate of the Executive Master in Strategy and Management of Health Industries,
Alma Berruecos shares an inspiring message on the importance of human relationships, empathy, and continuous learning in the business world.
MBA graduate
In a speech that is sincere, funny, and deeply human, Simone QIU tells us how her specific goals, joining the LVMH chair, landing a job in luxury marketing, transformed, broadened, and enriched.
Graduate of Master in Management – Grande École
With humor, emotion, and clarity, Kenza Mouzon, reflects on a journey rich in experiences, sometimes unexpected but always formative. From the military to ecology, through travels, associations, and school benches, she delivers a vibrant call for authenticity, experimentation, and solidarity.
Graduate of Master in Management – Grande École
On May 24 2025, in front of thousands of graduates, family members, and members of the ESSEC community, Karim Ziabat delivered a moving speech filled with gratitude, civic engagement, and shared ambition.
Graduate of ESSEC's Master in Management – Grande École
Samy Boudiaf achieves his dream in the cinema industry thanks to the flexibility of the Master in Management program. At 22, he produces a feature film with Monica Bellucci. A bold journey shaped by passion !
Grande École - Master in Management | 2023
How does Julie Nauthonier, at 22, go from the Grande Ecole program to leading an 80-musician orchestra? Discover her unique journey and her FENIX project, combining music and female empowerment!
Grande École - Master in Management | 2024
From Turkish champion to ESSEC graduate, Cédric Carrasso is on a mission to reshape women’s football. An inspiring journey from locker room to classroom, his next big match is off the field.
Executive Education - General Management | 2023
Tireless student leader, Samir Benkirane left his mark on ESSEC through energy, commitment, and a deep sense of community. From Morocco to Singapore, London to Cergy, he’s building a purpose-driven path—with one goal in mind: to serve in order to make change.
BBA | 2024
Originally from China, Zhelin Yu has always been driven by academic excellence and a strong sense of responsibility. At ESSEC, he transitions from finance to impact analysis. A commitment to more ethical and sustainable finance!
Master’s Business , Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) | 2024
From Beijing to Dubai via Singapore and Paris, Soraya navigates cultures and ambitions. An ESSEC graduate on a mission to grow and give back to the global network.
Master in Strategy & Management in International Business (SMIB) | 2024
A polyglot, globe-trotter, and human connection enthusiast, Tasina carved an inspiring path from Rabat to Rome to Berlin. Discover how she made ESSEC her “home.”
Global BBA | 2024
From China to Paris via Singapore and the US, Ruqi Xu explores both the world and herself. A journey of impact and meaning, shaped by strategy, sustainability, and defining encounters.
Master’s Business , Strategy & Management of International Business (SMIB) | 2024
