Franck Riboud: member of the WEF
In my opinion, entrepreneurship consists of the wish to build a project with tenacity, to take the time required, to set targets and to acquire the means of measuring whether these targets have been reached and, of course, to motivate a group of people to achieve a common goal.
My taste for enterprise is often expressed in my determination to take on projects that appear to be almost impossible! At Danone, we talk of believing in our dreams and making them come true. Enterprise is all about the will to win and to transcend oneself. The expression “the most important thing is to participate” is not enough for me. I love sport, but I love competition even more. And most of all, I love competing with myself.
Enterprise is also about thrills and strong sensations. To create something new. To excel. To help others achieve even more. To help others feel better. Enterprise for oneself alone is rather meaningless.
Passion is a key ingredient in making ideas become reality. But we also need a dose of courage and attentiveness. Attention to others, in order to understand and to learn from them. Courage, because enterprise often leads us into unfamiliar territory which is not always hospitable.
The taste for enterprise is a value, an essential attitude that must be handed down to future generations, because the world needs entrepreneurs if it is to become a better place. This is also the reason why I agreed to take part in the first World Entrepreneurship Forum, which I am delighted to welcome to the Evian Royal Resort, a great place for reflection and debate.
Franck Riboud
President and CEO, Danone