“Daring means having a vision and defending it, whatever the cost.”
I had the pleasure of welcoming Brune Poirson, a former Secretary of State for the Ecological Transition who joined the government at just 35.
From the parliamentary chamber to boardrooms and her role leading corporate social responsibility at Accor, one thread runs through her career: making environmental action a driver of tangible change in society.
An architect of France’s AGEC law – an anti-waste law that tackles single-use plastics, waste and the throwaway model, among other issues – she has helped profoundly change the way businesses and citizens consume and produce.
Her journey is that of a woman with politics in her blood. From India, London and the United States to the French National Assembly, government and then the private sector, she has shown the same determination throughout.
Brune describes election campaigns as “one of the most extraordinary things”, discusses the power of working in coalition and the need to “update” our rules to bring them into line with the modern world. A fascinating, candid conversation for everyone who wants to act rather than simply accept things as they are
In this episode, Brune reflects on:
- Her childhood and her early desire to enter politics.
- Her international journey, from India to London and then the United States before returning to France.
- Political campaigns and an inside look at French political life.
- The AGEC law and its effects on businesses and citizens.
- The future of ESG criteria and environmental action in a world that needs an “update”.
- Her move into the private sector, her experience at Accor and the founding of Udaan.
- Her dictionary of daring: vision, coalition-building and determination.
