- 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
Can you introduce yourself in a few words? Your age, your family situation and the country you live in?
Amélie
I’m Amélie, a 27-year-old from Nantes in Western France. I live in Paris now, but I have lived and worked in other European cities: Berlin, Barcelona and Madrid. They made me more attached to Europe and eager to learn new languages!
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 who participated in reducing social inequalities through the products and services. In parallel, I also made a research work for 2 years to study how to integrate the extra financial performance of companies in the asset managers’ valuation models. More concretely it means how can you create values taking into account extra financial strategies.
After three years at my previous firm, I realized I wanted to focus on transformational impact rather than solely native impact. While innovation is key, the larger economy also needs to transition. I believed I could contribute to a fund with this 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 aimed to become a senior civil servant to influence public policies and help enhance our society. Alongside this, I found myself attracted to entrepreneurship through podcasts and conferences. I considered merging both ambitions by collaborating with inspiring entrepreneurs to contribute positively to society. Later, I discovered investment, 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 resistance to private equity (PE). As I enjoy explaining to my friends and family, my role involves supporting unlisted companies, aiding their growth, and helping them 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), enhances value through insightful advice and access to our networks, and generates positive impact.
As for the evolution of PE, I view it as multidimensional. We are now navigating a landscape characterized 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 encouraging innovative thinking.
I firmly believe that beyond helping entrepreneurs adapt, we have a responsibility. With great power and wealth comes great responsibility. Many people seek more meaningful jobs, and this trend concerns PE. Rethinking investment strategies and our sector’s perspective is essential to attract and retain talent and convince companies to be invested
What encounter - or moment - has marked 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 significantly aided my integration and confirmed that joining Argos was the right decision, as I felt truly inspired.
Additionally, there were 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 organizations, both integral to Argos’ history.
To describe yourself further: It is said that we are the average of the people we meet. Who do you think they are and how do they influence you?
Amélie
I completely agree with this statement. For me, these individuals are my family and also my friends. My parents and grandparents are very supportive and loving, as well as 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 have been fortunate to meet some extraordinary individuals whom I now consider my guidance. I consult them for decisions because they know me well but provide advice that differs from what my family and friends offer. They are more realistic, willing to speak frankly, and possess significant professional experience, which I greatly admire.
In a more general way, is there a person you admire, who inspires you on a daily basis? (e.g. writer, artist, politician, etc.)
Amélie
If I had to choose the person I admire most, it would be Gisele Halimi, a French-Tunisian lawyer, feminist activist, and politician. Her interview with Annick Cojean, titled Une Farouche Liberté (A Fierce Freedom), has been a defining book for me because it articulated experiences that resonate in me and highlighted the importance of commitment to equality. I particularly appreciate the sentence, ‘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 considering PE still needs 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 general managers, remains at 12%, and women on executive bodies do not exceed 30% in 81% of holdings (Parity Barometer, France Invest).
Outside of your job, what are your passions or commitments?
Amélie
Engaging in various sports activities helps me clear my mind. While I used to row, I now focus on yoga and pilates, and I have recently taken up running to prepare for the Argos Olympics. My sanctuary is Circle Movement, reputed to be the best fitness studio in Paris. 😊 They offer an innovative approach that integrates mobility, strength, cardio, and breathing exercises. I highly recommend incorporating their daily practice.
In addition to sports, I read extensively, spend quality time with friends and family, seize every opportunity to immerse myself in nature, and enjoy cooking.
As for my commitments, I was elected as a member of the Youth Board of France Invest where I participate in creating a mentoring program for young people in Private Equity. I also give classes in different schools about entrepreneurship and sustainable finance which is something bringing me lots of joy as I love to transmit knowledge.
How do you see yourself in 10 years?
Amélie
It’s a challenging question to address. 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 an “expectation vs. reality” comparison 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 a quieter life since mine is currently quite hectic, and I wish to slow things down a bit. However, I also like 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 perform our jobs today is likely to evolve considerably. We’ll see…
Do you have a place to share with us that reflects you? A place that inspires you and contributes to your balance?
Amélie
I don’t have a specific place to share, but when I need to reflect, I travel alone. It clears my mind and sparks creativity. In 2023, I took a train trip to Italy, and in 2024, I spent a month in Vietnam.
In another life, you would be... ?
Amélie
Hard questions, there are some many things I would like to be but if I had to make a top 3, I’d say a perfume maker (my dream when I was a child), a doctor (because health is a precious gift!) or a writer (because I love to tell stories !)
If you would like to have a direct discussion with me, feel free to
