This Kedger has published "L'envol d'Agathe" and its documentary!

To begin, tell us about your educational background. What did you study, both before and at KEDGE? 

Tell us what you did after your studies were finished. What positions have you held? What did you learn in those positions?

I worked for 18 months at a call centre dealing with supplementary pensions and health insurance contracts for companies. It was there that I realised that what I appreciated most about work was the interaction with people and that I wanted to be useful. I then spent two years working on designing a master degree programme in cultural business management (in work-study format), which enabled me to work with key players and cultural organisations in the region. I was thus able to experience first-hand the essential role of cultural activities and their importance for the southern region. This position also let me help students work on their professional goals. I found that the support that I was able to offer them was also very instructive for me.

The COVID 19 pandemic forced me to cancel, at the last minute, a round-the-world project that I wanted to carry out during 2020. It also made me reconsider my priorities! I'm currently finishing a fixed-term contract in Paris where I'm studying with trainees at a business school. I’m also receiving support from the KEDGE incubator as part of a project I am developing to help young people orient themselves and to highlight the positive initiatives that exist in France today.

GEOFFREY GAUTIER-COUSTON - LINKEDIN

What are you doing today? What gave you the idea and the desire to do what you’re doing today?

Today I’d like to tell you about my first novel, which I began in 2016 and completed during the November 2020 lockdown. Heavily inspired by the world record for longest glider flight, which was broken by my grandfather in 1954, my book is about a courageous and adventurous woman pilot and the surprising encounter she has with someone who no longer expects much from life. I view this book as an initiation novel with a little "philosophical" side to it. In it, I share my passion for aeroplanes and wide-open spaces and address some of the questions I have about society and the world we live in. As I love surprises and mysteries, I’ve added a touch of fantasy to remind us that it’s important to continue to dream a little in everyday life. Life can be much simpler if we really want it to be!

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What are your goals for the future?

I've started a crowdfunding campaign so I can self-publish my novel. This will allow me hire skilled young professionals for illustrations, marketing, and distribution. I plan to sell the book in digital format on the main e-book publishing platforms. I've also started a new book, and I’d like to find the time to continue it. Thank you in advance for your support!

If you were to give advice to any KEDGE graduate who wants to do something similar, what would it be?

Above all, don't surrender at the first sign of problems. Speak to the people around you and always remain positive. Life is too short and precious. If you believe in your project, you will inevitably make the right choices! Most importantly, if you have an idea that motivates you, even if it’s very vague, apply to the Business Nursery. It’s a great place for it!

My time at KEDGE strengthened my desire to be curious and to take an interest in many different subjects. I met some very inspiring people who showed me that I shouldn't be afraid to roll up my sleeves and believe in my ideas. I also cultivated a taste for sharing and collaborative work, which is reflected in the way I'm approaching the promotion of this book, as well as my current project providing guidance to young people for their future direction.

Anything you’d like to add? A message to pass on?

 The crowdfunding ends on 8 July. Don’t hesitate to visit the page and send me feedback!

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