Sébastien Hebert, CIO EMEA at Shiseido

This training gives me a reference point, a toolbox, a sort of bible to refer to.

A CIO focused on transformation and strategic vision

Sébastien Hebert, CIO EMEA at Shiseido, has chosen to join the "CIO Executive" training course, offered by Infortive and CentraleSupélec Exed, to consolidate his vision of governance and broaden his perspectives.

Training that combines vision and practice

In his testimonial, Sébastien underlines the richness of a program that goes beyond the merely technical to address the role of the CIO in all its dimensions. The training enabled him to :

• acquire a 360° vision of the business, integrating strategic, human and financial issues;
  
• benefit from practical input from experienced practitioners;
  
• exchange ideas with a group of peers sharing varied and inspiring experiences.
  

He insists on a balance between theory and real-life situations, which favors a pragmatic understanding that can be put to immediate use in his assignments.

Human contributions: a stimulating team

Sébastien also remembers the human dimension of the training. The interaction with other participants enabled him to compare ideas, expand his network and benefit from a wide range of feedback. He emphasizes the conviviality and richness of the exchanges, which boost confidence and motivation.

"What are the strengths of the course? Firstly, the quality of the lecturers - all experienced professionals, CIOs or equivalent, from very different companies and sectors.
And then the participants themselves, with their varied backgrounds, who open up our perspectives, on our profession as well as on who we are as individuals."

The richness of the collective is at the heart of her experience: exchanges of practices, feedback, complementary approaches... a stimulating and benevolent learning dynamic.

Highlights: between law, green IT and open-mindedness

"Over the past few days, two sessions stood out for me: the first, on the legal side, led by a passionate and fascinating speaker - we all came away almost saying we loved the RGPD, and we can!
The second, on Green IT, opened up new perspectives on the impact of our choices in today's world."

These experiences illustrate the diversity and depth of the topics covered in the program, which is not limited to technical issues, but also addresses the ethical, environmental and organizational challenges of the CIO role.

The most useful module?

"That's a good question, because it's still very dense!
I'd say that the governance part, setting up the CIO's strategy vs. the company's strategy, which are ultimately the fundamentals to unwind all the rest behind, which is often better known, but it all starts with the question "The CIO is there to do what and in what organization?"

How training changes professional practice

"My position is just being created, so I'm putting in place all the governance, bodies, portfolio management, KPI monitoring... This training gives me reference points, a toolbox, a sort of bible to refer to.
It also reinforces my choice of evolution. It helps me to keep an open mind and remain a generalist, while knowing which levers to use depending on the context."

For Sébastien, this training represents a key step in structuring his function, reinforcing his position as CIO, and asserting his strategic role in the company's transformation.

A boost for the future

At the end of the course, Sébastien feels better equipped to take on his next assignments as interim CIO. He feels strengthened in his ability to manage complex projects, support change and create value at the heart of organizations. For him, training is a decisive step in his career path.

Who should I recommend this course to?

"I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to take a step back from their business, understand the fundamentals of governance, and enrich their overall vision of the information system."