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They say life begins at 40 and for Benjamin CONSTANT (who graduated the Grande École Program in 1996), his big birthday was a real turning point. After 20 years running major international groups in the textile and creative leisure industries, he decided to reinvent himself. But what made him turn his back on an established career? In 2014, it was a quest for a more meaningful role which would make an impact on society that led him to redefine his professional priorities… and take an unexpected path!

Can you tell us about this turning point in 2014-2015?

Over the previous 20 years, I had lived in ten different countries (Spain, South America and Sweden, to name but a few) and managed the international subsidiaries of major companies. In my role as Marketing Director Europe, there were plenty of challenges, but that was no longer enough for me. I felt I needed to focus on more than just economic performance and add a strong social dimension.

So I set out to find a new project that would meet three criteria: firstly, it had to make an impact, especially on the environment. Secondly, it had to involve me working with employees who were passionate about what they did, who shared my values and commitment. Finally, it had to be economically viable, and I needed to believe in it!

During this period of transition, I began by working with start-ups, particularly in the energy and agriculture sectors, and then met Christophe, founder of Neo-Eco. It was a professional match made in heaven, and we quickly decided to work together. Admittedly, I’m not earning as much as I was – at Neo-Eco, the salary structure is much flatter than in a large group – but my job satisfaction has gone up tenfold! You just can’t put a price on that…

What can you tell us about Neo-Eco?

Neo-Eco is an engineering firm specializing in the circular economy, giving new life to used materials. Our team is made up of around 100 engineers working in eight agencies in France, with projects in 23 countries and over 500 eco-products made from construction materials or industrial by-products.

This new professional project has enabled me to set up and co-found several start-ups, most recently NeoCem, which produces low-carbon cement solutions. We have developed a process to transform clays, bulky excavation waste, into a low-carbon construction material (offering a 90% reduction in the carbon footprint). Awarded the “France 2030” label, the project moved to a new level in 2023, with the raising of 30 million euros to launch construction of the first plant 30 km north of Paris.

What are your thoughts on the education and training you received at IÉSEG and the new generation of graduates?

Thinking back 30 years, what I remember is the open-mindedness, the ability to adapt to all participants and the international aspect. When I was a student, only ten members of my class went abroad in the fifth year. I was one of them, and it changed my vision of the world and probably the course of my life.

I also remember the School’s values, and I’m proud to see that they’re still as strong as ever in our young graduates: they’re both humble and ambitious, they want to make an impact by becoming “changemakers” themselves, and they’re fully aware of the challenges of today’s world. I invite senior staff to let their voices be heard and include them in decisions: they have everything to gain!