Here are five must-see speakers for a conference on boldness in 2026: Philippe BOULANGER, Sophie Lavaud, Lucie Branco, Michel Poulaert, CsP, and Pierre Mastalski. In a professional context where innovation, calculated risk-taking, and the ability to go beyond established frameworks have become essential drivers of performance, boldness stands out as a strategic skill to develop. Each of these speakers brings a unique perspective, shaped by their experience and vision, to inspire and guide organizations toward greater collective and individual boldness. The table below details the angle from which each will address this theme during the event.
| Last Name / First Name | Conference | Angle |
|---|---|---|
 Philippe BOULANGER Français | Understand the boldness of innovation | Understand the boldness of innovation |
 Sophie Lavaud Français | EVEREST, “followership,” the secrets of a successful ascent | EVEREST, “followership,” the secrets of a successful ascent |
 Lucie Branco Français | Stone of self! | Breaking glass ceilings in a centuries-old male-dominated world. |
 Michel Poulaert, CsP Français | The Boldness of Optimism | Surprise to sell better! |
 Pierre Mastalski Français | SUCCEED TOGETHER | SUCCEED TOGETHER |
Our speakers on the subject
Philippe BOULANGER
Philippe Boulanger is an internationally recognized speaker known for his unique career path, from founding innovative startups to leading global technology groups such as Apple and Sony. With over thirty years of hands-on experience, he supports companies and leaders in successfully navigating transformations through an experiential approach to innovation. His commitment to sharing, contagious optimism, and impactful presentations demonstrate the ability to break through habitual boundaries to spark new ideas.
Talk: Understanding the Boldness of Innovation
Experience an immersive talk that invites you to rediscover the boldness to innovate at the heart of your organization. Philippe Boulanger will reveal the mechanisms and cognitive biases that hinder or unleash creativity, agility, and transformation, while sharing practical tools to stimulate innovation and collective intelligence in the pursuit of sustainable performance.
Topics: innovation, audacity, agility, digital, digital-transformation, management, change, future-of-work, foresight, digital-technology, artificial-intelligence, resilience, intrapreneurship, collective-intelligence, corporate-culture, transformation, disruption, entrepreneurship, strategy
Sophie Lavaud
Sophie Lavaud made history in mountaineering by becoming the first person to represent France, Switzerland, and Canada at the summits of the world’s 14 highest peaks, all over 8,000 meters. After a brilliant career in luxury hospitality and cosmetics, she embarked on extreme expeditions that demand determination, composure, and the ability to push her own limits. Her journey, marked by extraordinary challenges, illustrates the power of commitment in the face of the unknown. Through her talks, she shares this unique experience where each conquered summit becomes an invitation to dare the impossible.
Talk: EVEREST, “followership,” the secrets of a successful ascent Through the captivating story of her Everest climb, Sophie Lavaud reveals the secrets of “followership”—that essential mindset that supports and strengthens leadership within a team. Participants will discover how trust, decision-making, and collaboration are the keys to collective success, drawing inspiration from the unique lessons of high-altitude mountaineering.
Themes: esprit-dequipe, motivation, followership, aventure, leadership, femmes, gestion-du-risque, oser, audace
Lucie Branco
The first woman to be welcomed as a Compagnon du Devoir after nine centuries of tradition, Lucie Branco paved the way for a new generation in the Compagnonnage movement. Her journey, from a quiet adolescence to national recognition, is a testament to the strength of conviction and the power of collective determination. Now a national CSR manager and author, she shares the drive that led her to turn obstacles into stepping stones, inviting everyone to dare to build beyond conventions.
Talk: Pierre de soi! Through the inspiring story of her journey as the first female Compagnon du Devoir and stonemason, Lucie Branco encourages everyone to overcome prejudice, assert their legitimacy, and embody authentic leadership. Participants will learn how to remove barriers to inclusion, unlock their potential, and boldly assert themselves, no matter what resistance they may face.
Themes: femmes, egalite-homme-femme, diversite, transformation, confiance-en-soi, audace, leadership, inspiration-collective, savoir-etre, motivation-des-equipes, collaboration
Michel Poulaert, CsP
Michel Poulaert, CsP, is renowned for his impactful talks, blending humor, energy, and a touch of French sensitivity. A former international sales executive, he shares in his keynotes the power of optimism and the ability to bounce back from failure. Founder of the École de Conférenciers Professionnels and co-founder of the Journée de l’Audace, he encourages every audience to see change as an opportunity, with authenticity and enthusiasm.
Keynote: The Audacity of Optimism
Discover how optimism can transform your perceptions, choices, and results in this inspiring keynote by Michel Poulaert, CsP. With practical insights drawn from science and real-life experience, you’ll learn how to activate a solution-oriented mindset, bring out the best in yourself and your teams, and turn every crisis into a lasting opportunity.
Themes: depassement-de-soi, humour-au-travail, bien-etre, leadership, tedx, performance-commerciale, opportunite, changement, reussite-de-projet, conduite-du-changement, agilite, reussite, creativite, reussir, vente, negociation, optimisme, determination, positif, enthousiasme, motivation, management, audace, experience-client, bienveillance, commerce, relation-client, service, force-de-vente, satisfaction-client, service-client, marketing, gestion-de-lechec, resilience, inspiration, echec, gestion-du-risque, discours-inspirants, succes, youtube
Pierre Mastalski
Pierre Mastalski has built his career around action, innovation, and a taste for challenge, leading teams in a variety of environments, from sales management to the general management of SMEs. His experience rowing across the Atlantic—without being a sailor or a high-level athlete—illustrates his ability to forge new paths and lead his teams off the beaten track. He invites you to explore, together, new possibilities within the company.
Talk: SUCCEEDING TOGETHER Through a lively and inspiring presentation, Pierre Mastalski invites you to explore the keys to collective success: trust, boldness, and team spirit. Participants will discover how to turn obstacles into levers, give meaning to shared action, and develop their ability to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing environment. Leave feeling motivated, confident, and ready to take on new challenges together.
Themes: esprit-dequipe, zone-de-confort, motivation, emotion, confiance-en-soi, audace, motivation-des-equipes, aventure, engagement, valeur-humaine, atteindre-ses-objectifs, management, digital, agilite, entreprise-liberee, innovation, intelligence-collective, agile, objectif, reussite-de-projet, valeur-dusage, responsable, reussite, oser, performance, puissance, disruption