Sharing experiences Alumni x Alumni : when an unsuccessful entrepreneurial project boosts a career

Clémentine PAINTER (class of 2002), began her career in language center development and is now Strategic Planning Director at adidas, based in Herzogenaurach, Germany. Clémentine didn't follow a linear career path, and chose to take the entrepreneurial route.

On graduating from EM Normandie, she started out as Assistant Language Center Director at Berlitz, and two years later was offered the opportunity to develop the Strasbourg center, where she took over the reins of a 15-strong team.

In 2007, she joined another player in the sector, Go Fluent, to develop key account partnerships.

Building on her expertise in online activities, she quickly decided to combine this skill with another area of interest: sports, and set about creating the first webcam-based sports lesson company: OnlineGymClub.

For 3 years, she created and administered her web platform, managed sports coaches, negotiated corporate partnerships and organized promotional events.

Unfortunately, the market was not yet mature, and Clémentine had to close her business and return to salaried work.

She would like to share with you how her entrepreneurial failure opened the doors to adidas, and how her career path has taken shape.