

Elodie Rousseau-Vercel
Elodie Rousseau-Vercel (Class of 2020)
Founder and CEO, Brand Native Consulting
Elodie Rousseau-Vercel is a passionate executive and entrepreneur who, for 15 years, has led successful business development: She specializes in building go-to-market strategies, leading operations and driving revenue for new products, new audiences, and new territories. With her background in content, media and entertainment, Elodie is skilled in building up brand value and its storytelling to engage consumers. In 2019, she founded Brand Native Consulting, a proprietary consulting company focusing on brand strategy, market positioning, and digital marketing for start-ups and SMEs.
Elodie is equally passionate about spotlighting, supporting, and investing in women. She recently joined TRIUM’s Diversity & Inclusion global task force and describes herself as an “enthusiastic investor” in #50InTech, a European start-up for women in tech.
Elodie recently spoke with TRIUM about how the program immediately impacted the way she approached her work, how she plans to bring her passion and background to new initiatives on the Diversity & Inclusion task force, and a “mind-blowing” aha moment she remembers from one of her TRIUM courses.
What was your motivation for pursuing a Global EMBA? Why did you choose TRIUM among other global programs?
My motivations were twofold: a relentless drive to keep learning and the desire to gain a broader, long-term vision for business. I chose TRIUM because it offers a truly global EMBA experience, with a curriculum that’s genuinely international. This was especially important to me as I was considering a move from Europe to the US, and TRIUM’s strong connections to NYU Stern and its diverse American student base made it the perfect fit.
The chance to connect with a cohort of diverse, brilliant minds—including strong personalities from across the globe—and learn from world-class teachers was simply irresistible. For me, learning is a lifelong journey, and TRIUM presented a unique challenge that not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to build meaningful relationships that continue to fuel both my personal and professional growth.
The program not only provided a way to immerse myself in another culture but also impressed me with its diverse alumni network, including a commendable percentage of women in each cohort—though, of course, there’s always more progress to be made.
Can you describe one or two a-ha moments you had, either in class or in casual conversations with your cohort?
One major “a-ha” moment came during our lessons on logistics and supply chain management. Coming from a background in services and media, I had initially underestimated the pivotal role of supply chain, often viewing it as merely tactical. However, gaining a deep understanding of its complexity and massive impact on the brand experience was mind-blowing. I now see it as a game changer for any business.
Another profound moment was meeting the incredible executive women in my cohort, particularly those from Africa. The resilience and talent of these women left a lasting impression on me. The glass ceiling is a harsh reality, and while it’s challenging enough to break through it in Europe or the US, it’s even more difficult in many African countries. These women’s achievements are nothing short of extraordinary.
Speaking of the glass ceiling and women representation: You are on the Diversity and Inclusion global task force for TRIUM. Can you tell us about your work with this task force, the progress you’ve made and what’s ahead?
My focus on the task force was to bring a European perspective, sharing insights, personal experiences, and data. Leveraging my experience as Editor in Chief of a leading European website for women, aufeminin.com, I had a deep understanding of women’s needs, challenges, and key areas to improve DEI. We’ve made significant strides in enhancing our focus on women and Africa, promoting scholarships, and implementing targeted marketing efforts. These initiatives are just the beginning; there’s much more to be done.
You describe yourself as an “enthusiastic” investor in #50InTech, a European start-up for women, with two objectives: empower women in the tech industry and provide cutting-edge DEI solutions to enterprises. What fuels your passion in this area? What growth do you see that excites you?
Despite excelling in sciences, math, and tech during their education, women remain underrepresented in these fields—just look at Silicon Valley! What excites me about #50InTech is how it tackles the problem from both ends. On one side, it helps women build confidence and apply for top job opportunities. On the other, it aids companies in finding the best candidates and advancing gender equity in a male-dominated industry. Thanks to platforms like this, we’re seeing women accelerate their careers, find more supportive work environments, and contribute to a more inclusive culture. I firmly believe that the mission of #50InTech and similar initiatives will inspire the next generation of women to pursue exciting futures in tech, sciences, and innovation.
How did TRIUM make an immediate impact on the way you approached your work?
TRIUM had an immediate and profound impact on how I approach my work. It sharpened my ability to see the big picture, allowing me to prioritize tasks more effectively and align them with long-term goals. The program equipped me with the tools to strike a balance between achieving ambitious business objectives and upholding the core values that are important to me, my team, and the brand.
For example, when faced with strategic decisions, I now have a clearer framework to assess not just the financial outcomes but also how they align with our mission and cultural values. This holistic approach has enabled me to lead with greater purpose and ensure that our actions reflect the principles we stand by.
What leadership skills did you gain in the program?
I gained a wealth of leadership skills, including:
- Truly listening to others with a heightened sense of inclusivity.
- Mastering teamwork, especially in diverse, multicultural settings.
- Enhancing my communication skills, particularly in change management.
- Developing negotiation skills and finding the best compromises.
- Learning to think big.
- Asking the key questions (well, according to me!), cutting straight to the point.
How much value or ROI from TRIUM have you seen on your career?
TRIUM has been a game-changer in my career, opening up new business opportunities across diverse sectors. For instance, when working on the turnaround of a nonprofit organization in the cinema industry, I applied my core expertise in business development and marketing strategy and leveraged other key skills I learned with TRIUM in Accounting & Finance, operations and supply chain. I also applied my go-to-market and user experience expertise to new verticals, such as biotech startups, partnering with a Canadian incubator. Additionally, I’ve taken on advisory roles with think tanks in the tech space, focusing on fashion and entertainment industries.
It’s also helped me avoid wasting time on companies that don’t align with my values or mission. I now have a much sharper sense of my skills and the value I bring to the table, which has made me more selective about the projects I engage in.
While I’ve already seen significant returns, both in terms of personal growth and career achievements, I know the journey is far from over. There’s still a lot more to accomplish, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
How would you describe your TRIUM experience in three words?
Intellectually challenging – Over Exciting- Unique human experience.