Sandrine Belloc: Championing Women's Voices In Shaping Economic Futures

Women leaders from France have long been at the forefront of shaping global industries, bringing innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking strategies to the table. From political leadership to business and beyond, French women have made an indelible mark on the world, embodying a unique blend of vision and determination. As industries and societal norms continue to evolve, these leaders have not only adapted but have also created new paths for others to follow, bridging gaps between sectors, generations, and cultures. One such influential figure is Sandrine Belloc, Co-founder and Managing Director of Emerging Group.

Sandrine’s career journey embodies the qualities of leadership, adaptability, and a keen foresight into the ever-changing landscape of the global workforce. Her professional story is marked by bold steps and transformative experiences. At just 23, she embarked on a career that took her across the globe to some of the most politically and economically unstable regions, including Nigeria, the USSR during its transition to the CIS, and parts of Latin America. Working closely with local populations in difficult conditions, she quickly learned how to navigate complex situations, overcoming obstacles by maintaining a calm and strategic approach.

Her early career also gave her the rare opportunity to engage with influential economic leaders, including ministers and heads of government. This exposure taught Sandrine the importance of speaking as an equal, regardless of age or background, a skill that has profoundly influenced her professional journey. As she progressed, she became increasingly aware of the importance of employability and the gap between academia and the corporate world, a gap she has worked tirelessly to bridge throughout her career. Her ability to connect these worlds has led to a unique expertise in fostering innovation and talent development, ensuring that both individuals and organizations thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. Let’s get to know more about Sandrine in this interaction.

My success mantra IS 'Qui n’avance pas RECULE', WHICH MEANS IF you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind

What inspired you to co-found Emerging Group? Can you share the core idea behind the venture and its primary areas of expertise?

The decision to co-found Emerging Group stemmed from the need to bridge the gap between businesses and universities, particularly in the technology and industrial sectors, where companies faced challenges in finding the right talent. From the beginning, the firm focused on fostering strong connections between these two worlds, addressing the difficulties organizations faced in diversifying and strengthening their recruitment pipelines.

Emerging Group is providing market studies and personalized data to help universities optimize their curricula and better prepare their students for real work expectations. While some countries had already established institutionalized relationships between academia and industry, many regions still lacked this connection, leaving both businesses and young professionals at a disadvantage.

The company became a pioneer in employability consulting, initially working with companies and later expanding into partnership with universities. Through innovative solutions like a label of excellence and performance card for universities, Emerging Group recognized and supported institutions aligning education with employment outcomes. These tools served as benchmarks for continuous improvement, helping universities build credibility with employers and governments. Our mission has always been to create win-win partnerships that benefit businesses, educational institutions, and, most importantly, young professionals, unlocking their full potential.

What are your main roles and responsibilities as the Co-founder and Managing Director of Emerging Group? Could you also shed light on your current focus areas for driving the company’s growth?

As Co-Founder and Managing Director of Emerging Group, my role involves shaping the company’s vision and ensuring we stay at the forefront of employability trends. I focus on providing clients with actionable solutions to enhance employability and foster collaborations between businesses, universities, and governments. A key priority is driving the success of our flagship products, the label of excellence and performance card for universities, which help institutions benchmark performance, enhance credibility, and align strategies with workforce demands, while driving growth for the company by showcasing their impact.

What do you consider to be the biggest achievement in your professional journey so far? Additionally, what is your personal 'success mantra' as a leader?

One of my biggest wins has been the global recognition of our work in employability, beginning with a feature in The New York Times. This led to a partnership with Times Higher Education (THE), where we introduced an employability indicator alongside academic evaluations. Our employer satisfaction survey provides universities with insights to align better with workforce needs. This collaboration amplified our global presence and highlighted employability as key to university performance. My success mantra is 'Qui n’avance pas recule', which means ‘if you’re not moving forward, you’re falling behind’.

How do you envision the French business landscape evolving in 2025, and what role do women play in driving the country's economic progress?

By 2025, I envision the French business landscape becoming more innovative and globally connected. With a focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusivity, companies must remain agile and open to new ways of working. It’s about turning disruptions into opportunities for long-term growth.

Women are increasingly driving this transformation, taking on leadership roles, and creating inclusive, dynamic workplaces. Their contributions are reshaping how businesses address challenges and embrace diversity as a strength.

Empowering women is essential to economic success. Their fresh perspectives and bold ideas are vital. As a female leader, I’m proud to help shape the future of France’s economy.

Sandrine Belloc, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Emerging Group

Sandrine Belloc is the Co-founder and Managing Director of Emerging Group, specializing in employability and bridging the gap between businesses and universities. With extensive international experience, she focuses on creating impactful solutions to enhance talent development and workforce integration globally.

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders:

Don't be on your own, surround yourself with the right people and work as a team.