At 35, Natalie Brasse has just taken the helm of the Charles Telfair Leadership Academy. Four months into the role, she already seems perfectly at home. “I’m super happy,” she says with an open smile. After over a decade in industry, she’s returned to an environment that, deep down, never really left her: one of learning, sharing, and personal and professional development.

And yet, nothing seemed to predestine her for this path. Or rather—everything did. Her story is one of choices, detours, and comebacks. “I grew up in Baie-du-Tombeau, in a family where law had a strong presence. My father is a notary clerk. He hoped one of his two daughters would become a notary.” So she began studying law in France, supported by a scholarship. But as the months went by, a clear realization emerged: “It wasn’t my calling.” She completed a DEUG but gave up on the idea of pursuing it further.

Back in Mauritius, she pivoted to French literature—her true passion. “I originally wanted to be a literature teacher,” she says. A degree from the University of Mauritius led her to apply for teaching positions. In the meantime, she looked for a temporary job—receptionist, copywriter—and then landed her first corporate opportunity: a contract at Cameron, part of the Taylor Smith Group. A decisive encounter.

It was Heba Capdevila, then Group HR Director, who offered her a position as a Management Trainee. That marked the beginning of a journey spanning over ten years. “I never left the group. It was an incredible learning ground for me.” She climbed the ranks: Project Lead, Project Manager, then Head of Ocean Goers, a group company specializing in recruitment and training for MSC Cruises. She traveled, trained on board ships.
“I never regretted not teaching. I discovered a world that was incredibly rich.” Taylor Smith gave her the chance to complete an MBA, work on acquisitions, and explore sectors as diverse as cement, cleaning products, and strategic development.

Then came 2020, and Covid turned everything upside down. Her husband received an opportunity in Dubai, and the family relocated. Natalie continued working remotely, also exploring new paths with the consulting firm Accuracy. But her father’s illness brought her back to Mauritius. “At first, it was temporary. But I couldn’t see myself leaving again. My core was here.”

The certificate award ceremony for the LEAD (Leverage, Engage, Adapt and Develop) programme took place on April 18 and brought together 16 participants from various Eclosia Group companies. After a year rich in learning, challenges, introspection, and transformation, this third cohort leaves with enhanced skills, new connections… and a deeper understanding of themselves.

Co-created by Eclosia and the Charles Telfair Education Leadership Centre, the LEAD programme stands out for its holistic approach: it’s not just about acquiring tools or knowledge, but about understanding the "how" as much as the "what". As Cédric de Spéville, CEO of Eclosia, highlighted: “LEAD was designed with Eclosia, for Eclosia. It’s not just about technical skills, but about working on how we act, collaborate, and live together. This programme has already helped many people grow in their careers.”

The programme draws on expert-led sessions, internal experience-sharing, and personalised support by the NewSkills team, in collaboration with Charles Telfair Education. Throughout the year, participants explored topics ranging from intergenerational communication, diversity and inclusion (DEI), self-awareness, to giving constructive feedback.

Belinda Rault, Group Talent Manager at Eclosia, spoke emotionally about the journey the group had taken. “This group, made up of such diverse personalities, has become more open, more curious, and more self-assured over the months. LEAD is a transformation, a passage from chrysalis to butterfly.”

Since November 2024, Sergio Torriani has been leading operations at Les Moulins de la Concorde as Operations Manager. Originally from Italy, this passionate expert in the “white art” turned an opportunity into an exceptional career—one that has taken him to various African countries and China.

Sergio’s days start early. “In a flour mill, production never stops. It’s crucial to check what happened overnight.” Organization, coordination, and handling unexpected challenges are at the heart of his role. All within a fast-paced environment where every moment counts: “Planning night production, managing raw material flows—it’s a continuous process.”

Sergio Torriani was not always destined for this profession. After studying civil engineering in Italy, he quickly changed course when Ocrim, a company specializing in flour mills, offered him an international opportunity. “I started in their mechanical workshop before traveling to install factories in countries like Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya.”

This first chapter shaped his drive for excellence. Fascinated by the millers he worked alongside, he trained to become one himself, eventually holding strategic positions worldwide. His experience at Seaboard, an American company, solidified his expertise in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

What drives Sergio is not just the technical management of a flour mill but also continuous improvement and the search for innovative solutions. “I enjoy the technical challenges and the precision this profession demands.”

The November 2024 sun saw the rise of two stars at the Eclosia Trail: Davidson Toussaint and Shirley Larose. After meeting these champions—respectively the male and female winners—you can't help but feel inspired to lace up your sneakers and push your own limits.

At just 26 years old, Davidson Toussaint, a Malagasy worker at the Côte d’Or farm, secured a well-deserved first trophy for his team by completing the race in 28 minutes and 45 seconds. But behind this record lies a story of humility and dreams come true.

"Back home in Tana, I used to walk to work, always thinking that one day I’d love to run a trail," recalls Davidson, smiling. In Mauritius, he seizes every opportunity to train after his work shifts.

This is not their first professional experience, but this time, they have found a place where their disability is not a barrier but a strength that enriches their daily lives and those of their team. On the occasion of World Disability Day, the testimonies of Dylan Salomon and Hansley Marie-Louise—translated by Joël Patron from the Global Rainbow Foundation—highlight the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone can find their place, regardless of their differences.

Dylan Salomon, 20, and Hansley Marie-Louise, one year his senior, share a common trait: they are both deaf and work at Panagora Marketing Ltd. Dylan, who joined the company a little over a year ago, holds a position in cold storage. He learned his tasks thanks to the support of his colleagues and training provided by the Global Rainbow Foundation. He acknowledges that adapting wasn’t easy at first. “It was complicated,” he says, referring to the complexity of the products, each with its own reference number to verify. His role is to ensure that the correct products are ready to be sent to clients. This process is done manually, involving meticulous plastic packaging. Despite the initial difficulty, Dylan has found his place and now enjoys interacting with his colleagues, who make an effort to communicate with him in sign language. He even shares moments of camaraderie, such as lunch breaks, where he teaches his teammates a few signs.

A trained chartered accountant and freshly graduated with a Master’s in Finance, Kevin Fok, 38, has been promoted to Head of Finance at Eclosia. His rise to the top is the result of a rich career path marked by challenges and increasing responsibilities.

Kevin began his career at Rogers Hospitality, where he started as an intern and gradually climbed the ranks across various finance departments, including store management, procurement, control, and accounting. Over 15 years, he worked his way up to become Group Finance Manager, a position he held for six years. In this role, he oversaw the work of financial controllers and accountants across seven hotels, villas, and a golf club. He was also responsible for coordinating budgets, audits, and financial forecasts. This solid experience helped him master the intricacies of finance while honing his team management and performance optimization skills.

He then moved to C-Care, where he took on the role of Head of Finance. During his three years there, he implemented financial strategies to enhance company performance. He also played a key role in the transition of clinic management systems and oversaw the shift from the ‘Fortis’ and ‘Apollo’ brands to CIEL.

In 2021, Kevin joined Eclosia as a Business Partner, where he contributed to several stimulating projects. These included supporting SMEs through the group’s Angel Fund and participating in the acquisition of strategic investments such as Vatel, Reneworld, and WeCycle.

Since his humble beginnings at Eclosia in 1999, perseverance, discipline, and a passion for sports have shaped the journey of Indiren Ramasawmy, a driver in the Chick Catching department at Avipro. At the age of 27, he started his career at Eclosia as a Farm worker in the three buildings of the Breeding department in Moka, which have since been transformed into offices.

An athlete from a young age, he regularly participated in cross-country races and marathons organized by the Arts, Culture, and Sports department (ACS). However, over time, with increased professional and family responsibilities, he preferred to dedicate himself to karate, a discipline he began in 2016 at the age of 45.

"I no longer had the time to train properly for marathons. Karate emerged as a sport more suited to my life," he explains. At 51, he now holds a black belt, 1st Dan in karate, proving that perseverance pays off. "I love karate for the values it instills. It is not just a combat sport; it is an art and a way of life. It promotes discipline and self-control."

In the ever-evolving landscape, two young professionals stand out with their fresh perspectives: Sasha Wanjiku from Kenya and Christelle Mazimpaka from Rwanda. Though their paths are distinct, they converge at Eclosia, where they shape their careers and contribute to the company's future.

Sasha Wanjiku's journey to Eclosia began in 2016 when she left Kenya to pursue a degree at the French engineering school, École Centrale de Nantes, in Mauritius. "It was a four-year program—three years in Mauritius and one year in France. Graduating in 2020 during COVID-19 was challenging, but it led me to Eclosia," she recalls.

After reaching out to Human Resources, Sasha was introduced to Belinda Rault, the Group Talent Manager, who recognized her potential for the group. Despite the economic challenges at the time, Avipro welcomed Sasha, and she signed her contract in July 2022. Her role as Project Assistant in the Projects department, closely collaborating with the Project Manager, Sharone Ng, has been transformative. "I've honed my skills and learned to lead projects from conception to execution," she says.

One of Sasha's proudest achievements was her involvement in a project to compost farm litter at Avipro. "We aimed to contribute to environmental protection by transforming litter into compost. The planters showed a lot of interest in the potential benefit of such a project," she explains, highlighting the project's potential impact.

Christelle Mazimpaka's journey with Eclosia began before she even completed her studies at the African Leadership University in Mauritius, where she studied a BSc in Entrepreneurial Leadership. Originally from Rwanda, Christelle interned at Avipro and Chantefrais for six months in 2022-23, gaining valuable experience and becoming familiar with the group's culture. "Joining a group like Eclosia as a student was a great opportunity. I knew it was where I wanted to work after graduating," she recalls.

Starting her internship in 2022, Christelle's journey has been marked by continuous learning and growth. As soon as she completed her degree, Christelle joined Eclosia Corporate Services in September 2023 as Talent Management Trainee, working under the guidance of Belinda Rault. She has been involved in various projects which will soon see the day, aimed at enhancing continuous development of leadership competencies and valuing the different professions across the group. "The goal of Talent Management is to ensure that Eclosia remains relevant with the necessary skill sets," she says.

Geerish Hookoomsing's journey as the new Chief Human Resources Officer is a source of inspiration. It demonstrates that success stems from commitment, passion, and the ability to inspire and support others.

He began his career in the legal field in the 1980s at Gujadhur Chambers. "I was responsible for industrial and criminal cases, and I had the opportunity to work with lawyers who are now well-established in the profession," he says. This experience laid the foundation for his professional training.

After six formative years, he jumped headfirst into human resources, starting in the textile sector. He was one of the first to recruit Chinese workers for a textile factory in Bell Village. This step led him to manage factory personnel, recruit talent, and oversee productions for major brands.

Following a brief stint in the offshore sector with Rogers, he returned to textiles at Corotex Textile as the HR manager for a factory with 1,200 employees. "Each step allowed me to learn and grow, working closely with dedicated teams," he recalls.

His career then took a turn towards the hospitality industry with Naïade Resorts (now Lux) and Le Domaine de Bel Ombre Heritage Resorts, where he contributed to the reopening and opening of several establishments. He collaborated and rubbed shoulders with internationally recognized hoteliers.

Geerish attributes much of his success to the influence of remarkable mentors throughout his career. "These mentors taught me the importance of giving back," he says. His legacy, according to him, is not measured by titles or material things but by the impact he has had on the people he has trained and supported. "I am proud of helping to set up factories and hotels, but my greatest pride is seeing the people I have trained succeed."

He joined the group in 2015. He had an enriching period at Panagora, where he implemented job profiles for all positions, replacing job descriptions. He also established the Performance Management & Development System, the Employee Development Program, and the Assessment Center for recruitment. A first union agreement was signed, followed by two others. He then joined Les Moulins de la Concorde to restructure the HR department and other departments before developing employee skills. Here too, a union agreement that had been pending for years was signed.

Since joining New Maurifoods Ltd (NML) as a driver in 2002, Ganessen Ponnusamy has also taken on a parallel role as the company’s official event photographer. His deep passion for photography has led him to participate in numerous competitions and exhibit his work at various artistic events. Without NML’s support, this would not have been possible, and Ganessen expresses his sincere gratitude to the company.

Last February, Ganessen made his mark at the Sustainability International Art Exhibition at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris in Malaysia. One of his exhibited works depicted the distress of a fisherman in Penang Island, struggling to find bait for his catch. The image told the heartbreaking story of his difficulty in making a living. "Photography has the power to give a voice to the silent stories unfolding around us," says Ganessen.

The event, which brought together around thirty exhibitors, provided Ganessen with a valuable learning experience. One of the central themes of the workshops was waste recycling. "It was a unique opportunity to understand the importance of recycling and explore sustainable solutions," he explains.

In the world of artistic creation, some individuals stand out with a passion that shines not only through their work but also in their words. Julie Telot, Senior Graphic Designer at Circus, embodies this spirit of artistic expression. With an established career in graphic design, she followed her heart to explore new creative avenues, choosing clay as her medium of choice—a passion that emerged after the first lockdown in 2020.

Her role at Circus is to bring ideas to life. “I provide a visual solution to the client’s request, but it always comes from the heart and emotion,” she says. This emotion-driven approach is also reflected in her exploration of pottery and sculpture.

Deeply moved by the wreck of the MV Wakashio in July 2020 off the southeast coast of Mauritius and the devastating impact of marine pollution, Julie found her first inspiration in creating clay mangroves. She transformed this tragedy into a form of artistic expression. Despite the challenges of firing her creations, she persevered with determination.

Rather than feeling discouraged, Julie embraced the opportunity to turn her dream into reality. With a mix of luck and determination, she acquired a kiln and a pottery wheel, laying the foundation for her new artistic journey. “I believe that when you are intentional about something, the universe aligns to help you achieve it,” she says enthusiastically.

During the Business Review in February, Géraldine Darpoux's captivating eloquence energized the audience. Who is she, and what is her role at Eclosia? The new consultant is a cultural entrepreneur passionate about heritage preservation and national identity development. She is currently working with Cultural Project Manager Maya de Salle on innovative projects.

Originally from Mauritius, Géraldine returned to her homeland after two decades of a rich and diverse international career. After two years at the Institut Français du Cambodge, she later developed the cultural enterprise Phare Cambodian Circus, a professional social circus in Siem Reap, near the gates of Angkor. Her commitment continued in Mozambique, where she co-founded 16NetO, a hybrid space dedicated to emerging artists and innovation. Back in France, she worked on developing a third-place hub focused on agroecology in Marseille and became a cultural consultant for the Swiss Embassy in Tanzania and Mozambique.

Géraldine’s decision to return to Mauritius came after deep reflection on Mauritian identity—an issue that has followed her since her studies at Sciences Po and in Cultural Institution Management. This reflection led her to explore ways to create social cohesion in Mauritian society. "In the education that Cédric, Astrid, and I received, there was always this idea that we had a responsibility towards our country. For me, culture has always been a tool to address many of the questions that arise in Mauritian society," she explains.

At Eclosia, Géraldine is responsible for developing “living heritage factories”—cultural entrepreneurship projects both within the company and by supporting external entrepreneurs. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve heritage and build a dynamic Mauritian identity. She is currently involved in two major internal projects: the creation of a center dedicated to preserving Mauritian photographic and audiovisual heritage in collaboration with the Musée de la Photo, and transforming La Carrière into a creative and innovative hub centered around local cuisine.

"Every day in the hotel industry is a constant challenge," smiles Ludovic Lagesse, General Manager of the Hennessy Park Hotel, as he reflects on the complexities of his profession. Just as he finishes his sentence, his phone rings. A hotel guest has fallen ill. "Excuse me, I need to check on this. I’ll be back as soon as possible," he says, rushing out of the room. He returns moments later. "Everything is under control. It reminds me that we are like a grand theatre production where every link, every team member, plays a crucial role."

Since taking office on February 12, 2024, Ludovic Lagesse has revealed a career marked by passion and an unwavering love for the hospitality industry. He shares his story, childhood dreams, and aspirations for the future of this iconic establishment.

"Since I was a child, I have always wanted to work in the hotel industry," he confesses, his gaze filled with nostalgia. "At first, I dreamed of becoming a Chef, but through my internships, I realized that my true passion lay in guest service—the very heart of hospitality."

Recalling his early days in the kitchen, Ludovic shares a defining experience at Le Grand Gaube Hotel in 1994. "The kitchen felt like a full-scale factory, which did not align with my romanticized vision of a fine-dining restaurant." However, hospitality had always been part of his life, with an uncle working at Paradis and Dina Robin hotels, where he spent much of his childhood.

Ludovic completed his first real internship at the Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel 25 years ago before continuing his studies at Vatel in France, earning a BSc in Hospitality Management and a university diploma from the University of Perpignan. His professional journey began at Le Royal Luxembourg Hotel, where he climbed the ranks from Chef Steward to F&B Manager. He also played a key role in opening several branches. Returning to Mauritius in 2008, he embarked on an exciting adventure with the Trimetys Group as Managing Director. Fourteen years later, he sought new horizons by joining Mon Choisy Group, where he spent a year as Group Head of Operations. Now, he has returned to his first love, joining Ninety-Six Hotel Collection, the very group where his hospitality journey began.

Donovan Amadis, 33, is a home delivery driver for KFC in Saint-Pierre. Every day, he covers miles on his scooter, delivering KFC meals to offices, young couples, and families in the Saint-Pierre area. At first glance, his journey may seem ordinary, but it’s important to note that Donovan has been living with a prosthetic leg since the age of 19, following a traffic accident. The prosthetic he has worn ever since allows him to carry out his work, support his family, and thrive in his professional life.

What is particularly impressive about this young man is his remarkable ability to always find the positive, even in the darkest moments. “Since my accident, I never had the chance to fall into depression because I have always been well surrounded. If I had to sum up my life philosophy in one sentence, I’d say that no matter what happens, you have to keep moving forward. You can’t let hardships bring you down,” he shares.

Yashvin Neehaul, with a background in physical chemistry of living systems, embodies the dynamic intersection of chemistry and biology. He currently serves as the Environmental Sustainability Manager at Eclosia, where he continuously discovers new challenges in his role. “It’s a constant learning process. Every day brings new challenges. I find myself in an environment that suits me perfectly. Since joining, I’ve had the opportunity to guide companies in implementing environmental actions, lead environmental forums, develop action plans, and support businesses in project calls.”

The ECS Madagascar Communication team is now fully formed! Under the leadership of Mialy Randriamanga, Communication Manager, the team includes Haingo Ratsimisetra, Communication Project Manager, and Stan Patrick Rafiakarana, Designer/Community Manager.

With over 15 years of experience in Marketing and Communication, Mialy Randriamanga leads ECS Madagascar’s Communication department. For her, communication is never boring and constantly presents new challenges.

Outside of her professional life, Mialy has a passion for cooking and dancing. She even opened a dance school and runs a small pastry business on Facebook, skillfully balancing her personal and professional life.

But her commitment goes even further. As President of the Board of Directors of the Miralenta Cooperative, Mialy actively supports four associations dedicated to helping underprivileged children, orphans, struggling families, and individuals with autism.

"Young people, you need to understand what you are doing. You can't just handle things carelessly because we work in a delicate field. We don’t see the embryo, but it is a baby, an embryo, inside an incubator. We know the parameters we need to set, but the truth is, we can never be sure. Only after 21 days will we know. We must be vigilant and take great care every day. That’s when we will get results.

"I arrived, it was a small team, I think there were only 11 employees at Livestock. I was warmly welcomed, and right away, I was very drawn to the challenge—it was my first job. So, for four years, I worked in the laboratory, which was a very enriching and valuable experience for me.

In March, the first 14 managers and team leaders from ten Eclosia companies received their certificates after completing the LEAD (Leverage, Engage, Adapt, Develop) program following a busy year! A second cohort of 16 employees is currently undergoing training, set to conclude in January 2024.

Developed in collaboration with the Charles Telfair Leadership Centre, Eclosia’s LEAD program is a management development initiative featuring 12 customized modules designed to meet the Group's specific needs. Its primary goal is to help participants—managers and team leaders—enhance their self-awareness while fostering their collaborative and leadership skills.

How LEAD Transformed the Careers of Isabelle, Leena, and Ali at Eclosia

Isabelle François, Head of Shared Accounting Services:
"This training helped me better appreciate the value of teamwork by encouraging self-improvement. To achieve this, it is essential to develop strong communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence.

Through this program, I learned the key qualities of a true leader. These include building trust, setting clear goals, embodying company values, fostering knowledge-sharing, encouraging change, practicing self-care, and maintaining open communication.

I am deeply grateful to Eclosia for implementing this training, which aims to unlock everyone's potential."

In HR terms, what does “Talents” refer to?

Every employee, in any role and at any level within the Eclosia Group, can be defined as a Talent. When someone joins Eclosia, it means we believe they have the skills, competencies, and qualities needed to succeed with us. Throughout their journey, they will demonstrate and develop their leadership abilities and soft skills. Through our Talent Framework, we create the right environment and provide meaningful opportunities to maximize each individual's potential.

What is the vision behind the "Talents" web series that will be shared on LinkedIn?

Showcasing these inspiring career paths is one of our initiatives to bring our Leadership Competencies to life. The question we asked ourselves was, "How can we embody these competencies across the group and make them accessible to everyone?" The first step was to introduce them officially. Next, we redesigned all related documentation—in both French and English—into an engaging format, which will soon be available. Then, in collaboration with Circus, we produced six videos. In these, Talents share their career journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the key factors that have contributed to their success.

How did you select the employees featured in the first "Talents" videos?

HR Managers from each company, along with their General Managers, identified inspiring career paths that deserved to be highlighted. These are employees who have had exceptional journeys, overcoming obstacles and challenges along the way. They also share the guidance and training they received—support without which they would not have succeeded. Younger employees or those just starting their careers within the Group can find valuable advice in these stories. To complete the picture, each employee's direct manager provides insights into their success factors. For this first video series, we are featuring six employees, including a Malagasy employee and a Mauritian expatriate in Kenya.

After six years leading Human Resources at Panagora, Geerish Hookoomsing handed over the HR department's helm to Jason Maulette. Now Head of Organizational Excellence at Les Moulins de la Concorde since March 1st, Geerish Hookoomsing looks back with satisfaction on a job well done.

"I've always believed in people, in their ability and potential. I passed on everything I’ve learned, and I give back everything life has given me; it's my legacy. If I’ve made a difference in the lives of those I’ve worked with, then I am happy." In fact, several young people who started their careers with him are now HR managers in various sectors. One of them is the CEO of a clinic in Plaines-Wilhems. Jason Maulette is one of those who make Geerish proud.

His new role at LMLC involves reviewing the HR department and supporting the daily progression of employees. He began his career at Madun Gujadhur QC Chambers, handling industrial and criminal cases. In the late 1980s, he joined the HR departments of two large textile groups before moving to an offshore company at Rogers and Valmet Ltd as Administrative Manager. He then spent several years as HR Director at Naïade Resorts and Heritage Resorts. In 2016, he joined Panagora.

LMLC has been supporting bakers for over 25 years. Ludovic shares his passion with us!

"December 2020 was less intense than previous years. The teams worked fewer overtime hours and were able to take a day off on December 25th and another on January 4th.

This may seem paradoxical, but we still had a good December in terms of volumes produced, despite a slow start to the month. In terms of production, almost 1,900 tons, across all product families, were sold. This was due to the efficient management of the production program (greatly assisted by the B2Wise software), but also to the dedication and preparation of each department for this critical period. When orders started flooding in around December 19th, we were ready!"

"For us, December is the busiest month of the year. But December 2020 didn’t meet expectations. In talking with some customers, I understood that they preferred to reassess their priorities this year. However, this didn’t discourage us, and the KFC team took the opportunity to get closer to our customers, gather feedback on the products, and understand their needs. We relayed this information. Additionally, they appreciated the health protocols implemented in our restaurants. On December 24th and 31st, we were able to welcome some customers. Despite everything, we look to the future with optimism."

"Orders dropped by 25% in December 2020. This was due to the absence of tourists in hotels, rising unemployment, and the uncertain future. Festive products, which usually sell quickly during this period, saw a significant decline. For the 15 employees assigned to the store, it was a first... But we kept our spirits up and worked in a positive atmosphere. The team spirit is still here, and that’s what has always been our strength!"