LVMH embraces pioneering spirit in Solar Impulse mentoring effort

Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is continuing its adventures with Solar Impulse through the introduction of a mentorship initiative.

LVMH began its relationship with Solar Impulse last year, as the project worked toward completing the first flight around the world using only solar power (see story). Given the innovation of Solar Impulse’s journey, LVMH has established a mentorship program with the project’s founders and pilots.

Flying toward success
LVMH’s mentorship was announced June 11 after Solar Impulse completed its flight across North America. The feat undertaken by Solar Impulse has resonated with the bold, pioneering spirit of LVMH and its stable of brands, resulting in the creation of the mentorship program.

The year-long mentorship program, like many of LVMH’s efforts, will focus on developing top talent. Six managers will be selected to be mentored by Solar Impulse’s founders Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg.

Solar Impulse SI2

Mentoring will concentrate on three key success factors for achieving a project. These include endurance and resilience, team spirit and leadership and lifelong learning and vision.

“Solar Impulse is a project that promotes a pioneering spirit,” Mr. Piccard and Mr. Borschberg said in a joint statement. “Sharing our experience with entrepreneurs from the LVMH Group is a great opportunity for all of us to join in the adventure of exploration and continually challenge ourselves.”

Solar Impulse's Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg

LVMH offers its employees and students a bevy of learning opportunities.

For example, LVMH is helping to train the engineers of tomorrow by participating in the Ecole Centrale Paris engineering school’s Supply Chain management chair.

Specialists from LVMH brands, as well as companies Carrefour, Safran and Sanofi, will be involved in the Industrial Engineering curriculum at the school, and will also provide hands-on training through internships. Luxury brands often have trouble finding the right talent to fill particular roles, so this partnership will begin to develop long-term relationships with those who might be able to work with the conglomerate in the future (see story).