Hello Franck, could you tell us how you became the CEO of Forward Partners and co-organizer of LEAD INNOVATION DAY? Was there a defining moment in your career that led you down this path?
I founded Forward Partners to address a challenge I identified in large companies—their difficulty in innovating. These companies are often focused on optimizing their existing business models and managing operations, leaving little room for innovation. However, true innovation requires breaking away from existing corporate structures and mindsets to create something new.
My career has given me deep insights into this issue. I’ve worked in startups, where innovation is at the core, as well as in large corporations, where it remains on the sidelines. This contrast helped me understand the fundamental differences between these environments and, more importantly, how to help companies shift their mindset to achieve their innovation goals.
Forward Partners was created to meet this growing need by providing concrete methods and strategies for innovation.
As for LEAD INNOVATION DAY, it stems from my deep interest in these topics. I firmly believe that innovation is best learned through practice and real-world examples. This event brings together large companies, entrepreneurs, and anyone eager to advance in innovation. It provides a space for exchanging ideas, experimenting with tools, and gaining new insights to turn ideas into actionable strategies.
In short, there wasn’t a single defining moment—rather, it was the accumulation of experiences and a clear recognition of corporate needs that naturally led me in this direction.
With your extensive experience in engineering and entrepreneurship, how do you see the convergence of artificial intelligence and innovation transforming traditional business models?
I believe this shift will go beyond transforming traditional business models—it will reshape society as a whole.
Right now, AI is heavily focused on content creation—images, videos, and text—which means these industries will be the first to experience major disruptions.
We’re already seeing AI-driven changes in marketing, customer relations, and software development. These sectors are currently benefiting the most from generative AI.
We are entering a new era—one that is both exciting and intimidating.
LEAD INNOVATION DAY is a flagship initiative. Can you share some current innovation trends you’ve observed and how they are influencing this event?
LEAD INNOVATION DAY has been running since 2017 and has evolved significantly over the years. One thing that has remained constant is the event’s ability to attract a highly motivated audience—curious learners eager to share knowledge.
Last year, we focused on two major themes: sustainability and artificial intelligence. One clear trend emerged—AI generated significantly more interest than sustainability.
As a result, this year we decided to dedicate the entire event to AI. It’s a transformative force, comparable to the rise of digital technology in the early 2000s. AI is reshaping businesses and society at a fundamental level. We felt it was crucial to explore this topic in depth at LEAD INNOVATION DAY to help participants navigate this pivotal transition.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges modern companies face when integrating AI into their innovation processes?
Companies face two major challenges when adopting AI for innovation.
The first is technical. AI relies on high-quality, accessible data for algorithms to learn and generate value. This requires robust infrastructure, secure data management, and compliance with privacy regulations. For many companies, this remains a significant hurdle.
The second challenge is cultural. Businesses must not only understand what AI can do for them but also reimagine how it can transform their operations. Tools like strategic foresight and design fiction play a crucial role in helping organizations build a shared vision of the future.
Generative AI, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize how we work and innovate. Its transformative impact will be massive, yet few companies are fully prepared for the scale of change ahead.
You’ve co-founded several initiatives to promote innovation in France. What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to leverage AI and drive innovation?
What presents a challenge for established companies often represents an opportunity for entrepreneurs. AI enables startups to develop solutions that are ten times more efficient than traditional approaches. This presents a unique chance to create breakthrough products and services, even in industries long considered resistant to change.
My key advice for young entrepreneurs is to start by focusing on a niche. Identify a specific use case where AI can make a significant impact. Then, develop a tailored solution and bring it to market.
By targeting specific industries or challenges, you can not only demonstrate the real value of your innovation but also build credibility and influence. AI is a powerful force for transformation, and young entrepreneurs have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this revolution.
How Do You See AI Evolving in Digital Strategy and Innovation Management in the Coming Years?
The role of artificial intelligence in digital strategy and innovation management will evolve through rapid and iterative adoption. To maximize AI’s value, companies must experiment with new projects and tools quickly rather than waiting for large-scale, monolithic solutions to be deployed years down the line. This step-by-step approach helps identify what works, discard what doesn’t, and progressively integrate AI into strategic processes.
Another key challenge is building AI expertise within organizations. Many companies currently lack in-house AI knowledge. That’s why it’s essential to encourage employees to explore AI in their daily work. For instance, managers could motivate their teams to dedicate half a day per week to experimenting with AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT or other solutions. These tools can not only enhance productivity but also improve the quality of work.
In summary, the key to success will be adopting an agile strategy centered on rapid experimentation and continuous learning to fully leverage AI’s opportunities in the coming years.
As the Author of 'Passez en Mode Startup,' What Advice Would You Give to Entrepreneurs Who Are Hesitant to Adopt an AI-Based Approach? What Practical Benefits Could They Gain?
Artificial intelligence speeds everything up. Tasks that used to take a week can now be done in just a few hours. For entrepreneurs, AI can be a powerful ally—almost like a personal coach. It helps structure ideas, analyze options, and execute tasks such as website creation or process automation far more efficiently.
With this in mind, I created AUDACE.ai, a suite of tools designed to help entrepreneurs validate their ideas and analyze their options to maximize their chances of success. This platform is powered by AI, guiding entrepreneurs throughout their journey—coaching them, refining their concepts, and turning them into viable projects.
With AI enhancing execution speed, two things become crucial for entrepreneurs:
Making quick decisions.
Taking action.
AI operates in the digital world, but entrepreneurs must take action in the physical world. Those who hesitate to embrace AI risk missing out on a major competitive advantage. This is a unique opportunity to create products and services that are not just "mobile-first" but "AI-first", fully harnessing the power of this technology.
AI is more than just a tool—it’s a force that can reshape how entrepreneurs innovate, work, and succeed. My advice is simple: test it, adopt it, and integrate it into your projects today.