Elise Mann M(26)

"Stay curious, keep learning, and dare to get involved in ESG topics — even at the very start of your career.”

Graduated from the Purpan School of Agricultural Engineering, I chose to continue my academic journey with the MIPC Master’s program (ESSEC x ISIPCA x CY Cergy) to specialize in marketing within the cosmetics and fragrance industry. I am currently completing a work-study placement at Mustela as a Product Development Assistant Manager. This role allows me to collaborate daily with multiple teams — formulation, packaging, regulatory affairs, consumer insights — and to understand concretely how a product is built, from the initial idea to market launch.

What I particularly enjoy is being at the intersection of consumer expectations, business constraints, and ESG challenges, which are strongly embedded at Mustela. As a young professional, I’m learning how to navigate these dimensions while remaining true to my values and those of the company: rigor, transparency, and a genuine desire to do better for families and for the environment.

Stéphane HEDONT HARTMANN E (05) 

E.S.BWhat is your background, and what led you to become interested in ESG?
Elise Mann: My interest in ESG developed progressively, both through my agricultural engineering studies and my experience at Mustela. When I joined the company, I discovered a brand already deeply committed to these topics. Working on everyday products for babies and parents made me realize the impact of seemingly “technical” decisions: ingredient choices, packaging design, sourcing of raw materials, and transparency toward consumers. It made me want to go further and better understand how ESG can be strategically embedded within a cosmetics company, beyond simple communication commitments. 

E.S.BESG — concretely, in your daily life?
E.M.: For me, ESG is not just a theoretical or regulatory concept; it’s more of a daily guiding thread. During my work-study experience, I see how it takes shape through eco-design projects, packaging reflections, and internal employee initiatives. Being immersed in this environment shows me how complex — yet essential — these issues are for companies. On a personal level, it also influences my habits: consuming more locally, paying attention to product composition, prioritizing quality over quantity, and supporting responsible initiatives. ESG is not a checklist of isolated actions but rather a coherence between what we do, support, and choose every day.

It’s also very inspiring to know that Expanscience Group’s values — especially those embodied by Mustela — are shared directly with students through Sophie Robert-Velut’s intervention at ESSEC. Her approach, focused on cooperation and collective responsibility, reinforces my belief that ESG can be both strategic and genuine.

E.S.B:How do you define ESG?
E.M.: For me, ESG is first and foremost about questioning the impact of our actions — whether we are students, employees, or companies. In cosmetics, this means developing effective and safe products while being attentive to their environmental and social footprint. It also means reflecting on raw material production conditions and how we communicate with consumers. I see ESG as a continuous improvement journey: nothing is ever perfect, but there is always room to progress.

E.S.B:How can ESG be useful for business?
E.M.: In cosmetics, ESG has become a real differentiating factor. Consumers — especially young parents — expect brands to be committed and transparent. The return on investment can be seen at multiple levels: stronger customer loyalty, enhanced brand image, greater attractiveness for talent, and better anticipation of future regulations. To me, investing in ESG is not just a constraint; it’s a way to prepare the company for the future and make it more resilient in the long term.

E.S.B:What would you like to say to ESSEC Alumni and others?
E.M.: ESG is a rich field that touches many professions: marketing, finance, product development, supply chain, HR… You can engage with it regardless of your background. Opportunities to learn and get involved have never been so numerous, and you don’t need to be an “expert” to contribute — everyone can play a role, both professionally and personally. The challenges are significant, but there are also many inspiring initiatives and emerging solutions. The most important thing, in my view, is to stay curious, keep learning, and dare to get involved — even at the very beginning of your career.