Genius Talks: the Genius ESSEC podcast connecting students and entrepreneurs

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The Genius ESSEC association unveils the very first episode of its podcast Genius Talks, featuring as its first guest Patrick Dalsace (BBA 99), co-founder of LaFourchette. A format designed to become a regular feature from September 2026. 

Behind the project are two members of the association, Elsa Forestier (BBA 29) and André Qian (BBA 28). We spoke with them.

Can you tell us about the Genius ESSEC association?

André: Genius ESSEC is the ESSEC branch of France’s leading student entrepreneur network. The association brings together around fifty active members from all programmes and a wide range of nationalities. In practical terms, our role is to make entrepreneurship more accessible. We organise afterworks, masterclasses and roundtables, and we invite entrepreneurs to share their experience. Genius ESSEC is supported by a range of partners, from major groups such as Amazon and OnePoint to younger organisations like A7 Investment and Solutions CEO. The idea is to open doors, enabling everyone to discover, understand and, if they wish, take the leap.

How did the Genius Talks project come about?

André: The idea came about quite naturally. Elsa and I realised we both had a strong interest in business and entrepreneurship podcasts. Very quickly, we wanted to create our own format for the association. 

Elsa: Genius Talks is a podcast in which we host ESSEC alumni entrepreneurs. For 45 minutes to an hour, they talk through their journey, in French or English depending on the guest. Episodes are recorded and filmed in a studio, then distributed on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. We also produce short formats for Instagram and LinkedIn. Each recording is followed by a more informal exchange with around ten students, over breakfast or brunch. It’s a more direct, more practical moment. The first episode will be released in May, with a monthly schedule from September 2026.

How will the ASSO REZO grant help you launch the project?

André: The €2,000 allows us to build solid foundations: visual identity, jingle and sound design. It also covers the production of the first episode, including studio recording and editing. This first episode is key — it sets the tone and helps us attract future guests and partners.

How can the alumni network support Genius Talks?

Elsa: The alumni network is essential, first and foremost to identify guests. We are looking for entrepreneurs with strong track records, in innovative sectors. Introductions, particularly through ESSEC Ventures, are invaluable. Visibility also plays a key role: when alumni share the episodes, it allows us to reach a much wider audience.

André: In the longer term, we see this podcast as a starting point. The aim is to develop a mentoring programme between alumni and student entrepreneurs. Beyond content, the goal is to build lasting connections between different generations of the ESSEC community.

 Discover the first episode of Genius Talks here.