Now International Sales Manager at LIM Group, my story reflects my passion for SMEs and my desire to invest in projects on a human scale. I'm Romain Bafogne, a graduate of EM Normandie in 2014. Ever since my early years of study, I've always known that I wanted to work in an SME rather than a large group. Unlike many others, I wasn't attracted by big companies, even though they tend to attract young graduates.
The beginnings of my career: looking for my profession
When I started my studies, it seemed impossible to answer the famous question: 'What do you want to be when you graduate?' I didn't have any idea, but I knew what I didn't want to do. I didn't want to work for a big company, but for something on a human scale. So it was by elimination that I decided to pursue a Masters in Entrepreneurship.
It wasn't so much the job that attracted me, but rather the idea of fulfilling myself in an environment where I could explore personal projects.
Entrepreneurial spirit and Equisense project
During this Masters, I had the opportunity to work on an entrepreneurial project that was close to my heart: the creation of a connected sensor for horse riders. The project, called Equisense, aimed to improve horse riding by measuring parameters such as heart rate and gait quality. Although the project did not come to fruition as planned, it evolved into a product that is now part of the Voltaire group. It was an enriching experience that enabled me to develop a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
Back to basics: digital marketing
After the Equisense project, I gave it a try in digital marketing, thinking that it might match my career aspirations. However, after working for an insurance company in Le Havre, I quickly realised that it wasn't what I was looking for. That's when a friend from EM Normandie, Clémence Devin, told me about an opportunity in the United States with LIM Group, a company I'd never considered working with.
LIM Group and the launch of an international adventure
In 2016, I decided to leave France to join LIM Group in the United States. It was a real turning point in my career, as it involved working in a multicultural environment. The company allowed me to join a team where the international aspect was central. I took charge of sales and customer relations on the American market, which was a great challenge but also a huge opportunity for development.
A new role: Sales Manager for the East Coast of the United States
After a year, I was promoted to Sales Manager for the East Coast of the United States. My role was to manage a team of 10 sales people, divided between Canada and the United States. It was an intense job, with a lot of travel and responsibility. My objective was to boost sales while structuring the team so that it became autonomous and efficient.
These six years in the United States were marked by total immersion in American culture, with lots of travelling and client management on the biggest horse shows.
Working for a French company while being in the United States gave me a unique experience, combining my passion for horse riding with my commercial management skills.
A new beginning, in France, with Audevar
After several years in the United States, I decided to return to France, mainly for personal reasons. I joined Audevar, a pharmaceutical laboratory, where I currently work as International Sales Manager for the European Union. This new position allows me to broaden my horizons and take on new challenges in a sector that is very different from horse-riding, but just as exciting.
The importance of self-awareness in a career
If I had to give one piece of advice to young graduates or those launching a professional career, it would be to know yourself well. During my studies, I was lucky enough to take an MBTI test (1), which was a true revelation for me. I realised that my profile was well suited to a profession where human contact, management and supporting others were at the heart of the work. This enabled me to move into roles that really fulfilled me, away from purely commercial jobs.
My career path has been shaped by a series of personal choices and challenges. From my entrepreneurial beginnings to my international career, each stage has allowed me to grow, learn and adapt.
If I had to retrace my steps, I'd keep this idea: it's essential to know yourself well if you want to make the right decisions. By working on yourself in this way, you can find your path and fulfil yourself in a career that matches your deepest aspirations.
