The Beginning of the Collaboration Between Arthur Hunt and Cofidis
The collaboration between Arthur Hunt and Cofidis began during the COVID-19 pandemic when Valérie Delcourt met Laurent Laval, Managing Partner at Arthur Hunt Czech Republic. In those challenging times of isolation and uncertainty, when companies were facing complex challenges, Arthur Hunt became an important partner for Cofidis. “Laurent was one of the first to offer us help, and since then, our collaboration has grown rapidly. It opened new opportunities and supported us in innovation in recruitment and HR,” recalls Valérie Delcourt.
Recruitment for companies is not just about technical skills but also about finding people who will fit into the company culture. This aspect is emphasized by Hélène Tixier from Arthur Hunt: “Trust between both parties is essential. It's not only about finding a candidate with the necessary expertise, but primarily about how well they fit into the team and adapt to the company culture.”
New Gen Academy – An Opportunity for Young Talents
The New Gen Academy program offers young people the chance to develop not only technical skills but also soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and creative problem-solving. The goal is to support new talents who bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches and who can be the driving force behind change in companies.
Decision to enroll Tomáš Jeroušek, our IT Risk Manager at Cofidis, in this program as a first participant, was an evident pick because we saw potential in him not only in the technical field but also in the strong soft skills that are equally important for the company. “Tomáš was an obvious choice, he’s a great expert and also has strong personal qualities that will bring value not only to his team but to the entire organization,” says Valérie Delcourt.
A Young Talent on the Path of Growth
Tomáš Jeroušek participated in the program with initial doubts. “I was nervous because I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but once I met the other participants, everything changed. The atmosphere was great, people were open and willing to collaborate,” recalls Tomáš Jeroušek.
For him, participating in the program was an opportunity for both personal and professional growth. “Earlier, I mainly focused on the technical side of my job, but now I realize how important soft skills are – the ability to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems creatively,” says Tomáš.
Reverse Mentoring – A New Perspective for All
One of the most innovative elements of the New Gen Academy program is reverse mentoring, where young people share their views on various work processes and technological trends with more experienced colleagues. “Reverse mentoring is very valuable for us because it gives us the opportunity to look at problems from a different perspective,” says Valérie Delcourt. “Young people often have fresh and innovative ideas that help us reassess established procedures and bring new dynamics to the teams.”
For Tomáš Jeroušek, the reverse mentoring experience was unforgettable: “We discussed various approaches and found out how our perspectives could complement each other. It was fascinating how our opinions and ideas connected.”
The Importance of Innovation and Investing in People
New Gen Academy demonstrates how companies can invest in their future development through young talents. “Investing in young people who bring new ideas and innovations is the key to success not only today but also in the future,” says Valérie Delcourt. “The program has helped us strengthen our teams and opened doors to new methods and approaches.”
The experiences that program participants gain are not just theoretical – they focus on practical skills that they can immediately apply at work. “It was truly an eye-opening experience. I started to understand how soft skills can impact everyday work,” concludes Tomáš Jeroušek.
A New Generation for a New World
New Gen Academy is proof that even established companies like Cofidis can benefit from the presence of young, innovative talents who bring new perspectives. As Valérie Delcourt says, “Young, innovative, and motivated people are essential to our further growth and success. We believe that they can be the driving force behind changes in companies and pioneers of new approaches that will help overcome the challenges of the future.”