Gustave
Q: What can you tell us about your time at the firm so far?
A: My journey at Strategy& has been both professionally stimulating and personally fulfilling. I’ve had the opportunity to work on diverse challenges and contribute to the region’s bold ambitions. But what’s made it truly special is the culture of empathy and support, something I came to appreciate deeply during one of the most important moments of my life: becoming a father.
Q: You chose to stay in Beirut for the birth of your child. What drove that decision, and how did the firm support you?
A: It was a deeply personal decision. We wanted our daughter, Laetitia, to be born in the land that shaped us, close to our roots and surrounded by family. Despite the broader uncertainty, we found comfort in the everyday presence of grandparents, relatives, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. The firm’s support was incredible. They offered flexibility, regular check-ins, and the space to focus on my family. A company representative even visited us at the hospital to help with Laetitia’s paperwork, and when we returned home, a bouquet of flowers from the firm was waiting for us. That kind of care is rare, and I’m truly grateful for it.
Q: Which policy at Strategy& has had the biggest impact on helping you balance family and your career?
A: The ability to spread the eight-week parental leave over the child's first year is an amazing flexibility that allows you to plan your presence around moments that matter most, those in which you may be the most needed and those you would not want to miss being fully part of. It allowed me to be present throughout the year during key moments at home and also with family abroad. Earlier this year, we traveled to the U.S. to be with my sister, Laetitia’s godmother, when she welcomed her second child. Watching Laetitia meet her cousins for the first time was incredibly special. Whether it’s big milestones or quiet moments, parenting benefits from being present, and this flexible parental leave policy helped make that possible.
Q: As a father who works in consulting, what advice would you give new parents on balancing family and work?
A: Be intentional with your time. Consulting can be fast-paced, but setting clear expectations and communicating openly with your team makes a world of difference. And don’t underestimate the power of small moments: Being present, even briefly, often matters more than striving for perfection. At home, your role is irreplaceable.
Q: How has fatherhood changed the way you approach leadership and mentorship?
A: Fatherhood has reshaped everything, from the smallest routines to our biggest purpose. It’s made me more patient, more present, and more compassionate. I often think about the kind of environment I’d want for my daughter when she enters the workforce, and that perspective influences how I lead today. I try to create space for people to be human, to grow, and to feel seen. Leadership, to me, is no longer just about outcomes, it’s about the example you set and the culture you build.
Q: What advice did your father give you that you now pass on to your child?
A: My father always told me to keep my feet on the ground and my eyes on the stars, to stay grounded in faith and steady through life’s highs and lows. He also taught me to lead with empathy, reminding me that everyone has a story you may not see. His words still guide me: “Never forget who you are or where you’re headed, always act with humility, lead with kindness and find happiness in giving.”
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