Meet Mathieu Hetzer and Quitterie Idiart

Some organizations stand apart from the rest. The CJD, France’s Centre des Jeunes Dirigeants (Young Business Leaders’ Center), is one of them. It’s a business leaders’ movement. It’s nonpartisan, but it takes a stand. It was founded in 1938, in the middle of the worst economic crisis of the 20th century. Its mission back then was to put the economy in service of people, and to make business more conscious and accountable. The movement has evolved with the times. Today, the CJD fights for an economy in service of all life. That may sound like a small shift. It isn’t. It changes the whole system. And that’s what makes this movement one of a kind.

On the day they were elected national co-presidents, Mathieu Hetzer and Quitterie Idiart gave a speech that fired up the room. One line landed hard, and it could not have been more timely: “We’re not here to sit on our hands!”

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, some context. Then you’ll see that in Alsace, where Mathieu is from, and in the Basque Country, where Quitterie is from, people don’t give their word just for show.

Hitza Hitz.

“We experiment. And because we’re part of a collective, we can share what we learn. Then we use those results to shape government policy. Since 1938, the CJD has had a real impact.” – Q. Idiart

But there’s always a but:

“The CJD learned long ago that telling people what to do doesn’t get them to do it. You inspire them by taking action and showing it can be done. That’s what makes them want to get moving.” – M. Hetzer

No empty speeches here. No hollow talk that reeks of pandering, the kind nobody believes anymore. This is leadership about doing, proving, and leading by example.

In an age of lukewarm leaders whose words and actions don’t match, this is refreshing to hear.

Quitterie is nothing if not pragmatic. As she points out:

“The economy is under enormous strain right now. And unfortunately, the next few years are going to be tough.”

“But” — and thank goodness there’s always a but:

“We have two options. We can let what’s coming happen to us. Or we can decide to act and change the outcome. That means bringing positive energy and finding proven solutions, so we’re ready for what lies ahead. And being positive isn’t about sunshine and rainbows. The challenges facing our planet will be huge. Any movement with its eyes open has to get ready to act. And as long as there’s still time to act, we’ll act in a positive way… All of us, together!”

Positive leadership? Leading by example? In this day and age? If aliens exist, they’re card-carrying CJD members! With a message like this, these UFOs won’t be flying under the radar. Remember, their whole purpose is “an economy in service of all life.”

It actually exists! I nearly fell off my chair!

“It’s time to imagine a future unlike anything we’ve known so far. Our goal is concrete. We want to help our 6,000 members start transforming their business models and their companies. We want an economy that serves people, society, and the environment. Together, we can truly move the needle.” – M. Hetzer

Then, with the confidence of a leader who owns his vision, he adds:

“If one person dreams alone, it’s only a dream. When many people dream together, it’s the beginning of a new reality.”

Hitza Hitz. *

(*A Basque saying that means: your word is your bond!)

Key Takeaways

As business owners and CJD France co-presidents for 2024–2026, Mathieu Hetzer and Quitterie Idiart share their vision of positive leadership:

• Leadership by example: leaders who prove it and experiment
• Proven solutions and positive energy to meet the challenges ahead
• Taking positive action, together!
• “An economy in service of all life”

Facts & Figures

The CJD’s 6,000+ member companies reportedly account for 400,000 jobs and directly affect millions of people. This “small” movement knows its strength. If it speaks with one voice, the world is going to hear it…

Want to join them?

www.cjd.net

Originally published in French on Konxus Média ↗