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Welcome to our Electrifier interview series!
Here we learn what it means to be inside Schneider’s community of experts – or Electrifiers, as we call them – straight from their own mouths.
Today, we welcome Claude Le Pape-Gardeux, vice president of technology portfolio and partnerships for 17 years, who also sits on multiple councils and committees in France. His participation in the Electrifier program, even at the sunset of his career, is a glistening example of our IMPACT Values: Curiosity and Mastery.
Hello Claude! How did you get started in your field, and how do you stay motivated?
Hi there! My background is in applied mathematics, where I became interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and optimization. I’ve always had a problem-solving spirit, which comes from enjoying puzzles as a kid. I realized that solving puzzles in real life can help organize things efficiently and avoid wasting natural resources.
As for motivation, that comes through new objectives, challenging problems, and innovative approaches. For me, the aspect of novelty is crucial.
What led you to Schneider, and how are we different?
I enjoy solving customer problems around resource utilization. This naturally drew me to Schneider Electric – where we’re dedicated to making the best use of energy and resources.
We’re a highly diverse company where our various organizations have distinct responsibilities. But there’s also a strong spirit of collaboration, teamwork, and cross-entity action. For me, frictionless communication with other parts of the company is essential. And at Schneider, this is both encouraged and relatively easy.
I also appreciate how Schneider recognizes the experience of senior workers, and the fact we have something to pass on to younger colleagues. This is especially important in the Electrifier program, where emphasis lies on coaching and training activities for newcomers.
Speaking of the Electrifier program, how were you selected to apply?
My boss initially identified me due to my background and leadership that I had shown – going back over 12 years. Of course, it’s always nice to be acknowledged. The application process let me reflect on my career and contributions over time, including things like technical knowledge, relationships, recent innovations, and teaching. Schneider also showed me areas to improve on, which is helpful as well.
And what, in your eyes, makes a good Electrifier?
A good Electrifier is open, curious, and cooperative. You must be able to communicate well with different types of people. The program is focused on innovation, so you also need an appetite to work on things that aren’t easy and require solutions.
It’s important to master time management, remaining successful in your daily work while finding the time and energy to co-create the future.
What’s your favorite part of the Electrifier program?
For me, it’s the networking. Electrifiers need to connect with others in their domain or subdomain. This creates a sense of community and collaborative innovation – you may end up creating impact on projects that you wouldn’t have achieved alone. The element of communication is so important here; you really learn how to relate your ideas to others. And as Electrifiers progress, they become exposed to more and more people. This program is like our pass to center stage, allowing us to showcase our expertise and build consequential relationships.
I also love the dedication to impact. For example, Electrifiers submit projects that are evaluated for technical challenges, benefits, and potential – with an emphasis on innovation that can go beyond a particular department and reverberate across the whole company. We use a very effective template that focuses on needs, approaches, as well as competitors’ activities – something that is often overlooked.
A big feature of the program is working closely with business leaders. How is that experience, and does any piece of advice stick out?
It’s great! Business leaders give presentations, which is an opportunity for us all to gain a broader, more global perspective. One piece of advice I remember involves AI: if you focus on the immediate use cases, you restrict your vision. But if you’re too fantastical, you think of things that are fun yet inapplicable. Ideally, you maintain an equilibrium – keeping close to what the business is about, but not too close that you don’t explore other realms.
What will you do when your current Electrifier recognition is over?
Well. Firstly, I’ll renew it. But looking further, I suppose there are two possibilities. As I’m in my 60s, I could decide to continue working for some more years, or I may retire. Two years ago, I was elected as a member of the French Academy of Technologies, where I explain technological evolution and can advise national authorities.
Schneider is excellent for this kind of arrangement; many colleagues close to retirement can decide whether they want to work part time. I could still make impact at Schneider, but also on French national policy as part of the Academy.
Finally, what would you say to people interested in working for Schneider?
Well, we’re literally the world’s most sustainable company. People who connect to this ambition – those who want to use their talent for the good of the planet – would find a warm and welcoming home at Schneider Electric.
Do you have Mastery and Curiosity at the heart of everything you do?
Join our talent community for a chance to become an #Electrifier and work with industry experts.
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