The power of followership

signature keynote

What if true leadership meant knowing how to follow? In this immersive keynote, Sophie Lavaud challenges conventional leadership thinking and highlights the strength of collective intelligence - on high-altitude expeditions and in the corporate world alike.

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Format Overview

Above 8,000 meters, no one makes decisions alone.
In this keynote, Sophie shares the core of her philosophy : followership - the art of knowing how to follow, to listen, and to trust, in order to move forward together.

Through the story of one of her iconic expeditions - often K2 or Everest - she shows how success depends less on individual strength than on the quality of relationships, shared decision-making, and mutual support. A dynamic, embodied format that leaves a lasting impression.

Topics covered

followership

leadership

team spirit

Duration

45-minute keynote, structured around a real-life ascent
Exclusive short video excerpt
10–15 minutes of interaction with the audience (Q&A and discussion)

Objectives for your organization

Offer a fresh perspective on leadership and team dynamics
Inspire through a true story—without exaggeration or theatrics
Provide managers and teams with practical takeaways: listening, clarity, cooperation
Remind us that “following intelligently” is also a way of leading the collective to the summit

“In the Himalayas, we don’t follow because we are weak. We follow because we understand that alone, we go nowhere. And that sometimes, the best decision is to step back in order to move the team forward.”

Sophie Lavaud

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Discover my other keynotes

Immerse yourself in the Himalayas

Signature conference

For one evening, Sophie Lavaud takes you into the heart of the Himalayas through the screening of one of her documentary films, retracing her expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. Striking visuals, authentic storytelling, and the sharing of powerful emotions create a unique immersion into the realm of extreme altitude.

Joint Talk

Signature conference

In this keynote, Sophie Lavaud—the first French national to summit all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters—and Laurence Bret Stern, a pioneer of the French Tech ecosystem, come together to explore the principles of effectuation.

FAQS

Can this keynote be tailored to our industry ?

Yes. This keynote can be adapted to any industry and any type of organization, as the focus is not on mountaineering itself but on the insights and lessons drawn from that world.

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Can this keynote be delivered online or in a hybrid format ?

Yes. I successfully delivered many keynotes online and in hybrid formats in 2020–2021. That said, nothing truly replaces the energy of a live audience.

Do I need any mountaineering knowledge or technical background to follow the keynote ?

Not at all. I’ll take you inside my backpack to the summits of the world’s highest mountains—just sit back and let yourself be carried along.

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What clients say

Encore un très grand merci pour le temps que vous nous avez accordé, la générosité de votre présence, et la richesse de votre partage.
Tous les participants de notre séminaire sont restés émus et marqués par votre témoignage et en ont tiré de beaux enseignements pour atteindre nos grandes ambitions du long terme, mais aussi nos petits objectifs du quotidien.
J’espère que nos chemins se croiseront à nouveau !

Alexis Grund - Hermes

La conférence a été appréciée à la fois des clients et des participants comme en a témoigné le questionnaire de satisfaction qui a été fait en post-événement! Merci encore pour votre intervention et le partage de votre riche expérience !

Camille Lagorse - Medical Education Corpus

Au nom de toute l'équipe L'Oréal Paris, je tiens à vous exprimer nos sincères remerciements pour avoir partagé votre expérience avec nous. Votre présentation a été captivante et inspirante pour toute l'audience. Vos anecdotes et vos insights ont véritablement resonné avec chacun d'entre nous, et nous avons beaucoup appris de votre parcours.

Eleni Kalantzopoulos - L'Oréal

“Ce qui a marqué nos équipes, c’est la justesse du propos. Sophie ne donne pas de leçon, elle partage une expérience réelle, forte, et pleine de nuances. Le parallèle avec nos enjeux de coopération et de prise de décision a été immédiat.”

Julie Meier - MIGROS