Used book – WHY NOT US?, Xavier Fontanet

On the eve of major battles, Napoleon would explain the next day's strategy to his soldiers. For him, it was a mark of respect and a guarantee of everyone's effectiveness in crucial moments. If we do the same, the French people will step up, and if they can fully express their talents, they will be capable of great things. Today, the political world infantilizes and isolates the French people by wanting to protect them and decide for them. Are we ready to build a strategy together and trust each French person to execute it?

This book can be read by everyone; it relies on no political or economic theory, it appeals above all to common sense; it simply asks for intellectual curiosity. It is not through dogma that we will succeed, but through initiative, experimentation, and realism.

Germany, Canada, and New Zealand have experienced these periods of deep doubt; the story of their turnaround opens avenues and shows that it is possible to get out of the rut. If they succeeded, then why not us?

Xavier Fontanet is the former chairman of Essilor International. A graduate of Ponts et Chaussées and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), he began his career at the Boston Consulting Group then became CEO of Bénéteau, director of catering for the Wagons-lits group, CEO of Essilor from 1991 to 1996 and Chairman and CEO from 1996 to 2010. He is also an affiliate professor of strategy at HEC.