In this edition of the Managerial Excellence Masterclasses, we had the pleasure of welcoming Flore Cholley, Global CSR Director at Edenred. She shared her inspiring journey, as well as Edenred’s strategies and initiatives to combine economic performance and positive impact. Through a rich exchange, Flore highlighted the challenges and opportunities related to implementing an ambitious CSR policy.
From marketing passion to sustainable commitment
Flore recalls her transition from marketing to sustainable development in 2014, at a time when CSR was still not widespread. Convinced that consumers can positively influence the world through their choices, she decided to orient her career towards projects with real impact. Her journey illustrates the importance of giving meaning to professional activities while addressing societal challenges.
The distinction between CSR and ESG
Flore explains the difference between CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). While CSR concerns the implementation of initiatives to reduce negative impact and promote positive practices, ESG focuses on quantitative indicators measuring these efforts. Edenred integrates both dimensions to align its strategic objectives with stakeholder expectations.
A structured impact around three pillars: People, Planet, Progress
Edenred articulates its CSR strategy around three axes:
- Ideal People: promoting diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being. For example, Edenred aims for 40% women in executive positions by 2030 and conducts mentoring programs to break glass ceilings.
- Ideal Planet: reducing “carbon footprint and guiding clients towards more sustainable practices, such as”responsible food and sustainable mobility.
- Ideal Progress: ensuring trust and security through reliable and responsible solutions, while integrating sustainability criteria from the design stage of products and services.
Mobilizing employees for concrete and vibrant CSR
Flore emphasizes the importance of engaging employees in the CSR strategy. Edenred organizes concrete initiatives such as volunteer days, which totaled 2,300 days in 2022 with a goal of 5,000 days by 2030. These actions help to unite teams around a common project and make CSR tangible for everyone.
Innovative and inclusive solutions
Edenred illustrates its commitment through concrete examples, such as the launch of the first Ticket Restaurant card in Braille for the visually impaired. This approach shows how solutions designed from the start with an inclusive perspective can have a positive impact.
Transparency to avoid greenwashing
Flore warns against the risks of greenwashing, emphasizing the need for honest and humble communication. She advocates highlighting progress made while acknowledging that there are still steps to be taken. This transparency strengthens the credibility of CSR commitments to stakeholders.
Conclusion: CSR, a lever for global transformation
This webinar showed how Edenred strives to combine economic growth and sustainable commitment. Through a structured approach, concrete initiatives, and collective mobilization, the company illustrates that it is possible to integrate CSR at the heart of strategy. Flore Cholley’s teachings inspire managers and leaders to transform their practices for a more responsible and sustainable future.
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