My name is Alexandre Eich, I graduated in 2015, and I'm going to tell you what led me to become Director of Innovation at Sopra Banking Software. My career has been marked by a passion for technological innovation, professional encounters and a constant desire to learn.
Picking up a business school
I spent a long time deciding between engineering school and business school. In the end, it was thanks to my parents that I was steered towards business school, EM Normandie, which was a better fit for my personality.
Although business school is sometimes perceived as being a little theoretical, I now recognise that it gave me a solid foundation in a variety of areas, which has served me well in my career.
My first professional experiences
It was during my professional career that I truly educated myself. I took a gap year in Frankfurt, where I initially studied logistics. However, I quickly realised that this was not what I was passionate about. That was when I discovered the world of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, which immediately fascinated me.
The discovery of blockchain and cryptocurrency
At the end of 2012, I dived into the world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain. It was a revelation for me, a real revelation. At the time, my friends thought I was crazy, but today I can say that I was right. It was a real turning point in my career, and I decided to move into information systems management, a path that allowed me to combine my passion for technology with my professional development.
I come from a family of entrepreneurs, but I realised that entrepreneurship wasn't the path I wanted to take at that time. So I decided to join a large group, Soprasteria, where I started out in consulting. As a consultant in the banking sector, I quickly became involved in blockchain, a field that was particularly close to my heart. This allowed me to learn on the job while working with prestigious companies such as Airbus, Renault and the European Central Bank.
A visit to an American unicorn: Chainalysis
After seven years, I was recruited by Chainalysis, an American unicorn specialising in blockchain technology. As the first French employee, I helped establish the company in France and build a dedicated team.
Working for an American technology scale-up has been an incredible experience, both personally and professionally.
This allowed me to understand American corporate culture and evolve in a demanding but stimulating environment.
Return to France: Sopra Banking Software and the position of Director of Innovation
After an enriching experience at Chainalysis, I decided to return to France and join Sopra Banking Software. I was offered the position of Innovation Director, where my role is to develop innovative projects, particularly in blockchain and banking technologies. Working in a more human environment, with a company that puts people at the centre of its concerns, is a real change. Today, I continue to develop professionally while drawing on my past experiences.
The importance of continuous learning and mentors
I firmly believe that learning should never stop. It is a principle that guides me every day. Mentoring has played a crucial role in my development, and I advise everyone to have mentors.
These are people who help you go further, make important decisions and grow along your journey. They won't do everything for you, but their role is essential in giving you the right impetus.
Happiness at work and achieving goals
For me, the most important thing in a career is to find a field that you are passionate about and never stagnate. The goal is to always move forward, learn and progress. And even if professional life is not always easy, I think it is essential to take risks and never settle for what you have achieved.
Work should be a quest for continuous improvement.
Today, I am proud of my journey, but I know that this is only one step. There is still much to accomplish, and every new challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. I hope that my story can inspire those who, like me, are searching for passion and success in their professional careers.
