From "Rocheuse" to LVMH: Our godmother Éva Bertaud reveals the secret DNA of success.

LVMH, HEC, and the Normandy rain: what École des Roches really taught him.

Forget conventional CVs. Eva BERTAUD (2016) didn't just pass through HEC and the luxury goods industry at LVMH. Above all, she is the embodiment of the "Rocheux " spirit : strength forged through evening studies and the courage to dare.

Today, as class sponsor, she's back to tell us about the three lessons that aren't in the books, but that change lives.

I can still see myself, suitcase in hand, discovering the Maison du Vallon for the first time. I was curious, intimidated, a little lost too, but above all impatient. Impatient to understand what I was going to experience here, without imagining how these years would shape a large part of the person I am today. And I think many of you know, or will soon know, that same feeling: that mixture of the unknown, the new and the excitement that precedes great beginnings.

And for those of you who have just arrived, who haven't yet experienced the rocky winters, but who have already tasted the Normandy rain, you'll see that this climate builds character as much as it does lessons! Here you'll discover a unique adventure, sometimes demanding, often moving, but always formative.

If I had to sum up everything this school has taught me, I'd do so in three key lessons: high standards, courage and benevolence. Three seemingly simple values, which together become a true philosophy of life.

The first is to be demanding.

I'm thinking of you, those preparing for the Bac, the IB or the FLE.
I'm thinking of those famous evening studies; evening officially, but often night-time; where you reread your notes over and over again, with that little desk light that stays on when everyone else is asleep. Those moments of doubt, effort and the desire to do well... I know them, I've lived them.

And believe me, those moments count for a lot more than you think. For it's in these silent, sometimes difficult moments that true character is forged. It's also that inner strength that pushes you to keep going, even when you're tired, even when you're not sure of yourself. It's that little voice that tells you: "Come on, just a little longer, you're capable of it".
At Les Roches, we learn to listen to that voice, to do nothing by halves, to give it our best shot. And when you're older, you'll understand that this requirement is a gift. Because it will follow you everywhere, in your studies, your relationships, your work; and it will help you to remain upright in your choices and confident in your ambitions.

The second is courage.

The courage to be far from home, to start all over again, to adapt to new faces and cultures. The courage to try, to make mistakes, to keep going in spite of everything. And above all, the courage to be yourself.

At Les Roches, we learn from an early age that difference is strength. We discover that coming from another country, speaking another language, having another history is not an obstacle, but an asset. And this is undoubtedly one of the school's greatest lessons: learning to understand others, to listen, to open up, to find one's place in diversity.

And you'll have that courage for a long time to come.
The courage to dream big, to say "Why not me? Because here at Les Roches, we don't just train students; we train young adults capable of facing the world with confidence and conviction.

And finally, the third: benevolence.

Benevolence towards others, but also towards ourselves.
It can be found in a teacher's word of encouragement, in the kind look of a head of house, or in the gesture of a comrade who extends a hand when someone is in doubt.

It's a value I've seen lived here, every day. Sometimes it takes the form of a stern requirement, an assignment to be redone, direct advice; but behind this rigor, there is always the same intention: that of believing in you, often even before you believe in yourself.
And that's probably the greatest gift this school can offer: the certainty that someone sees your potential before you see it yourself.

And if I had to add a fourth, it would be the art of telling your story.
Because here, without even realizing it, you also learn to understand who you are, where you come from, and what you want to build.

It was this lesson that stayed with me after Les Roches.
It followed me to Switzerland, to my hotel school, then to HEC Paris, and now to LVMH, into the fascinating world of exceptional wines. And it was she who made me want, one day, to help those who, like me, didn't always recognize themselves in a classic career path.

That's why I've written a book, due out in January: "Objectif Grande École: comment intégrer une grande école de commerce sans prépa". It's a book that reminds us that there is no single model for success. Because sometimes, the greatest success is simply believing in your own.

Whether you already know what you want to do, or you're still trying to figure it out, know that you're exactly where you want to be. And that, without even realizing it, you're already writing your own story.

And if I mention this book to you, it's also because it represents what I'd like to be today, as the godmother of your promotion: a listening ear, a support, a caring voice.
If you ever need a word of encouragement, advice,
or just a chat with someone who's been there before you,
come and see me. Stop me in the hallways. I'm always happy to chat.

Because in the end, that's what my role is all about: supporting you, encouraging you, reminding you that nothing is impossible.

So to you, dear students, dear Rockies,
I want to say this:

Be demanding.
Be courageous.
Be caring.
Never be afraid to fail; every mistake brings you closer to success.
Never be afraid to be different; that's what makes you unique and unforgettable.
And always keep that flame within you:
the flame of courage, openness and surpassing yourself.
the flame that makes you, forever,
of the Rockies.

Éva Bertaud
École des Roches 2016 - 2019

Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton, November 11, 2025