9 years ago, in the middle of my surprise birthday party, I received a very unexpected gift: a call from Dr. Jean-Claude Marian, Founder and then-Chairman of the ORPEA group, now the world’s largest elderly care provider. They had decided to entrust me with the mission to start-up and develop ORPEA in China. I had no experience in intrapreneurship or elderly care, yet I accepted with no reservations. It has been a rollercoaster of challenges, full of emotions, lessons, disappointments, successes, and above all, a lot of fun with the incredible people I met!
9 years later, it is time for me to turn the page and move on to new adventures. Tomorrow will be my last day at ORPEA. I will post later about what’s coming next, but for now, I would like to pay tribute to the fantastic team that has accompanied me throughout this pioneering journey. Together, we have beaten the odds, ignored the pessimists, and achieved many “firsts,” from opening new concept facilities to developing B2B offers and educational programs with prestigious partners.
But above all, we’ve brought smiles, happiness, dignity, autonomy, security, and safety to hundreds of seniors and their families. We have demonstrated that beyond the “need,” there was a “demand” for better quality eldercare, where senior citizens can age comfortably and healthily while preserving their social and family ties, and maintaining their remaining capabilities. We have proven there is a way to adapt to the culture of our residents, without compromising on the strictest standards of quality.
Thank you for everything. I will miss working with you, but I will not forget you, because we will definitely stay in touch!
First published on LinkedIn, October 28, 2021. View the original post.