You are so French! Success stories à la française

Welcome to a new episode of You Are So French! I’m excited to share my conversation with Ania Benhamadouche, Director of Sydney marketing agency Bistrot Media. From working in Parisian luxury with renowned brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel to making her mark in Sydney's hospitality scene, Ania has built a career that spans continents and industries. Starting with a working holiday visa, Ania quickly made her way into the heart of Sydney's food scene, working behind the scenes with a range of restaurants—both new and established. She has developed a deep understanding of the industry and knows exactly how to connect with foodies across the city. As a French woman, Ania also developed an expertise in the French-Australian hospitality scene, understanding the subtleties of each market and the successful niche created by the crossover of both worlds.  In this episode, we dive into Ania's journey and the lessons she's learned along the way.  I hope you enjoy the conversation!   We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.   Bistrot Media: bistrotmedia.com Contact Ania here   Ania's recommendations for French restaurants in Sydney: Four Frogs L'Heritage   Episode guide: 03:45: Ania’s life before Australia   05:44: A Parisian life: glamour and hard work   09:36: First step: Melbourne with a working holiday visa   17:52: Next step: Sydney and looking for a sponsorship   19:10: Shifting career path   25:06: Taking over Bistrot Media   30:10: Navigating cultural differences   32:13: The French hospitality scene in Sydney   39:57: Reflecting on the Australian journey   44:05: Les Mots de la Fin   Bonne écoute !  

In this special episode of You are so French!, I sit down with Frédéric Alliod, the CEO of the Alliance Française French Film Festival, to explore the cultural impact of French cinema in Australia. Recorded just before the start of the 36th edition of the festival, Frédéric shares insights into how it has grown to become the largest French film event outside France. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process and discover some exciting highlights from the upcoming 2025 edition. Frédéric explains why this annual event is so important for both the local French community and Australian Francophiles, showing how cinema creates connections and promotes cultural exchange. You’ll also hear about Frédéric’s personal journey, his passion for French cinema, and the unique challenges and joys of bringing it to an Australian audience. It’s a conversation about dreams, cultural synergy, and the vibrant life of the French in Australia. Bonne écoute! We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Frédéric’s recommendations for the 2025 edition: Before What Comes After The Story of Souleymane My Everything No Chains No Masters The Deluge Niki Episode Guide: 03:20 – Frédéric’s journey as an audiovisual expert with a global career 08:50 – The biggest French film festival outside France 12:42 – The unique Australian landscape that makes it a success 18:12 – The film selection process 23:42 – Films that spark conversation 31:38 – The French, Francophile, and movie-loving audience – a festival that matters to people for different reasons 34:05 – Cinema as a soft power, inspiring your love for France 41:05 – Future plans for the festival      

Meet Laurent Boillon, the trailblazing founder of Laurent Bakery, on this episode of You are so French! The Podcast. Discover how Laurent transitioned from a budding pastry chef in from Aix-en-Provence to revolutionising the Australian bakery scene over 35 years. Experience Laurent's passionate journey as he mastered French baking techniques, introduced Australians to the art of sourdough, and scaled his business in a market unfamiliar with high-end French baking. Learn about the cultural challenges he faced, his triumphs in Melbourne, and his journey to creating a recognised brand throughout Australia. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a lover of French cuisine, Laurent's story of dedication, innovation, and success is sure to inspire. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about how one man's vision can transform appetites and business atmospheres alike. Bonne écoute! We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present. Episode markers: 01:41 – Episode introduction: Meet Laurent Boillon 03:45 – Learning pastry art with the best: apprenticeship at Lenôtre in Paris 07:05 – The call from overseas: Switzerland, St. Martin Island, USA, Scotland 08:32 – Becoming a baker and the art of sourdough bread 12:01 – Arriving in Australia: Cairns as a first stop 12:37 – Moving to Melbourne and early challenges 16:20 – Building Laurent Bakery: educating the market and training staff 18:45 – Sourcing quality ingredients 22:10 – Expanding the business and close partnerships 28:50 – Innovations in bread production and how Australia changed the way they eat bread 34:17 – Balancing work and family life 38:16 – Legacy and inspiring the next generation 41:22 – Future plans and aspirations 41:55 – Les mots de la fin 44:10 – Laurent’s reflections on his journey and success 

Welcome to another episode of You Are So French! Today, I’m joined by Eva Bonnet, better known as Bonjour Mate on social media. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, Eva brings the quirks of French culture and language to life through her engaging and humorous videos. Eva’s Australian’s story began in Melbourne with love and a corporate job. Passionate about pastry, she created a small side business of choux to cater for local sweet enthusiasts. Her life took a major turn when she was diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, facing treatment while being unable to see her family in France. On her way to recovery, Eva became a mum and now, as a mother of two sons, she is dedicated to building a strong connection to French culture for them. A creative soul, Eva’s passion for sharing her French heritage led her to start engaging videos online, which quickly attracted a loyal community eager to learn-and laugh- about French language and culture. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore her journey through resilience, creativity, and the love for her heritage. Enjoy this genuine and inspiring conversation where you can hear smiles along the way. Bonne écoute!   Episode Guide: 03:57 Life Before Australia: St Tropez and Dordogne. 10:57 First steps in Melbourne. 15:00 Finding Love and a Reason to Stay. 19:06 The Choux Pastry Business. 23:12 Navigating Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment during COVID-19. 29:12 Re-Discovering French Culture and Heritage through Motherhood. 36:22 Balancing Life and Content Creation. 50:43 Reflections on Success. 52:00 Les Mots de la Fin.

Welcome to another episode of You Are So French! Today, I am excited to chat with Max Chaury. Even though Max has only been in Sydney for a year, it’s clear that he doesn’t need much time to make a mark and embrace new opportunities. In his early thirties, Max has already lived across five continents and worked in diverse fields, including a stint with the French army. Max is now settled in Sydney, where he’s spearheading Upworth, a fresh player in the personal finance arena. Upworth’s mission is to make long-term wealth management easier for people. An important topic to discuss even for us individuals with global roots who often find managing money in a new language and place pretty challenging. In the episode we talk with Max about some key moments that set the ground for a life around the world. I ask him about his first impressions of his new city, and what it’s like being the co-founder of Upworth. We also uncover how he quickly became a local expert in finance and home mortgage markets. Plus, we dive into the specific financial hurdles expats face and how to tackle them. Tune in for an inspiring chat about making bold moves and planning for an exciting future! We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.   Bonne écoute!   Contact Max   Episode Guide: 04:40 - Life Before Australia The experiences and background that shaped Max's journey until moving to Australia.  17:07 - Moving to Sydney and Building Upworth The challenges and triumphs of establishing Upworth in Sydney, highlighting key milestones. 19:16 - Financial Education and Opportunities for Newcomers in Australia The importance of financial literacy and the various opportunities available for newcomers to thrive. 25:40 - Exploring Investment Options Investigate different investment avenues in Australia, from real estate to stocks, and how to navigate them. 32:18 - Australia: A Land of Opportunities? Is Australia living up to its reputation as a land of opportunity, with insights on job markets and lifestyle. 44:01 - Max’s Definition of a Successful Life Max’s personal philosophy on what constitutes a successful life, reflecting on both personal and professional achievements.    

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Olfa Hafsa, a naturopath, nutritionist, and counsellor who has called Brisbane home for the past 12 years. Olfa initially came to Australia as a consultant, drawn by the promise of the so-called Australian quality of life. Through her personal health journey, she developed a profound interest in alternative medicine and the impact of lifestyle choices on health. In 2016, after four years in Australia, she made a leap of faith and transitioned careers to become a practitioner, focusing on nutrition, naturopathy, and counselling to help others achieve better health. During our conversation, Olfa shares of course her Australian story with its highs and lows. We discuss candidly the effects of expatriation on both physical and mental well-being. Together we dive into the impact of a life far away from the motherland on our emotions and because it is all related, on our bodies. We also talk about the wellness industry in Australia, our approach to it and how it compares to France. Finally, we take some time to reflect on the question many of us ponder regularly: should I stay or should I go? Thank you, Olfa, for such an enlightening, emotional, and sincere conversation. I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I did. This podcast was recorded on the lands of Meanjin, Brisbane and Naarm, Melbourne. We respectfully acknowledge the tradition of these lands the Jagera people and the Turrbal people, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Elders, past and present.   Contact Olfa: Grounded Mind Therapies contact@groundedmindtherapies.com Follow Olfa on Instagram    Episode guide: 05:00 – Olfa’s Presentation Dive into Olfa’s background and the focus of her presentation. 08:15 – The Australian Dream Explore what drew Olfa to Australia and what made the country appealing to her. 10:20 – Olfa’s First Months in Australia A look at Olfa’s initial experiences during her early months in Australia. 15:20 – Career Transition: From Consultant to New Horizons Discover Olfa’s decision to pivot from a high-stress consulting career to a new professional path. 19:45 – Australia’s Role in the Wellbeing Industry Examine Australia’s leading position in the wellbeing sector compared to France. 24:00 – Olfa’s Path to Becoming a Practitioner Follow Olfa’s journey and the steps she took to establish herself as a practitioner. 26:25 – Migration’s Impact on Health Discuss how moving to a new country affects both mental and physical health. 32:10 – The French Community and Counselling in Your Native Language Explore how being part of the French community in Australia and receiving counselling in one’s native language can make a difference. 35:00 – Considering a Move Back to France Why Olfa is considering a move back to France in the near future and what does it mean for her career?  

In this episode, we sit down with Jean-Pierre Chabrol, a digital media expert specialised in cultural institutions. Having spent two decades in Australia spearheading digital transformations at prestigious art organisations like the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney, Jean-Pierre recently made a significant move back to France for a new chapter in his career and personal life. Jean-Pierre shares candid reflections on his Australian journey, from arriving as a young family full of dreams to navigating the complexities of leading innovation in renowned cultural institutions. He recounts memorable moments and the challenges of bridging digital strategies with artistic vision. Now back in Europe, Jean-Pierre discusses the fresh challenges and opportunities of starting anew, blending humour and philosophical insights into the intersections of life, art, and technology. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Jean-Pierre Chabrol shares his inspiring journey of cultural and personal transformation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we meet, work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present - people who have told their stories on these lands for thousands of generations, and who continue to do so.  

Welcome to today's episode, a special design edition for Melbourne Design Week 2024. We are joined by Mathilde Delatte, the founder and creative director of Belleville Studio in Melbourne. In this conversation, we explore Mathilde’s journey in Australia, which began with a dream and a lot of courage. We delve into the essence of French style, Mathilde’s perspective on the local design scene, and her insights on building a network as a creative professional in a saturated market.  Enjoy this conversation with Mathilde Delatte. And if you are seeking a French touch in this year's Melbourne Design Week, don't miss the conversation with French marquetry artisan Arthur Seigneur, one half of the duo Adam and Arthur, in the "In Conversation with A&A" event at Tolarno Galleries on Saturday 25 May. Check Melbourne Design Week website for more info. We acknowledge the traditional owners on the lands on which this podcast was record, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung Bunurong peoples of the eastern Kulin Nations . We pay our respect to their Edlers, past and present. 

In this episode we have the pleasure of hearing from Olivier Vojetta. Much like many of our previous guests, Olivier has been living several lives, before Australia and since he settled in Sydney in 2012. Throughout his journey, he has grappled with duality, and Australia has provided him with both the space and the mindset to fully explore this aspect of his life. In this conversation, Olivier shares with us how he has managed to strike a balance between his left and right brain, his creative passions and analytical skills. He discusses the pivotal moments that have shaped his path, including the creation of the French Bistro events, where Francophiles gather to discuss life and societal topics through a philosophical lens. Olivier also sheds light on his writing endeavours, where he explores personal and intimate experiences. Thank you Olivier for this sincere conversation that touches on many fascinating aspects of the life of a French man in Australia. Bonne écoute !   Contact Olivier on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/olivier-vojetta More about Olivier, his activities and his books: https://www.oliviervojetta.com/ Philo Bistro with Alliance Française de Sydney: https://www.afsydney.com.au/whats-on/philo-bistro/

Welcome to today's episode where I am chatting with Thomas, also known as Thomas l'Ingénieur on social media. Originally from Britany in France, Thomas has been living—and surfing!—in Sydney for ten years now. He's living his Australian dream and is passionate about helping other young professionals do the same. Thomas is a real go-getter. He creates YouTube content in French to share his valuable advice on finding a job and building a successful career in Australia and beyond. He has more than 48,000 followers on this platform where he publishes content regularly. He also hosts a podcast where he interviews French engineers about their professional journeys. This activity as a content creator and author is almost a second full time job alongside his day job as data manager for a government organisation. Thomas’ energy and determination are truly inspiring and I have a feeling you'll be dreaming big after listening to this episode.  Bonne écoute ! We pay our respects to elders past and present and future, and recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are Australia's first storytellers, artists, communities and creators of culture. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and acknowledge that they never ceded sovereignty.   Follow Thomas: Thomas l'Ingénieur YouTube Thomas l'Ingénieur Website  thomas.lingenieur Instagram Discussions d'Ingénieurs   Thomas' videos recommendations: 10 things to know before coming to Australia (in French) How to find a REAL job in Australia (in French)   We talk about them in the episode: You are so French! x Eric Fusil You are so French! x Laure Legros

Welcome to today's episode, where I have the pleasure of chatting with Eric Fusil, a remarkable individual wearing many hats: naval architect, consultant, Associate Professor, and expert in submarine defence based in Adelaide. But Eric's Australian story goes beyond his professional expertise. When he, along with his wife and three young children, embarked on a new life in Australia in 2015, they faced a myriad of challenges. Yet, amidst the fresh start, Eric saw an opportunity for his children to experience life in an English-speaking country with a foreign culture while retaining their French roots. His passion for bilingual education led him to spearhead the introduction of a French language program in a public school in Adelaide. Join us as Eric shares his journey, navigating the complexities of bringing his vision to life, all while embracing the humor and honesty that define his character. Tune in for a conversation filled with insight and generosity.   Bonne écoute!   Find Eric on LinkedIn. We acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia. We recognise and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

Welcome to the first episode of 2024, and what a better way to start the year than talking about cheese! Today we speak with Matthieu Megard from L’Artisan Cheese-Organic. Matthieu is the founder, managing director and master Cheesemaker of L’Artisan and has been researching how to bring the best of French cheese tradition to Australia since 2009. Through his own experience and story, Matthieu brings us a mini masterclass on French cheese, the ingredients and the requirements to make excellent products, as well as some insights on the Australian cheese market. Matthieu also shares what it's like to live in regional Victoria, the challenge of the long distances and how the climate is always his biggest competitor. I hope you will enjoy this conversation like a delicious creamy treat! Bonne écoute ! Find L’Artisan Cheese-Organic Follow L’Artisan Cheese-Organic on Instagram Matthieu’s recommendations for bakeries and pastry shops in Geelong, VIC:  Born and Bread That Place Patisserie   We acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia. We recognise and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In this new episode of the podcast, I meet with Elise Léger. If you are a French person in Australia, you probably receive emails from Elise every now and then. Being an active member of the French community is indeed one of Elise’s many hats. Elise is an elected member for the French Citizens in Australia, Fiji, Papua Guinea and she also sits at the Assembly of the French People Overseas representing French people of the Asia-Oceania region. You would think that these roles keep her busy enough and they do but Elise is also a French teacher at the Alliance Française of Sydney and a PhD candidate.  In this conversation, we talk about the many faces of the French community in Australia. Elise tells us about her commitments led by her desire to be on the field, close to the people she represents. We also discuss why French politics still matters even when you have been living far away from your homeland for a long time. I hope you’ll enjoy this candid and warm conversation with Elise. Bonne écoute !   Contact Elise: https://www.eliseleger.com/ Follow Elise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eliselegerau/?hl=en   We acknowledge Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Australia. We recognise and celebrate their enduring connections to Country, knowledge and stories. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.

In today's episode, we follow Jean-François Rupp founder of Alpine Nature Experience in Victoria's High Country and the Australian Alps. Jean-François grew up in the French Alps and the mountain is its happy place. At first glance, we may wonder why he decided to call Australia home then. But it seems that life had a plan for him down under. With Jean-Francois we talked about the Australian mountain leisure industry, how to develop a sustainable business with limited resources (spoiler, it helps!) and his way to build a life where he can enjoy the freedom of being in the Nature everyday. We acknowledge Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing  connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.  Bonne écoute ! Visit Alpine Nature Experience  Follow Alpine Nature Experience Jean-François Rupp's cheese recommendation: https://www.lartisancheese.com.au/   

In this episode of You are so French we are warmly invited into the beautiful world of Elise Pioch Balzac, founder of Maison Balzac. During this conversation, Elise takes us on a journey. We travel through her childhood memories in the south of France and her debut in the fashion world in Paris. We then fly with her to Australia where she first landed twenty years ago. With Elise we talked about style and fashion, the creative power of nostalgia, the infinite source of inspiration that are her family and homeland and how she built this joyful homeware brand Maison Balzac that transforms everyday life into memorable moments. We respectfully acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands on which this podcast was recorded, the Gadigal/Bidjigal people of the Eora Nation and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin nation. Bonne écoute !   To follow Elise and Maison Balzac: Maison Balzac website and instagram Elise Pioch Balzac's instagram   Elise's recommendation: Emilie Delalande at Etic The Art Gallery of New South Wales

In today’s episode I meet with Jean-François Ponthieux, the man behind So Frenchy So Chic. Many of us know this annual rendez-vous with French music hosted as a joyful picnic in the heart of the Australian summer. Over the years, the festival has showcased more than 50 of France’s top talents, including The Dø, Clara Luciani, Lou Doillon and Brigitte to name only a few. But So Frenchy So Chic is not just a festival, there are also music compilations, artists collaborations and more parties. With So Frenchy So Chic, Jean-François wants Australia to connect with French culture and to celebrate life’s simple pleasures à la française. A beautiful mission that hides long working hours, challenges and risk takings. Jean-François’ hard work and contribution to the promotion of French culture in Australia were acknowledged in 2016 by the French Republic when he became Knight of the Order of the Letters and Arts. But these achievements are just the cherry on the cake for Jean-François. He insists passion and fun are what is driving him, without much of a plan. He learnt on the fly as he says it himself, organising a festival for the first time in his life in 2012 with the first edition of So Frenchy So Chic.  With Jean-François we talked about his success story of course, how it started and what's happening behind the scenes.  When I launched the podcast, Jean-François' story was one of the first on my list of stories to tell in You are so French! So I am very happy to share this conversation with you today. Bonne écoute! This episode was recorded in April 2023 at the Alliance Francaise de Melbourne, merci beaucoup for welcoming You are so French! The Podcast. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we recorded this episode. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.   So Frenchy So Chic Follow So Frenchy So Chic on Instagram Listen to So Frenchy So Chic on Spotify Follow Jean-François Ponthieux on LInkedIn   Jean-François' French recommendations: Chef Jacques Raymond Juliette Armanet on Spotify Clara Luciani on Spotify Orelsan on Spotify

I am very honoured today to receive in You are so French! Monsieur Dominique Portet, a French winemaker who has been living and working in Australia for more than 40 years. Dominique is the ninth generation of winemakers so we talked about his family background from the Bordeaux region in France and how he exported his skills and heritage to Australia when the country was still a very young player in the wine industry. Not only a talented winemaker and businessman, Dominique is also very generous and committed to share his passion and knowledge with young winemakers in training who are coming to Australia to learn the craft and experience a new way of life. This is a beautiful conversation about wine of course but also about the kindness of Australian people, the value of hard work and all the meaningful ways to give back to the community. I am sure you will enjoy listening to Dominique as much as I enjoyed chatting with him. This episode was recorded in March 2022 in the Melbourne’s offices of the French Australian Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to the FACCI for welcoming You are so French! The Podcast. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we recorded this episode. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Bonne écoute!   Visit Dominique Portet Winery Follow Dominique Portet Dominique's recommendations: Philippe Mouchel Laurent

In today’s episode, I am chatting with my tenth guest Matthieu Jacomin. Matthieu works in the digital tech industry as an investor, advisor and expert in growth and revenue and is based in Sydney Northern Beaches. In a nutshell Matthieu is living the Australian’s dream of many. But his story with Australia didn’t start so fancy. Before Sydney, there was a farm in remote WA and a ride from Perth to Adelaide hitchhiking trucks as he couldn’t afford flight tickets. So I asked Matthieu the questions everyone wants to ask him: how did he make it down under and what does his working life look like as he admits himself his job remains quite a mystery for most, even his own parents.  A strong taste for novelty, hard work and destiny, here are 3 of the main drivers of Matthieu’s success story in Australia. I'll let you discover more whilst listening to this conversation. Bonne écoute !   Contact Matthieu Jacomin on LinkedIn French founders The French Tech    

In this episode of You are so French! I chat with Carole Sarasa, who is from the south west of France and is now based in Melbourne. Carole shares her experience working for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO). She explains how this chapter of her professional life changed her deeply and gave a new meaning to her life as a white immigrant in Australia. Carole is also a Board Member of the Alliance Française in Melbourne and is passionate about politics and culture. This is a special episode where we talk, among other things, about an important yet sensitive topic through our own experiences of French Australian women and with the humble hope to spark conversations in order to better know and understand the History and current reality of Australia’s First Nations.   Bonne écoute!   Carole’s recommendations: First Australians by Beck Cole and Rachel Perkins on SBS Welcome to Country by Marcia Langton Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe NITV on SBS   Alliance Francaise in Australia Alliance Francaise French Film Festival  Melbourne French Theatre   Contact Carole on LinkedIn  

Nicolas Fleury is the French-born Principal French Horn of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. With generosity and a sincere enthusiasm for the city he chose to call home, Nicolas is sharing his Australian story and is telling us why Melbourne makes his heart sing. A melodious surprise is hiding in this episode, bonne écoute! Follow Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to keep in touch with Nicolas' music and concerts. Nicolas' French musical recommendations: Debussy's La Mer, Ravel's Bolero, Olivier Messiaen, Francis Poulenc, Thierry Escaich. More recommendations: Australian Festival of Chamber Music MSO Sidney Myer Free Concerts