Floriane Durand

BAA: What was your experience like during your year at the Alberta School of Business? How did that one year add value to your personal and professional growth?

What I have learned over the years is that working internationally is about connecting with people as much as mastering business strategy. My year in Edmonton was the beginning of this understanding.

My time in Edmonton taught me far more than business theory. Working alongside classmates from engineering, healthcare and various cultural backgrounds showed me how different perspectives shape better solutions. I distinctly remember a case study in Professor Edy Wong's class where my approach differed completely from my peers'. Instead of feeling out of place, I learned that these differences in thinking are valuable; they are what make each of us unique and teams stronger.

BAA: Can you share your career journey since graduation and how it led you to your current role?

After graduation, I started as a Brand Manager at Reckitt Benckiser, where I learned the fundamentals of marketing in a fast-paced environment. Moving to UPSA, a French pharmaceutical company with strong heritage, I developed comprehensive marketing expertise across multiple over-the-counter medicines categories, both at local and global levels. After managing the pain and cold and flu product pipeline and communication globally, I had the opportunity to create something new — building our wellbeing portfolio focused on vitality and food supplements from the ground up, including building and leading a dedicated team to bring these innovations to life. My journey then led me through business roles as a pharmacy sales representative, category manager and ecommerce key account manager in France, each step opening new perspectives on our business. As Global Marketing and Partnership Lead for Novalac, an infant milk brand we distribute, I led successful market launches in China and Germany through close collaboration with local teams.

BAA: As Vietnam Country Lead for UPSA, you operate at the intersection of global strategy and local market realities. What does your role involve, and how has leading across cultures shaped your approach to business and relationships?

Today, as Vietnam Country Lead for UPSA, I manage our business from France. It is a role that constantly teaches me new lessons about cultural understanding and business relationships. Vietnamese business culture brings its own rich perspectives and approaches, which has deepened my appreciation for different ways of working. Regular market visits help me stay connected with local realities and strengthen relationships with our teams, who bring invaluable market knowledge and expertise.

BAA: For students considering the dual-degree MBA with the school of business, what makes it a valuable partner experience — especially for those with global aspirations? Have you had the opportunity to return to Edmonton since graduation?

To those thinking about the University of Alberta MBA dual-degree: beyond the strong business education, you will learn to work with people from all over the world, adapt to new environments and find your own way of leading. The mix of students from different backgrounds creates an environment where you learn as much from your classmates as from your professors. While I have not been back to Edmonton since graduation, I look forward to showing my daughters one day — hopefully soon — where it all began.