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Laurent Bérard
Senior Manager - MBA - EMEA Cybersecurity Expert
Professional Background
Laurent Bérard is a highly respected decision-maker with extensive experience and a rich background in business strategy, operational management, and security markets. He is known for his infectious enthusiasm and impressive charisma, qualities that have undeniably contributed to his success in developing and leading high-performing teams across various competitive environments. Throughout his career, Laurent has consistently focused on achieving predetermined goals, showcasing his results-oriented mindset at every organizational level.
Having held influential positions in notable companies such as Verizon Enterprise Solutions, Airbus, and Kaspersky Lab, Laurent has developed a comprehensive understanding of the nuances within the cybersecurity landscape. His roles have often involved negotiating strategic alliances with C-level executives, where his innovative management style has proven to be disruptive yet effective. Laurent’s expertise in designing performance indicators ensures that he not only meets but exceeds the expectations set forth in any project or initiative he undertakes.
Education and Achievements
Laurent's educational journey is as impressive as his professional career. He holds multiple advanced degrees, beginning with a Master's degree in Strategic Management from the prestigious HEC Paris. This institution is renowned for nurturing strategic thinkers and leaders, a fitting environment for someone of Laurent's caliber. He further expanded his knowledge by obtaining a second Master's degree in Finance, specializing in Finance at HEC Paris, which laid a solid groundwork for his understanding of financial systems and market dynamics.
Eager to expand his technical proficiency, he pursued a Cybersecurity Certificate Program at Rutgers University, where he achieved a Global Grade A-. This accomplishment reflects his commitment to staying current in an ever-evolving digital landscape dominated by cybersecurity concerns. Laurent also completed an MBA at Université Paris Dauphine, enhancing his managerial skills and strategic insight, allowing him to navigate complex business challenges effectively.
Not stopping there, he advanced his studies in Management and Strategy at KEDGE Business School, where he honed his understanding of strategic decision-making processes. Additionally, Laurent's Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus on Marketing and Management from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire provided him with a robust foundation in business principles that continue to support his tactical approach in management roles. His educational experiences at Grenoble Institute of Technology in hydraulics and environmental mechanics further demonstrate his diverse background in engineering, which complements his strategic and operational acumen in the business arena.
Career Highlights
Across his dynamic career, Laurent has taken on a variety of leadership roles that have solidified his standing as an expert in the cybersecurity field. As the Senior Cybersecurity Sales Manager at Verizon Enterprise Solutions, he successfully led initiatives that bridged the gap between technical proficiency and business strategy, helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks.
Prior to his tenure at Verizon, Laurent excelled as the Senior Strategic Account/Alliance Manager at Airbus CyberSecurity, where he cultivated strategic relationships to drive growth and innovation within the aerospace sector. His experience as the Business Development and Alliances Director at Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity France further refined his capabilities in creating effective partnerships and expanding market reach.
Laurent's leadership as Managing Director for French-speaking countries at TrustPort France showcased his ability to influence and lead diverse teams across various geographies, further cementing his reputation as a global leader in cybersecurity strategy. His contributions as Global Channel Director & Alliances at Bull Trustway were also significant, where he championed cybersecurity solutions that addressed the complex needs of modern businesses. His role as Corporate Sales Director for France and Africa at Kaspersky Lab involved navigating an extensive portfolio of cybersecurity products, ultimately positioning Kaspersky as a formidable player in the market.
With experience as a Corporate Channel Manager at Westcon - Comstor France and earlier roles, including a Marketing Assistant internship at Dassault Systèmes, Laurent has built a comprehensive portfolio that affords him a unique perspective on both sales and marketing within the tech industry.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his career, Laurent has consistently demonstrated remarkable achievements that speak to his skills and dedication. One of his notable accomplishments includes successfully negotiating and securing key business alliances that have led to increased market penetration and revenue growth for the organizations he has represented. His ability to foster strategic relationships with C-level executives has been a hallmark of his career and remains a pivotal component of his professional approach.
Additionally, Laurent's expertise in designing nuanced performance indicators has not only helped organizations benchmark their progress but has also catalyzed significant improvements in operational efficiencies. His focus on results-driven outcomes ensures that a high level of performance is maintained, empowering teams to meet and exceed both individual and organizational goals.
Laurent Bérard continues to be a respected thought leader in cybersecurity and business strategy. His extensive experience, coupled with his educational background and passion for innovation, positions him perfectly as a key player in shaping the future of the cybersecurity industry. As he advances in his career and explores new opportunities, his commitment to excellence and strategic vision remains unwavering, promising continued success in his future endeavors.
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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