Amandine Simoni

“Strategic, data-driven, international business leader passionate about growth, innovation, people, and continuous learning”

Grad Year: MBA Class of 2022

Current Employer / Role: Sales & Marketing Director at Crosstalent, a saas.group company. saas.group is a global portfolio of independent SaaS businesses built by experienced entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and product leaders. Crosstalent is one of France’s leading Human Resources Information System (HRIS) software providers.

Is this the industry and role you envisioned yourself in upon entering the program?

Not exactly. When I joined the MBA, I knew I wanted to accelerate my international career and move into executive leadership, but I kept an open mind about the exact path. The program helped me realize that I thrive at the intersection of sales, marketing, business strategy, leadership, and revenue growth.

Since graduating, I have led international sales and marketing teams, worked closely with executive teams, and developed a broader perspective on how commercial strategy, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration can drive sustainable business growth.

Why was HEC Paris and its MBA program the right fit for you among all the options out there?

HEC Paris offered the ideal combination of academic excellence, global diversity, and strong European roots. I was looking for a top-ranked MBA that would challenge me intellectually while exposing me to classmates from a wide variety of industries, cultures, and professional backgrounds.

The collaborative environment, exceptional faculty, international community, and powerful alumni network made HEC Paris the right choice for me. The program also offered the right balance between strategic business education, leadership development, and practical exposure to real-world challenges.

How has the program helped you grow personally or professionally since graduating?

The MBA significantly expanded both my strategic thinking and my confidence as a leader. It strengthened my financial and analytical skills, taught me to approach decisions from a broader business perspective, and gave me the confidence to operate at executive level.

It also helped me understand how sales, marketing, finance, operations, and leadership need to work together to generate sustainable revenue and long-term business performance.

Equally importantly, the program broadened my international network and reinforced my ability to lead multicultural teams, manage complex stakeholders, and navigate periods of transformation and growth.

What’s a standout moment or memory from your time at HEC Paris that really stuck with you?

Serving as President of the Arts, Media & Entertainment Club and producing the MBA Talent Show remains one of my favorite memories.

Coordinating a large cross-functional project alongside an intense academic schedule taught me a great deal about leadership, teamwork, creativity, and execution. It was also a unique opportunity to bring the MBA community together and showcase the extraordinary diversity of talent within the class.

How did you balance your work, school, and home life during your degree? What were the biggest challenges?

Time management quickly became one of the most valuable skills I developed. Between coursework, recruiting, networking events, club activities, group projects, and personal commitments, prioritization was essential.

The biggest challenge was accepting that it was impossible to do everything. I had to learn to say no, focus on the opportunities that mattered most, and manage my energy as carefully as my time.

Finding the right balance was not always easy, but it taught me how to stay focused, perform under pressure, and remain effective across several demanding priorities.

What are some of the biggest takeaways or skills you gained from the MBA experience? 

The MBA strengthened my ability to solve complex business problems and make decisions from a general management perspective.

Some of my most important takeaways include:

• Strategic problem-solving

• Corporate finance and business decision-making

• Sales and marketing leadership

• Revenue growth strategy

• Cross-cultural collaboration

• Data-driven decision-making

• Stakeholder management

• Building and leading high-performing teams

• Communicating effectively with senior executives

• A lifelong international professional network

What is your advice for those who are considering applying to the HEC Paris MBA program?

Come with an open mind and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. The MBA is much more than an academic program. It is an opportunity to redefine your career, challenge your assumptions, build lifelong friendships, and learn from incredibly talented people from around the world.

Be clear about what you want to achieve but remain open to unexpected opportunities. Some of the most valuable experiences may come from projects, conversations, or relationships that were not part of your original plan.

Take advantage of every opportunity inside and outside the classroom, because many of the most important lessons come from the people you meet, the challenges you take on, and the experiences you create together.

© Copyright 2026 Poets&Quants. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rewritten or otherwise distributed without written permission. To reprint or license this article or any content from Poets&Quants, please submit your request HERE.