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Smart Démarche Coaching

About me

A career across major groups between Africa and Europe, my experience as an entrepreneur, my perspective on growth mindset and HR innovation, and my sensitivity to "out-of-the-box" profiles all make a real difference in my approach.

Portrait of Céline Thiam, founder of Smart Démarche Coaching

My background

Born in Normandy, I grew up between the Landes and the Basque Country, in a family turned toward others — my mother worked in healthcare, my father in customs. I found that same attention to people in human resources: HR training at CNAM in Paris, then at CNED in Poitiers, before moving to Africa.

Viadeo Afrique, the consulting firm AfricSearch, then Société Générale — where I led HR before taking the helm of an innovation lab for Africa. Today, I run HR for an international group present in six West African countries, while also supporting leaders and individuals through Smart Démarche Coaching.

I believe in your potential, even when you doubt it.

My approach

In a professional world where change is no longer the exception but the norm — whatever the sector — leaders and managers need to evolve with the same agility as their market, and HR needs to support them as a true business partner rather than an administrative function.

It's precisely this dual challenge — and everyone's ability to know themselves better in order to perform better in a constantly changing environment — that shapes my approach.

A rare combination: HR, Innovation and Coaching — not a single specialty.

Recognised expertise

Across a multi-country environment: France, Africa (including the Maghreb), the Indian Ocean and the Pacific — alongside international groups as well as organisations in the midst of structuring themselves.

Training and certifications

  • Professional coaching certification, EMCC (2024) — practised under its code of ethics
  • Technology innovation management — École Polytechnique Executive Education, Paris (2022)
  • Agile Scrum project management certification — OO2 Training & Consulting (2020)

Additional specialisation in neuroinclusion (multipotentiality, neurodivergence) → see the Neuroinclusion offer.

My values

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About me — HR, innovation & leadership expert · Smart Démarche Coaching