Cédric Lavédrine, SSE specialist, joins Sorewards

Sorewards is a gift card solution for companies, with a positive and solidarity-based impact. Cédric Lavédrine, a specialist in the SSE (Social and Solidarity Economy) took part in the project in March 2020, and we wanted to ask him some questions.

Cédric, can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Cédric Lavédrine: Professionally, I started at KPMG after business school. Once I'd qualified as a chartered accountant, I set up my own firm after a spell in start-ups, particularly in electronic payment. Over the last 20 years, I've developed cross-disciplinary expertise for associations and SSE organizations, either as a chartered accountant or as a consultant on their projects.

I regularly write articles for Juris associations, the last one in July was about the opportunities for an association to structure itself as a SCOP in the personal services sector.

I have also always had a strong interest in technology, from NICTs yesterday to start-ups today. I like to take risks, while keeping my feet on the ground. And I like to pass on advice or expertise to help my teams or clients progress. I also learn a lot from them.

What made you want to participate in the Sorewards project?

Cédric Lavédrine: It was the people behind the project who made me want to join them, Tancrède, Erlend and Marc, whose commitment and values I've known for several years. They introduced me to the solidarity gift cards in spring 2019, and I incorporated these rewards into an entertainment project with my teams at the end of the year. Thirty people received their dematerialized gift cards, with the option of freely donating to associations. In testing the system, I was convinced of its effectiveness and potential for development. At the same time, as an investor partner, I had considered joining a virtual reality project. But the Sorewards business model, ambitious but more solid, appealed to me even more. But we also have a strong relationship of trust, and that's what convinced me.

In your opinion, what are the priority issues for associations in the coming weeks and months?

Cédric Lavédrine: The challenge is to adapt, transform and evolve in accelerated mode. And associations are sometimes astonishing and remarkable in their ability to bounce back, because they are driven by a project that transcends individuality.

Historically, they were among the first to use email and the internet to carry out their missions. Today, the challenge is to mobilise the power of their creative force and succeed in overcoming certain historical obstacles, such as enhancing their expertise in the commercial sector while remaining faithful to their project and hybridising their model. The boundary between SSE and companies is becoming increasingly permeable, for better or for worse, in both directions.

Would you like to pass on a message to the entrepreneurs or leaders of associations who will read your testimony? 

Cédric Lavédrine: Every day I find a lot of energy in optimism. I sleep very little and yet I'm rarely tired. People sometimes take me for an "extraterrestrial". I'm convinced that optimism is the key to this inexhaustible source of energy from which I draw. Be optimistic 🙂

Energy and optimism go well with Sorewards. An award that allows you to show solidarity is doubly positive energy. Is that why you joined the project?

Cédric Lavédrine: I hadn't thought of that, but it makes perfect sense.

Thank you very much Cedric for answering our questions so spontaneously on your first day of holiday. See you soon!

Interview by Nadege Bonnisset