Uncovering Executive Faculty: In the Atelier with Christopher Hogg, Master of Strategic Threads

Step into the atelier of strategic management, where the ambiance is as cultivated as the legacy of a Grande École. Here, Professor Christopher Hogg is the esteemed maître, a connoisseur of connections who bridges generations and industries with the deft touch of a master tailor. "It's not because you're being successful that you're going to deliver success." 

 Weaving Wisdom Across Generations

Christopher Hogg's career has been characterized by a dual commitment to both industry and teaching. "I've always had to carry both simultaneously," he says. His early days saw him teaching Sales and Marketing, fresh from completing a degree in Industrial Economics at Paris Dauphine University. Rapidly, he found himself at the helm of classes at HEC Paris, engaging with the bright minds of the Grande École and the seasoned professionals in Executive programs. 

The '90s brought a boom of the internet and a wave of entrepreneurial spirit that swept through the halls of HEC and Telecom Paris. Professor Hogg was there, guiding young entrepreneurs who dreamed up business models as bold and imaginative as the era. "It was a golden age," he reflects, "where students had a lot of venture capital at the start." 

Through the years, Professor Hogg has witnessed the evolution of student aspirations—from the quest for meaning and humanitarian impact to a return to boardrooms and consulting and back again to the entrepreneurial drive, now coupled with a deep concern for climate change. 

"It's very important to me to keep contact with the young generation,"

he emphasizes, acknowledging the need to continually adapt his teaching methods to the ever-changing world and its new breed of students.

Teaching executives, he finds, is a different ball game. It's a realm where experience speaks volumes, and the classroom becomes a place of mutual learning. "You'll learn as much from them as they learn from you," Professor Hogg notes, highlighting the rich discussions that arise from shared experiences and diverse methodologies. 

As an academic director, Professor Hogg's role extends beyond the classroom. He follows his participants' journeys from their first interviews to the proud moment they receive their diplomas. "It's a very transformative experience," he states, often leading to profound personal and professional growth. 

For Professor Hogg, the joy of teaching is amplified by the collective effort of the faculty, with each member contributing to the learning experience. Ensuring they teach with passion and purpose is crucial, for authentic learning and impact are found in sharing knowledge.

From Railways to Runways 

Professor Hogg's career began not on the runway but on the railroad tracks. His early experience in logistics, a world he describes as "tough business" due to low margins and a high dependence on human resources, instilled in him the importance of middle solid management. This emphasis on people resonates throughout his career, underscoring his belief that success hinges on effective human connection.

While the world of logistics might seem far removed from the glitz of fashion, Professor Hogg sees a unifying thread: the power of "threading." "Getting people together to create value". 

Lurex, the metallic yarn company Professor Hogg stewards, boasts a rich history dating back to the post-WWII era. Its legacy is one of innovation, constantly seeking to add a touch of "brilliance" to the fashion world. 

"Lurex is now often used in the fashion industry; whatever shines, is bright, is Lurex," he explains. 

Lurex's international presence, with operations spanning France, Japan, and Hong Kong, highlights Professor Hogg's appreciation for cultural diversity. He emphasizes the importance of "empathy" and "open-mindedness" when conducting business across borders. Lurex threads illuminate not just the runways of Paris but also traditional wear in India, Africa, and even Italy, underscoring Professor Hogg's belief in the universality of beauty and self-expression.

But in the luminous world of Lurex, the true brilliance often lies beneath the surface. It's a realm where Professor Christopher Hogg has gleaned profound lessons in humility—a quality as essential to leadership as it is to the textile industry. 

Not All That Shines… 

In fashion, as in leadership, it's easy to be dazzled by the sheen of success or the allure of innovation. Yet, Professor Hogg understands that "not all that shines is gold".

The value often resides in the unseen efforts, the challenges overcome, and the sustainable practices diligently woven into the fabric of a company's ethos.

Managing a company in the luxury textile industry means navigating a world where style and substance must coexist. It's about helping customers and designers create fabrics that captivate the market while remaining conscious of the environmental footprint.

"We have to be more eco-friendly, more sustainable," Professor Hogg notes, acknowledging the shift towards recycled materials and a more responsible supply chain. This commitment to sustainability and the humility it requires reflects a broader lesson: authentic leadership isn't just about the brilliance of one's achievements but also about the willingness to adapt, listen, and consider the impact of one's actions on the world.

China, India, and Beyond

Professor Hogg's business ventures have taken him to all corners of the globe, from China and India to West Africa. These experiences have given him a nuanced understanding of the complexities of international business.

He has witnessed China's remarkable transformation firsthand and acknowledges the need to address geopolitical issues and inequities. India's vastness and diversity leave him continually impressed, while West Africa's potential for growth fuels his passion for contributing to the development of its communities. There are so many occasions to respect and understand diversity. "You must build bridges and understand each country's cultural context." 

Horse Breeder by Passion

Professor Hogg's life isn't confined to boardrooms and classrooms. He harbors a surprising passion for horse breeding, a hobby that grounds him in nature and the unpredictability of life.

A foal bred by Christopher Hogg at Ecurie de la Seconde Chance

"It's also about humility because it's good to do business, it's good to be intellectual, but you also have to keep a link with nature and the animals," he says. 

Other Glittering Insights 

• Best Advice Received: "If more than 50% of your decisions are not silly, you may succeed." 
•  Teaching Approach: "Share some data and facts to trigger curiosity and appetite to know more." 
• Ultimate Dream for Executives: "That they will be able to help the people they manage and lead to achieve their own dreams." 
• Leadership Accessory: "A small lucky horseshoe hidden in their pocket, along with hard work, innovative vision, and inspiration." 
• Latest Book Written: "Les Transformations économiques – éditions ellipses 2020"
• Latest Book Read: "L’Infini dans un roseau d’Irène Vallejo – éditions les belles lettres 2021" 
• Current Playlist: Eddy de Pretto, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Angèle, Bigflo & Oli, Eminem, Adele, UB40. 

If one were to encapsulate his 26-year teaching career at HEC Paris into a single emblem, it would be the emoji of a jubilant figure, smile wide as the horizon, holding aloft a sign that proclaims "SHARE." This symbol captures the essence of a man who has not only imparted knowledge but also shared joy, wisdom, and a zest for life with every thread of thought he has knitted into the minds of those he has taught.

"One of the best decisions I've ever made was not to decide between being an academic and an entrepreneur and being, since then, a bit of both."