James Kandalaft

Dear CMA CGM,

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the invaluable support you provided me with,
which enabled me to pursue my MBA studies at HEC Paris starting in September 2023. Your
investment in my education has not only transformed my personal and professional trajectory but
has also empowered me to achieve significant milestones and make substantial contributions to
both my academic community and the broader business world.

Throughout my MBA journey, I have had the privilege of engaging in a multitude of enriching
experiences and impactful initiatives, each of which has played a pivotal role in shaping my
growth and development. Allow me to highlight some of the key achievements and experiences
that have been made possible through your generous scholarship:

First and foremost, I had the honor of organizing and executing the MBAT 2024, known as the
MBA Olympics, the largest student-led event at HEC Paris and in Europe. Voted by my peers to
be the CFO of this event, I successfully orchestrated the planning, budgeting, and
implementation of this event, which attracted participation from 15 top business schools and
generated a revenue of 750 thousand euros from ticket sales which covered 3 nights’
accommodation, transportation, sports tournaments and venues, and celebration of gatherings of
MBA’s every night with a grand gala night ending the tournament. This experience not only
showcased my leadership abilities but also demonstrated my capability to manage complex
projects and deliver exceptional results.

Additionally, I was privileged to be selected to participate in The Executive Committee (TEC), a
prestigious mentorship and business leadership program aimed at helping students define their
long-term personal and professional goals. Through this program, I had the invaluable
opportunity to interact with and receive guidance from esteemed industry leaders, including the
Vice President of Schlumberger Ltd and a Board of Director member of WorldLine. These
interactions have provided me with invaluable insights and perspectives that have greatly
influenced my career aspirations and aspirations.

Furthermore, I had the opportunity to enhance my leadership and team-building skills through
immersive experiences such as the Outdoor Leadership program, where I navigated challenging
projects under extreme conditions and received expert feedback on my performance.
Additionally, I participated in simulations like the Mount Everest and Desert Survival scenarios,
which further honed my decision-making, communication, and problem-solving abilities in highstakes
environments.

Moreover, I deepened my understanding of ethical dilemmas in business through participation in
the "Ethics and Performance" course at the Sereys Monastery, led by Hugues Minguet, a
Benedict Monk. This immersive experience challenged me to reflect on managerial
responsibilities and make ethical decisions in complex business situations.

I also completed an intensive Private Equity & Infrastructure Certificate, where I gained insights
into specialized funds acquiring controlling stakes in businesses and learned about their strategic
management and profitable exits. Interacting with key industry speakers such as Sachin Khajuria
and Charles-Edouard Bouée ex-CEO of Roland Berger and Co-Founder of several private equity
firms, and Alain Rauscher, Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of Antin Infrastructure, provided
me with invaluable insights and perspectives on the private equity landscape.

Additionally, I participated in the MBA Sustainability trek through Berlin, where I explored the
intersection of sustainability, technology, and innovation through insightful sessions and
engaging discussions with startups and industry leaders. This experience deepened my
understanding of sustainability challenges and provided me with valuable insights into
consulting and energy ventures.

Lastly, I am thrilled to share that I have received an internship offer from Eli & Lilly in the
finance department for the summer, which is a testament to the quality of education and
preparation I received during my MBA studies.

In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for your unwavering support and belief in my potential.
Your scholarship has not only made my MBA journey possible but has also empowered me to
achieve remarkable milestones and make meaningful contributions to society. I am committed to
continuing to strive for excellence and making a positive impact in my future endeavors, and I
am forever indebted to you for making it all possible.

With deepest appreciation,

James Kandalaft