Leadership Lessons with Clément Reyne, Co-founder and Partner at WEMEAN

Camille Chevailler, Senior Consultant at Hanson Search, sat down with Clément Reyne, Co-founder and Partner at WEMEAN, to explore what leadership in communications looks like today. Drawing on a career that spans diplomacy, government, and consultancy, Clément shares his perspective on political influence, public engagement, the value of curiosity and how communication is evolving in an AI-driven world.

How did you get into communications and what initially attracted you to this field?

I began in 2003 with an internship at the Alliance Française in Madras, working on French soft power. India was opening up and I quickly saw how communications could shape influence and global positioning. That led me to the French Consulate in Mumbai, where I helped coordinate France’s presence at the World Social Forum. This was a unique experience in building narratives across diverse and often conflicting interests.

Later, I joined the French government as a communications advisor across several ministries. It was fast-paced and high-stakes, and it gave me a deep understanding of political strategy and public discourse, lessons I draw on every day.

What personal qualities do you think have helped you succeed?

Curiosity, for people and for the world around me. I’ve always enjoyed listening and understanding others, which is essential in our work. I also constantly monitor political, economic and social changes. Ideas often come from spotting patterns and drawing connections. That mindset helps me stay relevant and bring value.

What are your greatest achievements and most memorable experiences as a communications professional?

Crises have been the most formative experiences, from governance issues at Orange to rail accidents at SNCF and sensitive legal matters. They test everything you’ve learned. But what I value most is helping leaders define and articulate their purpose. Working closely with executives to shape their voice and public engagement is where I find the most meaning, especially today, when businesses are expected to contribute to wider societal challenges.

In your opinion, what are the essential qualities that today’s leaders — whether agency CEOs or communications directors — must have?

Effective leaders read widely, challenge assumptions and engage without fear. They see progress as an opportunity, not a threat. They balance confidence with humility, knowing when to push bold ideas and when to step back. They surround themselves with talent that will challenge and surpass them. And they stay attuned to societal, political and technological shifts, a prerequisite for meaningful leadership today.

Listening deeply to clients, teams and context is what turns a good advisor into a trusted partner.

What are the main challenges you currently face at WEMEAN?

Helping leaders step into public debate with confidence. Many still prefer to stay under the radar, but today’s stakeholders expect visible, purpose-driven leadership. It’s about turning intention into credible action. That means consistency, evidence and sometimes courage, especially in a world where scrutiny is high and attention spans are short. Above all, we help leaders understand that their role today is not only to lead companies, but to contribute – openly and actively – to the wider society.

What strategies or approaches do you adopt to overcome these challenges?

We start with employer branding. Showing how purpose attracts talent, then connecting it to business value, client trust and reputation. We also coach leaders to embody their convictions with confidence. It’s not just about messaging, it’s about presence, clarity and action.

How do you see the sector evolving over the next five to ten years?

AI will shift the value of consultancy. Content production and benchmarking will become less of a differentiator. What will matter is strategic judgement, clarity and the ability to drive action in real time. Clients want less theory and more activation. The best consultants will be those who help leaders move both quickly and meaningfully, by connecting ideas, people, and opportunities.

How is WEMEAN adapting to digital transformations and new client expectations?

We’ve adopted a mindset of “permanent updating”, continuously rethinking how we work, embracing AI and investing in peer learning. Clients no longer want standardised deliverables, they want clarity, speed and impact. Our job is to offer guidance in real time, not wait for the perfect conditions.

How important do you consider company culture and innovation to be in WEMEAN’s success?

It’s everything. Our name WEMEAN reflects our focus on meaning and impact. We’ve built a culture centred on purpose and innovation. That drives how we attract talent, support clients and help businesses become agents of positive change.

How do you promote talent development within your organisation?

We prioritise curiosity, initiative and the ability to generate ideas. Experience matters, but so does mindset. We encourage consultants to explore our clients’ worlds and connect the dots. Progress here isn’t about titles, it’s about developing original thinking and leadership capability.

What advice would you give to future leaders looking to grow in the communications sector?

Stay curious, read widely and look beyond your sector. Don’t wait to be asked, instead take the lead. Frame issues, shape narratives and help others make sense of change. Above all, understand that communication today is about responsibility, not just visibility. Our role is to help organisations take a stand and make it count, for business, and for society.

Whether you’re hiring top Public Affairs or Communications talent, or considering your next career move, our team would be delighted to support you.

Camille Chevallier leads the Marketing & Communications European practice, covering Corporate Communications, Consumer PR, Financial Communications, Digital, Branding, Advertising and Crisis Communications.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales.