Name: Francis Rozange

Title: CEO

Organisation: LaFactory, inc.

Francis Rozange is a professional with an extensive background in digital marketing, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), and web design. With over two decades of experience, Francis has worked for newspapers such as Libération, and notably embarked on online ventures as early as 1994 by creating a website, followed by launching a marketplace and a hosting platform in 1997, which remain active to this day​1​.

In the evolving world of online marketing and SEO, Francis offers high-quality consulting services aimed at helping clients achieve and surpass their objectives. As an experienced SEO consultant based in Paris, he specializes in enhancing the online visibility of websites to boost business performanc

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Francis's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

In my journey as a leader, the most challenging aspect has been balancing the drive for results with maintaining a positive team environment. It's a delicate dance, especially during tight deadlines or critical project phases. Ensuring that the team remains motivated and engaged, while also steering them towards our goals, requires a blend of empathy, clear communication, and decisive action. It's a continuous learning experience, refining my approach to keep the harmony between achieving objectives and fostering a conducive, supportive work environment for the team.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I was a software developer but often found myself resolving team conflicts and leading small projects. Over time, I took on mentoring roles which caught senior management's attention. One day, the director offered me a Team Lead position for a new AI project, citing my natural leadership aptitude. Accepting this position marked my transition into a leadership role, where I further honed my skills through real-world challenges, steering my team towards achieving our project goals.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

6am: physical training

7am: Works remotely with my team for five hours.

One hour for lunch, reading my mail.

1pm-7pm: back to work

7-10pm: dedicated to my three kids

10pm-1am: reading books

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Recently, I faced a challenge when one of our key developers, Emily, expressed concern about the grueling work hours. Her words struck a chord, reminding me of the importance of empathy and work-life balance. The next day, I organized a meeting where we collaboratively revised our schedule and introduced a “disconnect policy” after 6 PM. This experience taught me that being open to feedback and adapting to the team’s needs leads to a healthier and more productive work environment.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The book "Good to Great" by Jim Collins has had a profound impact on my leadership journey. Its concept of Level 5 Leadership, which emphasizes humility and fierce resolve, resonated deeply with me. As I delved into the book, the idea of putting the organization's needs above personal glory struck a chord.

Implementing these principles, I began focusing more on collective success rather than individual accolades. I also started fostering a culture of open communication and continuous improvement within my team. The book helped me realize that great leadership is about catalyzing a team to attain superior outcomes, and shaping a legacy of success beyond personal tenure. This shift in perspective has been instrumental in evolving my approach towards leadership, making me more effective in guiding my team through challenges and towards our shared goals.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be: "Listen more than you speak."

Effective leadership often springs from understanding the perspectives, concerns, and ideas of those you lead. By listening actively, you not only foster a culture of open communication and trust but also garner diverse insights that could be invaluable in making informed decisions. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show respect, build rapport, and ultimately, guide your team towards shared success.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

Early in my leadership tenure, I led a high-stakes project under a tight deadline. As pressures mounted, team morale plummeted. Realizing a change was needed, I organized a weekend retreat to reconnect. Amidst relaxed conversations, a team member proposed a solution to a major roadblock we’d been facing. Back at work, that solution was our breakthrough, leading to the project’s successful completion. This experience underscored the importance of stepping back to foster innovation and the crucial role of a supportive, open communication environment in overcoming challenges.