Jerome France on the intersection of sport, business and leadership
1. What connection do you see between sports and business?
Sports and business share a common goal: performance. In both, preparation is essential. It involves managing multiple factors: building a committed team, collaborating with the right partners, setting ambitious yet realistic goals, and anticipating risks.
In motorsports, minimizing risks requires a reliable team, a finely tuned machine, and rigorous personal preparation. However, even with a solid plan, unforeseen challenges arise at every turn. The key is to adapt quickly by leveraging prior preparation. In business, there’s no “exit lane”—you must always cross the finish line.
After every race, I conduct a debrief to analyze performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine strategies. This is the same approach I take with professional projects, whether it’s about customer service, technical execution, team safety, or financial performance. I also encourage my teams to conduct their own debriefs. This systematic approach ensures continuous progress.
Teamwork is central to both fields, but individual performance is also crucial. In racing, even a small mistake can be costly, if not fatal. That’s why I’ve built a team that’s adaptable and constantly evolving. My passion extends beyond driving—I’m captivated by the holistic approach to sports. In both business and sports, success relies on a strong team. The leader is just one part of the puzzle, enhancing collective effort.
I also apply principles from one domain to the other. For instance, our motorsport team is a pioneer in embracing ESG principles: using petroleum-free biofuels, partnering extensively with Hospice Casa Speranța, and mentoring young drivers.
2. How do you balance your professional activities and your passion for sports?
Everything hinges on discipline and a solid structure. In racing, every detail must be meticulously planned, allowing for better management of unforeseen challenges. In business, a leader must provide a stable framework that fosters trust and empowers teams. This autonomy enables teams to act independently while allowing the leader to focus on strategic priorities.
When I was leading EMI Romania, my teams always knew what to expect: my availability for emergencies, my responsiveness, and the regularity of our meetings. This created a stable environment that promoted autonomy and accountability.
Accepting mistakes is also crucial. Mistakes should never affect the client; instead, they should be seen as learning opportunities. In endurance racing, a technical error might cost time, but the focus remains on maximizing performance with the tools available.
Regular debriefs, whether in sports or business, help analyze, learn, and ensure continuous improvement. When teams embrace this culture, they become more autonomous, confident, and high-performing. This also reduces dependence on the leader, making time management far easier.
3. What does performance mean to you?
I have a motto that guides me: “Why settle for mediocrity when you can strive for excellence?”
I’m inherently competitive. Striving to be the best—whether with my clients, my teams, or my partners—is a constant motivation. For me, being a perfectionist doesn’t mean working 25 hours a day; it means focusing on what truly matters and delegating effectively.
Performance also involves surrounding yourself with the best people, where attitude is as important as skill. For me, money is not the end goal—it’s a byproduct. My objective is to be the best shareholder, the best partner, and to build the best team.
4. If EMI Group were a car, which one would it be?
Any car, when fully optimized, can deliver outstanding performance. I’ve made progress driving a modest Logan as well as high-performance prototypes. The key is to extract the maximum potential from what you have.
In business, performance translates into earning your clients’ trust. They choose to work with you because they know your team gives 100%. When everything runs seamlessly, everyone knows their role without needing constant communication. That’s when performance becomes exceptional.
EMI Group wouldn’t be a car—it would be a racing team. Each member and vehicle excels in its category, guided by leadership that fosters cohesion and engagement.
5. What role does discipline play in your life?
Discipline is a cornerstone of my life, in both sports and business. In sports, it ensures optimal physical and mental conditioning. In business, it provides the structure necessary to achieve goals effectively.
6. How important is adaptability?
Adaptability and focus are critical in both sports and business. You go where your attention is directed: if you anticipate, you stay in control through the twists and turns. Even when you hit an obstacle, it’s vital to keep your eyes on the goal.
7. What inspires you in sports and business?
I’m inspired by entrepreneurship and decentralization. I believe in giving people the freedom to express themselves and make decisions. In both sports and business, I aim for victory, but always with respect for my competitors. Healthy competition is vital.
8. How do you manage to balance everything?
A good leader is present to solve problems but must also take a step back to maintain clarity. I delegate and empower my teams, which allows me to focus on strategic priorities.
Sports also help me maintain balance. When I’m driving at 250 km/h, I’m fully immersed in the moment. Conversely, swimming gives me time to reflect on business decisions.
I turn stress into opportunity. For instance, during the pandemic, I used the time to plan long-term strategies while enjoying quality time with my family.
With experience, things become simpler. I firmly believe there’s always a solution to any problem. This conviction has rarely left me without an answer.
