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Masters of Business: Stories That Inspire

Pauline Laigneau, co-founder of Gemmyo and host of the Le Gratin podcast
Women In Business

Pauline Laigneau: French Entrepreneur Redefining Business and Media

Pauline Laigneau is a prominent French entrepreneur, media creator, and mentor, widely known for co-founding the fine-jewelry brand Gemmyo and hosting the influential podcast Le Gratin. Through business and storytelling, she has become one of the most respected voices in France’s startup ecosystem.

Early Career and Entrepreneurial Drive

Pauline Laigneau began her career in the corporate world but quickly realized her ambition lay in building something of her own. This entrepreneurial drive led her to co-found Gemmyo in 2011, at a time when digital-first luxury brands were still rare in Europe.

Building Gemmyo: Rethinking Luxury Jewelry

With Gemmyo, Pauline Laigneau challenged traditional luxury norms by adopting a direct-to-consumer model. The brand focused on transparency, craftsmanship, and customer-centric design, helping it stand out in France’s competitive luxury market. Under her leadership, Gemmyo became a case study in how startups can disrupt established industries without compromising quality.

Le Gratin Podcast: Honest Conversations About Success

In 2018, Pauline Laigneau launched Le Gratin, a podcast that quickly gained popularity among entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals. Unlike traditional business interviews, the podcast explores the real stories behind success, including doubts, failures, and personal growth. Today, Le Gratin is considered one of France’s most influential business podcasts.

Influence on Women in Business

Pauline Laigneau is frequently cited as a role model for women in business in France. Through public speaking, mentoring, and content creation, she encourages more women to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership roles while staying authentic to their values.

Why Pauline Laigneau Matters Today

Pauline Laigneau represents a new generation of European entrepreneurs—those who combine business performance with purpose and transparency. Her impact goes beyond Gemmyo and podcasting, influencing how entrepreneurship, mental resilience, and leadership are discussed in modern France.

Conclusion

From co-founding a successful luxury startup to reshaping business storytelling through Le Gratin, Pauline Laigneau has built a lasting influence on France’s entrepreneurial landscape. Her journey continues to inspire founders, especially women, to build meaningful and sustainable careers.