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Leyla Kikukawa
Founder of Celadon. User-research, service design, innovation & entrepreneurship
Professional Background
Leyla Kikukawa is a dynamic professional with a profound blend of innovative thinking and scientific reasoning, embodying the spirit of modern entrepreneurship. As the founder of Celadon, Leyla has honed over five years of expertise in managing innovation-related challenges across diverse sectors, including retail, startups, and design agencies. Her wide-ranging experience encompasses working with large organizations, such as Leroy Merlin, where she held positions as both an innovation coordinator and service designer. Throughout her career, she has led various initiatives aimed at fostering innovation, including the launch and management of incubators and accelerators, emphasizing her proficiency in supporting organizations through complex innovation processes. Leyla's unique approach merges consultancy with operational production, ensuring that each solution offered is tailored to the specific needs and strengths of the organization.
Education and Achievements
Leyla Kikukawa's academic credentials are equally impressive. She earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Management from HEC School of Management, furthering her understanding of the complexities of business operations and the management of innovation processes. To complement her business acumen, she also holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy from Université Panthéon Sorbonne (Paris I), which adds a layer of depth to her analytical and critical thinking skills. Additionally, Leyla studied Innovation Management at École Polytechnique, equipping her with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to navigate the fast-paced domain of innovation.
Notable Projects and Contributions
Leyla’s experience includes serving as a project manager for the "Design with Care" initiative at les Sismo, a role in which she furthered her commitment to ethical considerations in design and innovation. As a startup manager in residence at 104factory, part of Agoranov, she significantly contributed to the development and scaling of innovative startup projects. Leyla has proven effectiveness in roles such as service analyst within the New Mobility business group at Renault and in film production with CPB Films, showcasing her versatile skill set and ability to adapt across various industries.
Innovation Facilitation at Celadon
Through her venture, Celadon, Leyla provides organizations with bespoke solutions aimed at nurturing innovation. Her offerings range from strategy development—helping organizations clarify and implement their innovation priorities— to creating tailored training methodologies for teams on topics like Design Thinking or Lean Startup. Leyla is passionate about enhancing organizations’ approaches to innovation, ensuring they not only thrive but also impact their environments positively.
Conclusion
Leyla Kikukawa stands out as an influential figure in the world of innovation. Armed with a potent mix of scientific reasoning, imaginative thinking, and strong academic foundations, she offers invaluable insight and guidance to organizations aiming to innovate responsibly and effectively. Her structuring of unique support frameworks, whether through strategy audits or user research analysis, embodies her commitment to helping others navigate the ever-evolving landscape of innovation. With her leadership, Celadon is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realms of innovation management and sustainable development.
