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Manon Lavaud
Growth Project Manager at Tugende
Professional Background
Manon Lavaud is a dynamic and innovative professional with a rich tapestry of experiences that span across several continents. Originating from a picturesque French island in the Indian Ocean, Manon has cultivated a career that blends her passion for technology, social entrepreneurship, and grassroots initiatives. Her journey has taken her from the vibrant streets of France and the diverse landscapes of the United States to the entrepreneurial hubs of East Africa and India.
In Uganda, she co-founded Musana Carts, a revolutionary street food franchise that is redefining the culinary landscape for street vendors. Musana Carts is not just a business; it is a movement aimed at professionalizing street food vending, enhancing vendor incomes through effective branding and streamlining the supply chain process. Manon’s vision was to empower local street vendors, enabling them to thrive in a competitive market while sustaining their cultural heritage through food.
After successfully establishing Musana Carts and entrusting its operation to capable local staff, Manon transitioned to Tugende, where she currently serves as a Growth Project Manager. As part of the Tugende team, she plays a vital role in scaling operations and driving growth strategies that align with the company’s mission of creating economic opportunities for individuals, particularly in the transportation sector.
Education and Achievements
Manon’s academic journey reflects her commitment to understanding the intersection of business and societal development. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from Hult International Business School in San Francisco, where she honed her skills in creating business models that have a positive impact on society.
Prior to her master’s, she achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (B.B.A.), majoring in Management and Finance, at Université de Montréal - HEC Montréal, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous business programs. Additionally, she further distinguished herself with another Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Ewha Womans University, achieving high distinction. This foundational knowledge has equipped her with the tools necessary to navigate complex business environments effectively.
Furthermore, she excelled in her early education, completing a Classe préparatoire aux grandes écoles in Lettres et sciences sociales at Lycée Gabriel Guist'hau, where she also earned high distinction. This grounding in letters and social sciences complements her business acumen, enabling her to adopt a multifaceted approach to entrepreneurship and consulting.
Professional Experience
Manon has held various influential roles throughout her career. Before her venture with Musana Carts, she contributed as a Business Analyst at Altai Consulting, where she analyzed business operations and implemented strategies to optimize performance. As a Credit Scoring Research Manager at PlaNet Finance, she was instrumental in developing frameworks that enhance access to finance for underserved communities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to social equity.
Her leadership skills were further showcased during her tenure as President of VIDA (Vivre Intensément D'Aventures) at AEHEC inc., a role that involved leading and managing a team to promote adventures and cultural exchanges. Additionally, as a Project Manager at Humani'Terre, she focused on innovative projects that emphasize human-centered development, reiterating her dedication to making a meaningful impact.
Achievements
Manon’s achievements are a testament to her visionary mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. Through Musana Carts, she has helped countless street vendors improve their livelihoods and embrace their culinary artistry. The franchise not only elevates street food to a respectable industry but also plays a significant role in local economic development.
As a Growth Project Manager at Tugende, Manon is at the forefront of innovative projects aimed at expanding the company’s reach and impact, solidifying her position as a key player in Uganda’s entrepreneurial sphere. Her diverse background, combined with her educational qualifications, positions her as a thought leader in social entrepreneurship and business innovation.
Her commitment to excellence is further illustrated by her high distinctions throughout her academic career, underscoring her ability to perform at a top tier in all her endeavors. Manon Lavaud is an inspiring example of how one can merge passion with profession to create meaningful change and contribute positively to society.
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Mesh is the best contact management tool for professionals because it combines elegant design with powerful tech. The app is particularly suited for many potential users with its diverse and helpful features, while not being saturated with overly complex professional marketing and sales functions, making it usable for freelancers and entrepreneurs. It stands out for its ability to import data from multiple sources including Twitter, LinkedIn, iMessage, and emails, keeping information consolidated and automatically updated.
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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