Teaching high potential staff the special techniques used by startups, which are often called “innovation laboratories”, is the rationale behind the intensive course developed by Carrefour, the European mass retail market leader, for training its future senior executives.

The two-year course has four steps:

 • Following a two-week long integration seminar, the trainees carry out a nine-month assignment with the company during which they work on e-commerce, customer-oriented and service projects

 • They then leave for a six-month placement abroad during which they are involved in projects focusing on new uses for digital technologies

• When they return, the future executives join a partner startup for three months to learn how to work using more agile methods and how to speed up the group’s digital and managerial development

• Lastly, they work for a group department for six months during which they use their new skills in the field

Throughout the training course, they receive customised coaching and support from a mentor.

As consideration for providing this comprehensive experience, the group expects them to pass on this rich culture, which helps transform the business.

For more information: carrefour.fr (in French)