You are so French! Success stories à la française

Ania Benhamadouche, Director of Bistrot Media: from Paris's fashion world to Sydney's hospitality scene – a journey into French Art de Vivre

Welcome to a new episode of You Are So French! I’m excited to share my conversation with Ania Benhamadouche, Director of Sydney marketing agency Bistrot Media. From working in Parisian luxury with renowned brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel to making her mark in Sydney's hospitality scene, Ania has built a career that spans continents and industries.

Starting with a working holiday visa, Ania quickly made her way into the heart of Sydney's food scene, working behind the scenes with a range of restaurants—both new and established. She has developed a deep understanding of the industry and knows exactly how to connect with foodies across the city.

As a French woman, Ania also developed an expertise in the French-Australian hospitality scene, understanding the subtleties of each market and the successful niche created by the crossover of both worlds. 

In this episode, we dive into Ania's journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. 

I hope you enjoy the conversation!

 

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

 

Bistrot Media: bistrotmedia.com

Contact Ania here

 

Ania's recommendations for French restaurants in Sydney:

Four Frogs

L'Heritage

 

Episode guide:

03:45: Ania’s life before Australia  
05:44: A Parisian life: glamour and hard work  
09:36: First step: Melbourne with a working holiday visa  
17:52: Next step: Sydney and looking for a sponsorship  
19:10: Shifting career path  
25:06: Taking over Bistrot Media  
30:10: Navigating cultural differences  
32:13: The French hospitality scene in Sydney  
39:57: Reflecting on the Australian journey  
44:05: Les Mots de la Fin  

Bonne écoute !

 

Alliance Française French Film Festival: A conversation with new CEO Frédéric Alliod

In this special episode of You are so French!, I sit down with Frédéric Alliod, the CEO of the Alliance Française French Film Festival, to explore the cultural impact of French cinema in Australia. Recorded just before the start of the 36th edition of the festival, Frédéric shares insights into how it has grown to become the largest French film event outside France.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the selection process and discover some exciting highlights from the upcoming 2025 edition. Frédéric explains why this annual event is so important for both the local French community and Australian Francophiles, showing how cinema creates connections and promotes cultural exchange.

You’ll also hear about Frédéric’s personal journey, his passion for French cinema, and the unique challenges and joys of bringing it to an Australian audience. It’s a conversation about dreams, cultural synergy, and the vibrant life of the French in Australia.

Bonne écoute!

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

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Frédéric’s recommendations for the 2025 edition:

• Before What Comes After
• The Story of Souleymane
• My Everything
• No Chains No Masters
• The Deluge
• Niki

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Episode Guide:

03:20 – Frédéric’s journey as an audiovisual expert with a global career
08:50 – The biggest French film festival outside France
12:42 – The unique Australian landscape that makes it a success
18:12 – The film selection process
23:42 – Films that spark conversation
31:38 – The French, Francophile, and movie-loving audience – a festival that matters to people for different reasons
34:05 – Cinema as a soft power, inspiring your love for France
41:05 – Future plans for the festival

 

 

 

Laurent Boillon, founder of Laurent Bakery: how a French pastry chef revolutionised the way Australia eats bread

_{Meet Laurent Boillon, the trailblazing founder of Laurent Bakery, on this episode of You are so French! The Podcast.}

_{Discover how Laurent transitioned from a budding pastry chef in from Aix-en-Provence to revolutionising the Australian bakery scene over 35 years.}

_{Experience Laurent's passionate journey as he mastered French baking techniques, introduced Australians to the art of sourdough, and scaled his business in a market unfamiliar with high-end French baking. Learn about the cultural challenges he faced, his triumphs in Melbourne, and his journey to creating a recognised brand throughout Australia.}

_{Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a lover of French cuisine, Laurent's story of dedication, innovation, and success is sure to inspire. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about how one man's vision can transform appetites and business atmospheres alike.}

_{Bonne écoute!}

_{We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.}

_{Episode markers:}

• _{01:41 – Episode introduction: Meet Laurent Boillon}
• _{03:45 – Learning pastry art with the best: apprenticeship at Lenôtre in Paris}
• _{07:05 – The call from overseas: Switzerland, St. Martin Island, USA, Scotland}
• _{08:32 – Becoming a baker and the art of sourdough bread}
• _{12:01 – Arriving in Australia: Cairns as a first stop}
• _{12:37 – Moving to Melbourne and early challenges}
• _{16:20 – Building Laurent Bakery: educating the market and training staff}
• _{18:45 – Sourcing quality ingredients}
• _{22:10 – Expanding the business and close partnerships}
• _{28:50 – Innovations in bread production and how Australia changed the way they eat bread}
• _{34:17 – Balancing work and family life}
• _{38:16 – Legacy and inspiring the next generation}
• _{41:22 – Future plans and aspirations}
• _{41:55 – Les mots de la fin}
• _{44:10 – Laurent’s reflections on his journey and success} 

Eva Bonnet @Bonjour.Mate, the power of cultural transmission: connecting her sons—and the world—to French language and culture

Welcome to another episode of You Are So French! Today, I’m joined by Eva Bonnet, better known as Bonjour Mate on social media. With over 500,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, Eva brings the quirks of French culture and language to life through her engaging and humorous videos.

Eva’s Australian’s story began in Melbourne with love and a corporate job. Passionate about pastry, she created a small side business of choux to cater for local sweet enthusiasts.

Her life took a major turn when she was diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, facing treatment while being unable to see her family in France.

On her way to recovery, Eva became a mum and now, as a mother of two sons, she is dedicated to building a strong connection to French culture for them. A creative soul, Eva’s passion for sharing her French heritage led her to start engaging videos online, which quickly attracted a loyal community eager to learn-and laugh- about French language and culture.

In this heartfelt conversation, we explore her journey through resilience, creativity, and the love for her heritage. Enjoy this genuine and inspiring conversation where you can hear smiles along the way.

Bonne écoute!

 

Episode Guide:
03:57 Life Before Australia: St Tropez and Dordogne.
10:57 First steps in Melbourne.
15:00 Finding Love and a Reason to Stay.
19:06 The Choux Pastry Business.
23:12 Navigating Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment during COVID-19.
29:12 Re-Discovering French Culture and Heritage through Motherhood.
36:22 Balancing Life and Content Creation.
50:43 Reflections on Success.
52:00 Les Mots de la Fin.

Max Chaury, co-founder of Upworth: personal finance for all and the expat perspective

Welcome to another episode of You Are So French! Today, I am excited to chat with Max Chaury. Even though Max has only been in Sydney for a year, it’s clear that he doesn’t need much time to make a mark and embrace new opportunities. In his early thirties, Max has already lived across five continents and worked in diverse fields, including a stint with the French army.

Max is now settled in Sydney, where he’s spearheading Upworth, a fresh player in the personal finance arena. Upworth’s mission is to make long-term wealth management easier for people. An important topic to discuss even for us individuals with global roots who often find managing money in a new language and place pretty challenging.

In the episode we talk with Max about some key moments that set the ground for a life around the world. I ask him about his first impressions of his new city, and what it’s like being the co-founder of Upworth. We also uncover how he quickly became a local expert in finance and home mortgage markets. Plus, we dive into the specific financial hurdles expats face and how to tackle them.

Tune in for an inspiring chat about making bold moves and planning for an exciting future!

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

 

Bonne écoute!

 

Contact Max

 

Episode Guide:

04:40 - Life Before Australia
The experiences and background that shaped Max's journey until moving to Australia. 

17:07 - Moving to Sydney and Building Upworth
The challenges and triumphs of establishing Upworth in Sydney, highlighting key milestones.

19:16 - Financial Education and Opportunities for Newcomers in Australia
The importance of financial literacy and the various opportunities available for newcomers to thrive.

25:40 - Exploring Investment Options
Investigate different investment avenues in Australia, from real estate to stocks, and how to navigate them.

32:18 - Australia: A Land of Opportunities?
Is Australia living up to its reputation as a land of opportunity, with insights on job markets and lifestyle.

44:01 - Max’s Definition of a Successful Life
Max’s personal philosophy on what constitutes a successful life, reflecting on both personal and professional achievements.

 

 

Olfa Hafsa: the Australian wellness journey of a French practitioner and the impact of migration on mental health and wellbeing

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Olfa Hafsa, a naturopath, nutritionist, and counsellor who has called Brisbane home for the past 12 years. Olfa initially came to Australia as a consultant, drawn by the promise of the so-called Australian quality of life. Through her personal health journey, she developed a profound interest in alternative medicine and the impact of lifestyle choices on health.

In 2016, after four years in Australia, she made a leap of faith and transitioned careers to become a practitioner, focusing on nutrition, naturopathy, and counselling to help others achieve better health.

During our conversation, Olfa shares of course her Australian story with its highs and lows. We discuss candidly the effects of expatriation on both physical and mental well-being. Together we dive into the impact of a life far away from the motherland on our emotions and because it is all related, on our bodies.

We also talk about the wellness industry in Australia, our approach to it and how it compares to France. Finally, we take some time to reflect on the question many of us ponder regularly: should I stay or should I go?

Thank you, Olfa, for such an enlightening, emotional, and sincere conversation. I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I did.

This podcast was recorded on the lands of Meanjin, Brisbane and Naarm, Melbourne. We respectfully acknowledge the tradition of these lands the Jagera people and the Turrbal people, and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Elders, past and present.

 

Contact Olfa:

Grounded Mind Therapies

contact@groundedmindtherapies.com

Follow Olfa on Instagram 

 

Episode guide:

05:00 – Olfa’s Presentation
Dive into Olfa’s background and the focus of her presentation.

08:15 – The Australian Dream
Explore what drew Olfa to Australia and what made the country appealing to her.

10:20 – Olfa’s First Months in Australia
A look at Olfa’s initial experiences during her early months in Australia.

15:20 – Career Transition: From Consultant to New Horizons
Discover Olfa’s decision to pivot from a high-stress consulting career to a new professional path.

19:45 – Australia’s Role in the Wellbeing Industry
Examine Australia’s leading position in the wellbeing sector compared to France.

24:00 – Olfa’s Path to Becoming a Practitioner
Follow Olfa’s journey and the steps she took to establish herself as a practitioner.

26:25 – Migration’s Impact on Health
Discuss how moving to a new country affects both mental and physical health.

32:10 – The French Community and Counselling in Your Native Language
Explore how being part of the French community in Australia and receiving counselling in one’s native language can make a difference.

35:00 – Considering a Move Back to France
Why Olfa is considering a move back to France in the near future and what does it mean for her career?

 

Jean-Pierre Chabrol: leading the digital transformation of Australian cultural institutions NGV and Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

In this episode, we sit down with Jean-Pierre Chabrol, a digital media expert specialised in cultural institutions. Having spent two decades in Australia spearheading digital transformations at prestigious art organisations like the National Gallery of Victoria and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia in Sydney, Jean-Pierre recently made a significant move back to France for a new chapter in his career and personal life.

Jean-Pierre shares candid reflections on his Australian journey, from arriving as a young family full of dreams to navigating the complexities of leading innovation in renowned cultural institutions. He recounts memorable moments and the challenges of bridging digital strategies with artistic vision.

Now back in Europe, Jean-Pierre discusses the fresh challenges and opportunities of starting anew, blending humour and philosophical insights into the intersections of life, art, and technology. Join us for an enlightening conversation as Jean-Pierre Chabrol shares his inspiring journey of cultural and personal transformation.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the many lands on which we meet, work and live, and we pay our respects to Elders past and present - people who have told their stories on these lands for thousands of generations, and who continue to do so.

 

Melbourne Design Week edition with Mathilde Delatte, founder and creative director of Belleville Studio: exploring French flair in Australia's local Design scene

Welcome to today's episode, a special design edition for Melbourne Design Week 2024. We are joined by Mathilde Delatte, the founder and creative director of Belleville Studio in Melbourne. In this conversation, we explore Mathilde’s journey in Australia, which began with a dream and a lot of courage. We delve into the essence of French style, Mathilde’s perspective on the local design scene, and her insights on building a network as a creative professional in a saturated market. 

Enjoy this conversation with Mathilde Delatte.

And if you are seeking a French touch in this year's Melbourne Design Week, don't miss the conversation with French marquetry artisan Arthur Seigneur, one half of the duo Adam and Arthur, in the "In Conversation with A&A" event at Tolarno Galleries on Saturday 25 May. Check Melbourne Design Week website for more info.

We acknowledge the traditional owners on the lands on which this podcast was record, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Boon Wurrung Bunurong peoples of the eastern Kulin Nations . We pay our respect to their Edlers, past and present. 

Olivier Vojetta: exploring the multifaceted journey of a French creative from finance to philo

In this episode we have the pleasure of hearing from Olivier Vojetta. Much like many of our previous guests, Olivier has been living several lives, before Australia and since he settled in Sydney in 2012.

Throughout his journey, he has grappled with duality, and Australia has provided him with both the space and the mindset to fully explore this aspect of his life.

In this conversation, Olivier shares with us how he has managed to strike a balance between his left and right brain, his creative passions and analytical skills. He discusses the pivotal moments that have shaped his path, including the creation of the French Bistro events, where Francophiles gather to discuss life and societal topics through a philosophical lens. Olivier also sheds light on his writing endeavours, where he explores personal and intimate experiences.

Thank you Olivier for this sincere conversation that touches on many fascinating aspects of the life of a French man in Australia.

Bonne écoute !

 

Contact Olivier on LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/olivier-vojetta

More about Olivier, his activities and his books: https://www.oliviervojetta.com/

Philo Bistro with Alliance Française de Sydney: https://www.afsydney.com.au/whats-on/philo-bistro/

Thomas l’Ingénieur - waves, work, willingness and warmth: a guide to build your Australian Dream

Welcome to today's episode where I am chatting with Thomas, also known as Thomas l'Ingénieur on social media. Originally from Britany in France, Thomas has been living—and surfing!—in Sydney for ten years now. He's living his Australian dream and is passionate about helping other young professionals do the same. Thomas is a real go-getter. He creates YouTube content in French to share his valuable advice on finding a job and building a successful career in Australia and beyond. He has more than 48,000 followers on this platform where he publishes content regularly. He also hosts a podcast where he interviews French engineers about their professional journeys. This activity as a content creator and author is almost a second full time job alongside his day job as data manager for a government organisation. Thomas’ energy and determination are truly inspiring and I have a feeling you'll be dreaming big after listening to this episode.  Bonne écoute ! We pay our respects to elders past and present and future, and recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are Australia's first storytellers, artists, communities and creators of culture. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters and acknowledge that they never ceded sovereignty.   Follow Thomas: Thomas l'Ingénieur YouTube Thomas l'Ingénieur Website  thomas.lingenieur Instagram Discussions d'Ingénieurs   Thomas' videos recommendations: 10 things to know before coming to Australia (in French) How to find a REAL job in Australia (in French)   We talk about them in the episode: You are so French! x Eric Fusil You are so French! x Laure Legros