“You need to be a little bit crazy to become an entrepreneur. Regular people don’t create big, beautiful things.”
This isn’t your average inspirational quote from a Silicon Valley founder, or internet guru. These are the words of Grégoire Vigroux, the guest of our latest podcast episode, who definitely knows what he’s talking about, because he is a little crazy himself. Why? Because he has managed to build many beautiful things succesfully, including CallPoint (1000+ employees) which was sold to Telus International and Fenix.eco to Recommerce after just 14 months. More than that, he is the founder of Beyond Business School, the co-founder of BonApp, a philanthropist and advocate for mental health and sustainability. He is also the author of a science fiction novel, L’hôtel infini.
In this article, we present to you the most important lessons that Grégoire shared with us in the latest episode of our “Sweat, Tears and Equity” podcast.
Romanian Business Culture & Ecosystem
Grégoire has been in Romania since 2006, meaning that he managed to get a grasp of how things are around here, business-wise. He compared it to the French business environment, pointing out several unique strengths but also opportunities for improvement. Grégoire said that “Romanians are amazing at solving problems and working hard. They always find a way.” Romanian professionals are particularly known for their adaptability, strong work ethic, and exceptional problem-solving abilities—qualities that have made Romania an attractive base for entrepreneurial activity in the region.
However, Grégoire also identified some areas where improvement is needed. Sales capabilities, risk-taking, and public speaking are often challenges for Romanian entrepreneurs. He linked these gaps to the local education system, which sometimes stifles bold thinking and discourages people from standing out or challenging the status quo. “The education system here needs to help people feel comfortable speaking up and taking risks,” Grégoire noted. Yet, he remains optimistic, noting the rapid evolution of Romania’s startup ecosystem over the last decade. Our country’s willingness to adapt has contributed to significant progress, making it a growing force in the Central and Eastern European tech scene.
Exit Strategy and Business Relationships
Grégoire’s successful experiences with exits provide valuable lessons for any entrepreneur. “You need to plan your exit even before you start,” Grégoire stated. His most notable success was with Fenix.eco, a startup that sold refurbished smartphones, which he strategically planned and sold just 14 months after its launch. His experience shows how thinking ahead about potential exits leads to great opportunities and smoother transitions..
Grégoire also spoke about the value of maintaining open lines of communication with competitors. He pointed out that “Romanians often see competition as the enemy,” but instead, he recommended seeing competitors as allies with whom collaboration can be beneficial. “When we work together, we can solve bigger problems and grow the market for everyone,” he said. This mindset opens doors to partnerships, potential mergers, and opportunities to navigate industry-wide challenges together.
Mental Health and Work-Life Balance
Entrepreneurship is not just demanding financially or intellectually—it also takes a toll on mental health. Grégoire shared a deeply personal story of going through burnout in 2014, an experience that reshaped how he approached work and life balance. “I learned the hard way that I have limits, and I have to take care of myself,” he said. He underscored the need for entrepreneurs to prioritize mental health and highlighted the crucial role that family support plays in navigating the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship.
Grégoire offered practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being, all of which have become part of his daily routine. These include regular exercise, such as working out or running every day, and conducting walking meetings instead of staying confined in boardrooms. He practices intermittent fasting, generally eating only one meal per day, which helps him stay focused. Proper sleep is another essential element—when he feels fatigued, he allows himself to wake up naturally without an alarm. He also limits his business travel to avoid the stress associated with constant movement. Lastly, Grégoire recommended having hobbies outside of work—his passion for writing science fiction, for instance, provides a creative outlet beyond business.
Balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with personal well-being is a challenge, but Grégoire’s approach serves as a reminder that success is not just about building companies—it’s also about sustaining oneself along the journey.
Have you found these insights interesting?
Click the image and check out the full conversation with Grégoire Vigroux in the latest episode of our podcast – Sweat, Tears and Equity
