Intimate Portrait - Arnaud Lagesse: "Heritage Explains Where I Come From, But Not Who I Am"
Intimate Portrait - Arnaud Lagesse: "Heritage Explains Where I Come From, But Not Who I Am". Arnaud Lagesse, a key figure in Mauritius' economic landscape, leads one of the largest groups in the country and is now the president of Business Mauritius. Often seen as a visionary leader, he reveals a more personal side here: that of a Mauritian deeply connected to his country, his teams, and the youth. Through conviction, introspection, humor, and openness to Africa, he shares his approach to being a leader, father, islander, and citizen.
You are often described as one of the top CEOs in the country, a respected and observed leadership figure. But behind that title, what kind of man are you really?
Respected and observed leadership! You flatter me, and it's you who say that, not me! In my daily life, I don’t see myself as a "top CEO." I’m a Mauritian, a dad, someone who loves life and marvels at everything every day.
Honestly, I’m neither impressed nor driven by titles in organizational charts, nor by media headlines because they do not define a person. They certainly do not define who I am.
Behind all this, those who know me well can hopefully tell you that there is simply a man attached to his country, his family, his friends, his teams, societal values, respect for others, and the environment. Nothing particularly spectacular.
What values guide you beyond the strict framework of business?
Respect first. I believe that nothing holds without respect. Courtesy and listening come next. And then, keeping one’s word. Finally, a sense of responsibility. All my life, my father, Cyril Lagesse, taught me that to lead means to take responsibility. It means to remain consistent and aligned with one’s convictions, especially when no one is watching.
In hindsight, what has been the greatest lesson in leadership you’ve learned over the years?
That you never lead alone. Over the years, I have learned - sometimes the hard way - that a leader is not a peak; he is a center. He sets people in motion, but he cannot advance without them. IBL is what it is, thanks to our teams. That’s the only truth. Together, we built a strong, open group, firmly established regionally today as well.
If you were to introspect on the leader you have become, how would you view your own journey?
I’d say that, luckily, I have learned to slow down. To listen more. To not confuse speed with haste. When you’re young, you think rushing is a strength. Over time, you understand that strength lies in movement, but also in clarity. I have also learned to assume my responsibilities more and to put things in perspective.
Coming from an iconic family in Mauritius, you carry a strong and privileged heritage - which hasn’t prevented you from working hard to add value. Tell us about that challenge.
I do indeed come from a family known in the country’s economic history. But I never wanted to be reduced to just that. I’m not "the Lagesse family." I am Arnaud. A man who works hard, doubts often, always tries, listens more as the years go by. And who also makes mistakes! Heritage explains where I come from, but not who I am or where I’m going. I compare heritage to a lighthouse when you’re at sea. It shines. It situates. It helps by indicating the shelves and passages where the boat can safely enter. It provides direction, but it doesn’t avoid effort. It doesn’t make the journey for us.
And when the weight of the name and responsibilities is felt, how do you manage this pressure with serenity?
In retrospect, by taking time for myself (I love the sea and wide-open spaces), with family - I have three beautiful children, now adults - with friends, and with regular sports. I even started yoga recently! And I didn’t think it would be that difficult! All this helps me to slow down, to let go, to breathe.
As I told you, I am a father of three young adults who live between Mauritius, Australia, and Africa. I keep as many moments as possible to stay connected with them. And that instantly refocuses me. I would love to see them all return to settle in Mauritius one day, of course, but I also know that our children do not belong to us. They follow their path. And I am proud of who they are becoming.
Your entourage describes you as humble and accessible. How do you keep your feet on the ground while being considered the top CEO in the country?
There’s that grand title again… (laughs) It’s an external label. If I could choose, I’d much prefer humble and accessible! I lead IBL, and if the group is where it is, it’s thanks to the work of thousands. The credit goes to the collective even if it requires a captain.
Keeping my feet on the ground means staying aware of the reality that Mauritians live. The future of everyone is harder to predict, and an increasing number of families are under pressure. Moreover, it seems that many of our youth wonder if they truly have a future here.
When you see that, you can’t be disconnected. The economy only makes sense if it improves daily life. Inclusivity must be real. We must absolutely attempt to reduce gaps, create opportunities, and move forward together.
In short, keeping my feet on the ground means trying again and again to ensure that growth benefits the greatest number in a crazy world that evolves faster every day. I sometimes worry about future generations. How will they live? Where will they live? What jobs will they have tomorrow? What role will humans have alongside AI?