Credits: Chinese Business Club.
Behind the scenes of the business world, some names naturally stand out. Harold Parisot, with his boldness and vision, created the Chinese Business Club, a unique meeting place for leading figures from industry, politics, and the media. But how did this ESSEC graduate manage to attract to his club iconic figures such as Emmanuel Macron or Prince Albert of Monaco? How has the Chinese Business Club evolved over the years, notably in the face of the Covid crisis, to become a key player in the French entrepreneurial world? In this exclusive interview, Ecostylia takes you behind the scenes of the club, through the journey of its founder, his challenges and successes. Dive into a world where business, elegance and ambition intersect, and discover how the Chinese Business Club became the meeting place for today’s decision-makers.
Pierre-Antoine Tsady: Mr. Parisot, could you describe your background starting with your youth, your studies, and how you came up with the idea to found the Chinese Business Club?
Harold Parisot: I graduated from ESSEC Business School in Cergy Pontoise. After working as an employee for several years in telecom, I negotiated a mutual termination with my former employer to become self-employed. It was at that moment that I had the entrepreneurial spark. In 2012, I was often in contact with Chinese investors who wanted to meet politicians as well as business leaders or French brands to buy. That’s how I came up with the idea to found the Chinese Business Club.
P.A.T: Tell us the story of the Chinese Business Club. How did the club withstand Covid?
H.P.: The early years were complicated because I didn’t have the network and contacts necessary to sustain my Club. In 2015, I tried to bring Emmanuel Macron, then Minister of the Economy, as the club’s guest of honor. Not knowing him and having no contacts at Bercy, I called Bercy’s switchboard! I’m glad I tried because my request was eventually accepted by his office and he came to the club on June 15, 2015. That was a major publicity boost in terms of visibility and notoriety for the Chinese Business Club. The Covid health crisis was a new hurdle for the club. I decided to broaden the target to entrepreneurs, start-ups, very small businesses, SMEs, business angels and investors.
P.A.T: The Chinese Business Club is increasingly Franco-French. What happened for it to be less Franco-Chinese?
H.P.: Because of Covid, the Chinese are now much less numerous than before, which is why the Chinese Business Club is now 90% Franco-French. While waiting for the Chinese to return, the club is increasingly turning toward French Tech and entrepreneurship.
P.A.T: Can you tell us about your teams and how you work to live up to your reputation?
H.P.: I have worked alone since creating the club in 2012; I have no employee, no salaried staff, no intern, no assistant. Nevertheless, I have worked closely with an army of freelancers for many years. They work very well and are always very responsive to my expectations and requests.
P.A.T: The Chinese Business Club attracts leading entrepreneurs. To what do you attribute this strong success?
H.P.: I can confirm that the Chinese Business Club has never worked better than it does today! I think I chose the right strategy by targeting entrepreneurs and young business leaders. They have a real interest in joining the club to meet many French billionaires, business angels, investors and journalists.
P.A.T: Which entrepreneurs, inventors and business leaders do you particularly admire?
H.P.: I am always admiring of people who work and who are ambitious regardless of the results. I believe that in life you must dare and try even if the hoped-for objectives are not always achieved. I have always been drawn to those who succeed, because it motivates me and pulls me upward.
P.A.T: You have hosted Presidents Emmanuel Macron, Nicolas Sarkozy, H.S.H. Prince Albert of Monaco… Could you share memorable moments you experienced with some of these prestigious guests? How did these experiences strengthen the club’s reputation on the international stage?
H.P.: I admit that, in hindsight, I realize how lucky I am to have succeeded in bringing all these personalities! It’s obviously always a privilege and an incredible experience to be able to meet them one-on-one upon their arrival at the Chinese Business Club. I alternate between politicians, the major CAC 40 CEOs and increasingly entrepreneurs heading French unicorns with always incredible success stories! The guests of honor are the pretext to bring together member companies and the many personalities, because business opportunities will mainly happen in the room among the many attendees at each lunch.
P.A.T: What advice would you give entrepreneurs who want to get the most out of the Chinese Business Club?
H.P.: I invite entrepreneurs who are members of the Club to arrive as early as possible to each event to leave with the maximum number of contacts. Of course, you won’t do business with everyone you meet, but you will only meet decision-makers and it’s a real time-saver. I spend my time introducing people to each other and making connections.
P.A.T: We have observed real diversity among the Club’s members. Is promoting gender equality and diversity a priority for the Chinese Business Club?
H.P.: I can confirm that gender parity is respected! There are as many men as women. The strength of a network is its diversity. At the Chinese Business Club you find many French billionaires, business angels and investors, but also politicians, senators, deputies, ambassadors from major countries – mainly Africa and the Middle East – and even professional athletes and gastronomic chefs. Miss France and the Chefs of the GIGN, RAID and BRI are also regulars of the club! As you’ve noticed, it’s very eclectic.
P.A.T: Can you describe the elegance as you appreciate it in women and men?
H.P.: I consider that elegance lies both in a way of being, a state of mind and an appearance. That’s why within the Chinese Business Club, elegance is expected from all guests in order to optimize meetings, exchanges and thus opportunities among members, all in kindness and respect for everyone. In terms of appearance, I consider it important to be well dressed. For me, elegance is also a form of respect toward one’s interlocutors. That’s why at the Chinese Business Club, suit/tie for men and dress or suit for women are de rigueur.
P.A.T: What does Harold Parisot do when he is not at the Chinese Business Club? Do you pursue cultural, sporting or artistic activities? If so, which ones?
H.P.: Above all I enjoy my family and loved ones; I do some sports at Lagardère Paris Racing – tennis and swimming – and increasingly, I support entrepreneurs as a business angel in developing their start-ups – pre-seed and seed investments [initial funding for a nascent start up, ed.] – by opening my rolodex and contacts to them. I try to be an active investor for the young business leaders I support by devoting time and energy.
P.A.T: Finally, how can we contact you?
H.P.: Very simple! via LinkedIn and/or the Club’s website!