François R.Bernard

François Bernard is a business leader with an international background. He has led organizations in Switzerland, Asia, the United States, and the Middle East, notably at the head of his own interior design and hospitality management company. A graduate of a top business school and trained in marketing, he combines strategic vision with a strong grasp of on-the-ground realities.

A passionate ballroom dancer, he is a world medalist and an international judge. He is also a scuba diving instructor, a tireless traveler, and has a keen interest in innovation in its broadest sense, as well as in architecture and contemporary art.

A committed philanthropist, he has been a long-standing member of Rotary, with involvement in Lausanne, Colombo, and Malé. He currently serves as president of the Martigny club for the 2024–2025 term.

He is known for acting with rigor, passion, and, above all, humanism.

Why is the International Day Against Harassment and for Inclusion in the Workplace so crucial today?

Having led teams in multicultural and demanding environments, I have been repeatedly confronted with the realities of harassment and the challenges of inclusion. I have always chosen to act with discernment—seeking support when needed, listening, and setting clear boundaries. Because every situation requires courage, clarity, and a deep awareness of our shared responsibility.

This international day holds fundamental significance for me: it creates a space to reflect, to learn, to structure and to anticipate. It is also a reminder that preventing harassment and promoting inclusion are not matters of goodwill, but of strategy—one that involves calling on professionals, putting in place monitoring, training, and accountability mechanisms, and embedding these values at the very heart of organizational culture.

Sharing this experience means helping others prepare, driving change in practices, and contributing to building a fairer, stronger, and more enlightened world of work.