A Bold Conversation between two social impact leaders
A Bold Conversation between two social impact leaders
Inspirational Stories

Tue. September 29, 6:30PM

A Bold Conversation between two social impact leaders

Join Caroline Franckx, CEO of CHU Brugmann and Lou Garagnani, founder of Le Monde d'Ayden, Bold by Veuve Clicquot Award winners.

Hosted by Veuve Clicquot and TheMerode, this Bold Conversation brings together Caroline Franckx and Lou Garagnani, two social impact leaders devoted to putting people at the centre of their work.


Moderated by journalist Simon Brunfaut, the conversation will explore the professional paths of Caroline Franckx and Lou Garagnani. Caroline leads the CHU Brugmann, Brussels' largest public hospital, while Lou founded Le Monde d'Ayden, an inclusive centre born from her son's needs and those of other families raising children with disabilities. Both are at the head of organisations that demand a genuine and inventive strategic vision. 


Speaking about the challenges and lessons that have shaped their paths, Caroline Franckx and Lou Garagnani will discuss how they intend to change the way we think about leadership. What they share is a leadership style built on authenticity, collective strength and a focus on people. 


About Bold Conversations

As part of Veuve Clicquot's commitment to empower women entrepreneurs, the Bold Conversations bring together inspiring and audacious female leaders to share their own experience, tangible tips and keys to success.

speaker

Caroline Franckx

Leading one of Brussels’ largest public hospitals gives Caroline Franckx a direct view of the trade-offs shaping the future of Public healthcare. Since becoming CEO of CHU Brugmann in 2021, she has led the organisation through COVID, workforce challenges, financial pressure and a major programme of transformation. Her responsibility spans access to care, people, infrastructure, innovation and the financial sustainability of a public institution serving patients regardless of circumstance. Caroline has also spoken openly about the risk of a two-tier healthcare system as funding and incentives evolve. She brings a particularly valuable perspective on the central questions of this discussion: who ultimately pays, how universal access can be preserved, and what healthcare systems will have to change when demand continues to outpace available resources.

speaker

Lou Garagnani

Lou Garagnani is the founder of Le Monde d’Ayden, a social enterprise creating inclusive early childhood environments for children with neurodevelopmental differences and disabilities and the first network of inclusive leisure centres for children in Europe. A mother and advocate, she designs spaces that combine sensory, educational, and playful experiences while fostering inclusion through employment and community engagement. Her work demonstrates how thoughtful design and empathy can transform access and opportunity. Lou Garagnani is Belgium 2026 Bold Future Award winner.

moderator

Simon Brunfaut

Simon Brunfaut is a journalist at L’Echo for the Culture and Opinion sections, editorial consultant at the RTBF and professor of philosophy at ESA Saint Luc.
Start
Tue. September 29, 6:30PM
End
Tue. September 29, 9:00PM
Format
TheMerode Talks
Language
French (BE) / Français (BE)
Guest allowed?
Yes, 1 per member

Address

Event
Pl. Poelaert 6
1000 Brussels
Belgium
Parking
Parking Poelaert, Place Poelaert 1000 Brussels

Detailed programme

Welcome
Tue. September 29, 6:30PM
Conversation
Tue. September 29, 7:00PM
Cocktail by Veuve Clicquot
Tue. September 29, 8:00PM
End
Tue. September 29, 9:00PM