Mellow CEO Sébastien Dryon on leadership, vulnerability, and cultivating growth that lasts
What if leadership began not with strategy, but with presence?
In 'Confidences d’un jardinier d’entreprise', Sébastien Dryon, CEO of Mellow, reflects on a different way of leading — one rooted in trust, simplicity, and care. Heir to a long family tradition in the world of pastry, he chose a more mindful path, where performance never comes at the expense of people.
A father of three, Dryon has learned to balance ambition and attention, rhythm and reflection. His talk revisits the “seasons” of leadership — momentum and doubt, exhaustion and renewal — revealing how slowing down can sometimes be the boldest act of progress.
In conversation with public speaking coach and self-leadership expert Emna Chaouch, he explores what it means to grow as a person while building a company: how to listen, to face discomfort, and to make room for life itself in the way we lead.
speaker
Sébastien Dryon is the CEO of Mellow, a Belgian company known for its premium fresh desserts distributed internationally. Heir to a long family tradition in the world of pastry, he has chosen a more mindful path — one where performance never comes at the expense of people.
A father of three, he maintains a rhythm that keeps him fully present one week out of two, a choice that has taught him to slow down, make space, and rethink what it means to lead. His philosophy of leadership rests on trust, simplicity, and attentive listening — creating a clear yet caring framework in which people can grow.
A lover of nature and wide open spaces, he draws energy from the living world. Open to the more subtle dimensions of existence, he moves forward with a quiet ambition: to remain true — to himself, to others, and to what he builds.
moderator
Emna Chaouch empowers leaders, entrepreneurs, and high-profile professionals to master public speaking, elevate their presence, and drive business growth. As a Public Speaking Coach, Business Mentor, and Self-Leadership Expert, she has helped CEOs, global artists, and influencers command the stage and accelerate their careers.
Founder of the ‘Self-Made’ community, Emna mentors women in business, combining strategy with mindset coaching for lasting success. Whether preparing for a TEDx talk or scaling a business, her dynamic approach delivers rapid, transformative results.
