Co-founder and CEO, Industrial and Technology, North America & Africa

Michaëlle Gocko Achukwu, as Founding Partner of L'AGENCE, leads the firm's executive search and leadership advisory services, focusing on the Industrial and Technology sectors in North American and African markets. Her role involves delivering expert guidance and innovative strategies to clients, ensuring they secure top-tier leadership talent and fostering robust leadership development. Michaëlle's approach, characterized by a deep understanding of the complexities of global markets and a dedication to transformative leadership, along with the breath and richness of her global network, positions her at the forefront of executive search and advisory in these dynamic regions.

Career and Professional Expertise

• Global Strategic Growth and Leadership: Michaëlle's extensive experience in global strategic growth has been central to her role at L'Agence, particularly in guiding strategic leadership decisions and digital transformation in emerging markets, energy, and digital industries. Her expertise is characterized by an astute understanding of the complexities of these sectors.
• Executive Search and Leadership Advisory: At the premier global executive search firm Egon Zehnder, Michaëlle led the recruitment of C-suite and VP-level executives across a range of sectors, from Fortune 100 giants to private equity-backed companies and dynamic startups. Her work in leadership advisory services focused on leadership assessment and transformative practices, playing a crucial role in shaping her approach to executive development.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Michaëlle's entrepreneurial spirit shined through her co-founding of Rise Up Conseils, focusing on mindset and business coaching to empower diverse francophone women. She was also a driving force behind RE'ELLE Ventures, an emerging commercial real estate venture.
• Global Commercial Leadership at General Electric (GE): A graduate of GE's prestigious Experienced Commercial Leadership Program (ECLP), Michaëlle undertook various international commercial roles across Africa and the US. Her responsibilities included developing Go-to-Market and B2B marketing strategies, market development, managing partner ecosystems, and spearheading innovation commercialization, underscoring her comprehensive business acumen and global network.

Life is about making an impact not a living...

In her role at L'AGENCE, Michaëlle Gocko Achukwu combines her extensive experience in global markets, passion for executive search, leadership development, and commitment to diversity and empowerment. She is dedicated to guiding clients in North America and Africa towards strategic growth and transformative leadership, ensuring that they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world.

Education and Advocacy

Michaëlle earned a BA and an MA in Management of Social Economics Organizations from Le Mans Université (France) and an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

She is a dedicated advocate for OnBoard, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization committed to increasing the representation of women on corporate boards.

Personal Interests

Michaëlle, a polyglot with French and Congolese heritage, is fluent in both French and English. Her personal interests mirror the dynamism of her career, with a focus on emerging technologies, digital innovations, social entrepreneurship, and the economic empowerment of women and minorities. Her dedication to purpose-driven leadership is further evidenced by her participation in renowned self-leadership and self-discovery programs. Residing in Atlanta with her husband and three young children, Michaëlle and her family relish exploring the area's diversity and engaging with different cultures through their international travels.