Châteauform - The home of seminars

A midwife with 20 years of experience as a personal coach for executives and teams, Etienne Roye runs Koalto. He has co-authored works on leadership and management. He has worked with Châteauform’ for about ten years.
How were you introduced to Châteauform’, and which houses are you involved with?
I went to the Château de Nointel for the first time in 2000 part of the Unilog University (known as The Logica University today). Since then, I have had the pleasure of working at the Château de Ronqueux (Logica University’s new site), Crécy-la-Chapelle, Mesnuls, Prés d’Ecoublay, Mareil-le-Guyon, Romainville, Champéry in Switzerland, and “Sur le Pouce” Velasquez in Paris.
What are your expectations when you come here, and how are they different from other seminar locations?
My requirements mainly have to do with the meeting rooms. I like daylight and a calm, relaxing atmosphere. I also like to adjust my service to my customer’s expectations and quality of service.
Logistics is never an issue here, which is extremely comforting for me. Whatever my requests may be, the teams are super responsive in meeting our customer’s needs. I can focus 100% of my attention on my job, and I have 100% available for my customer.
What’s different compared to other seminar locations is that I can use the surroundings for my team. If we need some fresh air for an hour or so, we can head outside on bicycles, even if that means pushing back lunch or dinner by an hour. This is never a concern because the Châteauform team adjusts to our customer’s schedule, not the other way around.
The houses offer much diversity in terms of work spaces, combining formal and informal. If I think it would be better to work in a sitting room, I can request that to the host couple. If it’s possible, they’ll make it happen.
I am extra creative, first because the houses allow for that and also because the Châteauform’ teams allow me to explore my ideas and what I want to do.
What do your participants like in our houses?
They always love the quality of the service and attention they receive. A personal welcome and individual attention are huge. And they love the quality of service (the organisation, having everything available, gourmet breaks, etc.). They are surprised at the amazing selection of food. It’s very nice in this time of crisis. The whole idea of abundance is unusual these days.
If you had to explain Châteauform’ to someone for the first time, what would you tell them?
You’ll be in a house full of character, and you will be greeted by a host couple and a wonderful team.
The logistics will all be taken care of, and the areas of the houses are the best! Also, the climate set up between the host couple and their team and between them and the participants makes it easy to work effectively. You will feel welcome and respected, with careful attention given to all of your needs and requirements.
Can you tell us your memories of Pérec?
I remember a good laugh. It was early spring, and the home’s host invited me to have lunch outside. I said yes and commented that it was a shame that there was no view of the sea. And when I arrived at the table, there was a very large easel nearby with a photo of a beach and a view of the sea!
I also remember oysters during a break because I love them so much!