INSEAD Book Salon with Pascal Cagni, presenting his book

Hosted by INSEAD Book Salon's founders Elmira Abezivanova (LTF’24Mar) and Aloïs Loizeau (BFC’23Dec)

What happens when visionary entrepreneurship, a deep commitment to cultural heritage, and global economic leadership converge in one individual? The answer is Pascal Cagni. Founder and CEO of C4 entrepreneurial platform, a French tech leader, an Apple executive appointed by Steve Jobs, serving as Vice President and General Manager for EMEIA from 2000 to 2012. Since 2017, Pascal has brought this rare combination of innovation, leadership, and international perspective to public service as French Ambassador for International Investments, appointed by President Emmanuel Macron.
It's a great honour to welcome Pascal to the INSEAD Book Salon for an intimate conversation around the book Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy. A Story of Passion and Heritage on Lake Como. This beautifully illustrated and deeply inspiring book tells the fascinating story of one of the most beautiful historical villas of Lake Como, its exceptional renovation, and the excellence of Italian and French craftsmanship.
Situated on the verdant slopes of Blevio, an ancient Italian hill town, Villa Cagni Troubetzkoy commands sweeping vistas over Lake Como. With a vibrant history spanning more than 175 years, it once provided sanctuary to an exiled Russian prince and today stands as a beautifully preserved family home, epitomising the luxury of the Italian lakes. Pascal Cagni, the current owner, is a globe-trotter passionate about design and architecture who amassed invaluable experiences through his extensive travels. His immersion in diverse cultures instilled in him a profound clarity of vision for restoring the villa to its former glory—with respect for Italy’s architectural patrimony, in harmony with the environment, and integrating local culture and history. This vision ignited a nearly decade-long restoration journey, becoming a labour of love and his life’s work. With Italy’s top craftsmen at the helm, the villa was meticulously restored using traditional materials, achieving a perfect blend of past and present.
Today, - part of C4 entrepreneurial platform.
It stands as a testament to Italian elegance and heritage preservation, and to the artistry of each of the specialist restorers, decorators, and garden experts.
The book also reminds us of a universal truth. As Steve Jobs - whose words Pascal quotes in the book - said:
“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.”
Let us imagine travelling from the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris to the breathtaking shores of Lake Como, and together try to feel the power of this place and the love that brought it to life.
We invite all INSEAD France Association members interested in architecture, craftsmanship, heritage, and meaningful leadership to participate in this unique event with Pascal Cagni.
Number of places is limited.
Programme

• Welcome coffee, networking
• Presentation and book signature with Pascal Cagni. Reflections on heritage, leadership, and the art of long-term vision

Q&A and exchange with the INSEAD community

About C4 Industries
Founded in 2004 by Pascal Cagni and based in Paris, C4 is an entrepreneurial platform whose sole mission is to support entrepreneurs and accompany them on their journey. is an anchor investor in companies headed by exceptional entrepreneurs and leads the entire portfolio of the C4 platform. , a leading European venture capital fund approved by the AMF, has invested in over 50 technology startups since 2014, 12 of which have become unicorns.

, a para-hotel group, offers a collection of four unique villas, all renovated with exquisite craftsmanship, providing an authentic experience in exceptional locations.
The has been working to improve access to education, culture, and the arts for children and disadvantaged populations worldwide.

About La Hune
Founded in 1949 amid the intellectual vibrancy of Paris’s Left Bank, La Hune soon became a historic landmark of postwar culture. Established by Bernard Gheerbrant, a passionate collector and devotee of contemporary literature, it pioneered the concept of the bookstore-gallery, bringing together writers and artists under one roof. Reopened in April 2025 under the initiative of YellowKorner, La Hune has embraced a new artistic direction, transforming into a space entirely devoted to photography.
Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, it now features a specialized photography bookstore, an upstairs exhibition space, a YellowKorner gallery, and a coffee shop — reaffirming La Hune’s identity as a lively cultural hub dedicated to the art of the image.

About the INSEAD Book Salon
Book Salon was born from one conviction: that the world’s best leaders are also lifelong learners — inspired by ideas that reach far beyond business.
Our mission is to bring together INSEAD alumni in inspiring cultural settings to explore how art and business enrich one another, revealing the creativity at the heart of great leadership. Through books and conversations, we welcome visionary authors and experts in art, design, architecture, fashion, biography, business, travel, and personal growth.
Founded by Elmira Abezivanova (LTF’24) and Aloïs Loizeau (BFC’23), the Book Salon gathers alumni each season in exceptional venues where books and dialogue spark new ways of thinking about leadership, creativity, and innovation.

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Host or Publisher INSEAD Alumni Association France