Interview with Albane de Broca, MSc Graduate in International Hospitality Management at Institut Lyfe

After earning a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and restaurant management, Albane enrolled at Institut Lyfe in the fourth year of the specialization program and went on to earn an MSc in International Hospitality Management. After graduating in 2020, she co-founded Zest Planche, an event catering company in Paris.

Could you introduce yourself in a few words and tell us about your background before joining Institut Lyfe?

I was drawn to healthy eating, “good food,” and people from a very early age. This naturally led me to pursue studies in hospitality after earning my science-focused high school diploma: it’s a field where we create experiences centered on pleasure and sharing every day, which suited me perfectly.

Before joining Institut Lyfe, I studied at another hospitality school. There, I discovered both the good and the not-so-good sides of the industry, particularly through my internships. It’s a fascinating world, but one that can sometimes be a bit outdated in its practices, something you want to change when you’re young. On the other hand, I found a high level of rigor, attention to detail, and discipline there, qualities I still apply today in my business to ensure I always approach the customer, product, and service with the highest standards.

Six years ago, I co-founded Zest Planche, a catering company that creates moments of togetherness, with two other graduates of Institut Lyfe: Agathe and Pauline. This venture was born out of our shared desire to reinvent the concept of togetherness, centered around fresh, homemade, and local products delivered by bike throughout Paris, supporting companies in every moment of togetherness throughout their day.

What courses did you take, and what specific skills did you develop during your program?

My time at Institut Lyfe allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of hospitality and restaurant management, while developing my entrepreneurial spirit, a value strongly encouraged throughout the program.

I joined Institut Lyfe in my fourth year, specializing in Financial and Strategic Analysis of the International Hospitality Industry, with the goal of combining management and hospitality, two areas that deeply inspired me. I wanted to understand how to balance the customer experience with financial performance, without ever compromising on purpose or quality.

Thanks to this program, I developed practical skills in financial management, strategy, marketing, and team management. But above all, I learned to analyze every decision from multiple perspectives: human, operational, and economic. It’s an approach I apply every day in my work.

Why did you decide to offer the MSc in International Hospitality Management in partnership with emlyon?

The MSc in International Hospitality Management, offered in collaboration with emlyon business school, offers the best of both worlds. I wanted to combine the operational excellence of hospitality schools, which keeps us grounded in the real world and teaches us the importance of understanding it, with emlyon’s expertise, which is more focused on strategy, management, and innovation. The partnership between these two schools provided me with this comprehensive and practical perspective in my education.

Tell us about Zest Planche

Zest Planche is a company that creates moments of togetherness. We craft unique experiences for businesses by offering homemade platters, prepared to order in our kitchen located in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. All platters are delivered by bike throughout Paris and its suburbs. Our products are made from ultra-local ingredients sourced from producers we know personally.

Our philosophy is based on three core values: sharing, eco-responsibility, and homemade quality. Our ambition is to make sustainable dining accessible to everyone, to prove that you can eat well and responsibly while keeping taste, conviviality, and enjoyment at the center of the experience.

Today, we have a team of about ten young, passionate people who share this same commitment to quality and this desire to create “Zestive” and human moments.

What challenges have you faced as an entrepreneur?

There have been several, every year brings its own set of challenges and that’s a good thing, because it means we don’t have time to get bored!

The first challenge was structuring a rapidly growing company while staying true to our human-centered and artisanal values. Next, we had to learn to strike a balance between creativity and rigorous management: in a young company, you have to be involved in both the big picture and day-to-day operations, sometimes all within the same day.

And finally, recruiting and bringing together a dedicated team in a demanding industry: it’s a real daily challenge, but also a huge source of pride for us.

What are you most proud of professionally today?

My greatest source of pride is having succeeded in creating a company that makes a difference, both for our customers and for our teams. Seeing our loyal “Zesteurs,” feeling their enthusiasm, and watching our team thrive is incredibly rewarding. I’m also proud to have proven that we can combine sustainability, enjoyment, and economic viability without compromising on quality.

 

 

 

What advice would you give to a prospective student interested in enrolling in the MSc in International Hospitality Management?

Be curious and make the most of it: explore beyond the curriculum, try new things, and observe. Take advantage of the school’s network, it’s a true source of personal and professional wealth that will undoubtedly serve you well at some point in your career. And dare to take initiative, even on a small scale, to understand the realities on the ground, which is essential in this field.

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By combining operational expertise, strategic vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Albane exemplifies the path of those who innovate. Her venture with Zest Planche demonstrates the ability of Institut Lyfe graduates to envision new models that balance performance with a commitment to supporting local businesses. An inspiring journey for those who wish to drive change in the hospitality, restaurant, and event industries while remaining true to their values.

Learn more about the MSc-Master of Science in International Hospitality Management