In the world of extreme sports, few individuals embody the spirit of adventure and entrepreneurship quite like Clémence Derrien. Hailing from the coastal city of Brest in Brittany, France, Clem’s love affair with water sports began at an early age, thanks in part to her father, a pioneer surfer in Brittany. From windsurfing to kiteboarding, Clem’s passion for the ocean knows no bounds, and her journey from competitive kitesurfer to successful entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Clem’s remarkable story, exploring her dual identity as both a seasoned athlete and the founder of bed & desk (https://bed-and-desk.com/), a unique venture aimed at revolutionizing remote work culture in France. Join us as we uncover the secrets to Clem’s success, her thoughts on the future of work, and her unwavering commitment to balancing career and passion.
Naelucare: Clem, thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Let’s start with your early years. How did growing up in Brittany influence your love for water sports?
Clémence Derrien: It’s a pleasure to be here, thank you for having me. Growing up in Brittany was like being immersed in a water sports paradise. With my father being one of the first active surfers in the region, I was practically born with a board under my arm. Windsurfing became second nature to me by the age of 11, and from there, it was a natural progression into kiteboarding, a sport my entire family embraced wholeheartedly.
Naelucare: Your journey from recreational enthusiast to professional kitesurfer is remarkable. Can you share some highlights from your competitive career?
Clémence Derrien: Competing on the world stage was a dream come true for me. I’ll never forget the adrenaline rush of my first World Tour in kitesurfing back in 2020. Balancing my career at the Louvre in Abu Dhabi with my passion for kitesurfing was challenging, but it allowed me to experience some incredible moments, like those 200km downwinders in Oman. And of course, there was that unforgettable encounter with a shark during a foil competition – a story I’ll be telling for years to come!
Naelucare: Your transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur is equally impressive. Tell us about bed & desk and how it aims to reshape the future of remote work.
Clémence Derrien: Bed & desk was born out of a desire to bridge the gap between remote work and meaningful experiences. After returning to France from Abu Dhabi, I noticed a lack of options for remote teams looking to escape the confines of traditional office spaces. That’s where bed & desk comes in – we offer unique and inspiring locations where teams can work remotely while immersing themselves in breathtaking surroundings. Our platform digitalizes the booking process, making it easier than ever to find the perfect workspace away from home.
Naelucare: It’s clear that you’re passionate about both your sporting career and your entrepreneurial endeavors. How do you manage to balance the two?
Clémence Derrien: Balancing my career as a kitesurfer with my role as an entrepreneur isn’t always easy, but it’s all about prioritizing and staying true to what matters most to me. I’ve learned to embrace the challenges and find harmony between work and play. For me, success isn’t just about achieving goals in one area of life – it’s about finding fulfillment in every aspect, whether that’s riding the waves or building a business.
Naelucare: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring athletes or entrepreneurs who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
Clémence Derrien: My advice would be simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment to chase your dreams. Whether it’s competing on the world stage or starting your own business, the only thing holding you back is fear. Take risks, embrace failure, and above all, trust in your abilities. And remember, it’s never too late to pursue your passions – the journey is just as important as the destination.
Naelucare: Thanks, Clem, for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It’s been truly enlightening to hear about your journey from the waves to the boardroom. We wish you continued success in both your sporting endeavors and entrepreneurial pursuits. Until next time!
Clémence Derrien: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
P.s.: Please check out Clem’s company https: https://bed-and-desk.com/
