Educational Media Reviews Online

In the series of CEO Stories: In Their Own Words, this documentary examines the rise of power of Patricia Barbizet, CEO of Artemis, a mammoth holdings company. Barbizet is the most powerful business woman in France, and according to Fortune magazine, the 15th most influential female executive in the world. Artémis holds interests in a seemingly endless array of business enterprises including heavy industry, luxury goods, media, and investment houses, to name a few. This documentary illustrates her illustrious career and perceptions on female executives. Under Barbizet’s dynamic leadership, Artémis has changed its composition by acquisitions, buying interests, and altering product lines.

Barbizet answers a series of questions in the interview format of this documentary, and begins by outlining her company’s holdings and briefly elaborates on each. The audience quickly sees that Barbizet has keen knowledge of each of her holdings, from industry to art. The interview proceeds with a series of quite personal questions, including those pertaining to her family, her parents, and her views on women as executives. Both the interviewer and Barbizet herself repeatedly reinforce that women do not have to give up their values to excel in the business world. Barbizet goes on to politely state that women’s business instincts are often different than men’s and stated that women tend to be more democratic in decision making. She is optimistic about increasing numbers of women in top executive positions. The interview goes on to examine several business deals in substantial detail and gives Barbizet’s reflections on those endeavors.

This documentary offers a series of valuable insights into the world of executive elites. Though not visually stimulating (the documentary is nearly entirely comprised of a face to face interview), this film is recommended for advanced business students and anyone interested in women’s entrepreneurship.