“Leadership has no gender, what matters, these are the skills, ethics and vision”, says Shenaz Zadvat, President of Offital and Managing Director of the Zadvat group.
News from the Zadvat group, with the launch in Reunion of the very qualitative Spanish interior furnishing brand 'Kave Home, is an opportunity to better understand the way of seeing this business leader who has become, by his responsibilities within Medef Réunion and his societal commitments, a dual voice of female entrepreneurship and responsible entrepreneurship. This independent voice invites women, as well as all young people, boys like girls, to take charge of their destiny in the desire to act and undertake. It is all the more important since business leaders of the size of the Zadvat group can be counted on the fingers of one hand in Reunion Island.. But things are moving. And it is necessarily a concept of leadership and business management called to develop in the future that appears. A design where corporate social responsibility (RSE) occupies a strategic place, by example, This year, the creation of a Reunion eco-material library within the Offital showroom and the choice of the eco-designed furniture brand Kave Home. Through its commitments and positions in favor of female entrepreneurship, Shenaz Zadvat perpetuates, but also updates, the values of the family of Muslim business entrepreneurs of which she is the heir, whose matrix is respect for others. A voice, SO, news. Listen carefully.
girl, store manager, Aslam Locate, sales advisor, and Marine Laurent, interior designer.
In October, you are launching a new interior furnishing brand : what is this brand and why did you choose it? ?
This is Kave Home. With this new interior furnishing brand, we wish to offer Reunion Island a solution combining comfort and elegance, whilst remaining true to our commitment to quality and sustainability. This brand embodies our vision : associate design, functionality and ecological responsibility to meet the growing expectations of Reunion Islanders in terms of interior design.
How is this new offer positioned on the Reunion furniture market? ?
Our brand is positioned in a premium segment with a strong focus on eco-design and the use of natural materials.. In the meeting, there is a growing demand for design solutions that combine aesthetics, respect for the environment and practicality. We wish to respond to this demand with a differentiating offer that places elegance, the design, comfort at the heart of each project.
The brand's Mediterranean origins influence its style, even if his sources of inspiration are multiple. She was able to surround herself with a team of designers from diverse backgrounds.
Should we see this as an extension of Offital’s activity in the development of work and living spaces or is it a diversification of the Zadvat group? ?
It is both a continuity and a diversification. Offital has always specialized in the design of workspaces and communities, and this new interior furnishing project is a natural extension of our expertise in the field of functional design. However, it is also a diversification, as we explore new segments of the furniture market in accordance with our commitment to quality and social responsibility : an in-depth step towards the equipment of residential housing and a specialization for the layout of cafés, hotels and restaurants.
Offital defines itself as a specialist in workspace management. This notion goes further than an offer of office furniture. What exactly does it cover? ?
Workspace layout encompasses much more than just furniture. It’s about creating work environments that promote productivity, physical and mental well-being as well as collaboration. We take a holistic approach, which takes into account ergonomics, acoustics, lighting and even the social needs of employees. By creating workspaces adapted to new realities, especially teleworking, we enable companies to better adapt to changes in the world of work.
otherwise, the notion of decoration completes our expertise. Layout projects are designed and monitored by our team of interior designers and space planners.
How is the professional space design market doing? ? Are there uncertainties weighing on maritime transport and the economy in general? ?
The market remains dynamic despite economic uncertainties. We see strong demand for flexible and adaptable spaces, in connection with new ways of working. However, tensions on the global supply chain, particularly in terms of maritime transport, exert pressure on costs and deadlines. But our optimization strategy helps us mitigate these impacts.
Changing ways of working, workspaces adapt : what are the current trends in office furniture ?
We are seeing a growing demand for hybrid and modular spaces, that make it easy to move from individual work to team collaboration. Furniture must be both ergonomic and flexible. Sustainable materials, the integration of technology and the importance of well-being at work become priorities in the choice of office furniture.
Do you observe a rapprochement between the worlds of work and home with the development of teleworking? ?
Absolutely. Teleworking has profoundly transformed the way people think about the workspace. The boundaries between professional and private spaces have become more fluid. Today, people are looking for furniture that fits into their home as well as a traditional office. Comfort, versatility and aesthetics have become essential, because people want environments where they feel good, whether they are at home or in the office. But beyond, today, home furniture is also increasingly finding its way into professional environments, with a warm and comfortable trend, soft lines, natural materials and soothing shades, contributing to a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Is there supply and demand for eco-designed office furniture? ?
Yes, this demand is increasingly strong. Businesses, like individuals, are now very sensitive to the environmental impact of their furniture. We are moving towards eco-designed solutions, using recycled or recyclable materials, and by favoring short circuits to reduce the carbon footprint. Our ecomaterial library is a good example of this commitment..
You inaugurated in June, with designer Philippe Sidelsky, this Reunion ecomaterial library in the Offital showroom. The space highlights the local resource in eco-designed furniture and decoration. Does this ecomaterial library arouse interest, especially among interior designers, that you hoped ?
The interest was immediate, particularly from architects and interior designers.
The ecomaterial library allows us to promote local resources and show that we can design magnificent pieces while respecting the environment.. This responds to growing customer demand for more ethical products, while supporting the local economy.
Certified in 2003, Offital was one of the first Reunion companies to obtain ISO 9001 on quality management. Why is this certification important and is Offital still the only company in its industry to have it? ?
ISO 9001 is recognition of our commitment to rigorous quality management, guaranteeing our customers reliability and consistency in our services and products. Even today, Offital remains one of the rare companies in our sector in Reunion to have this certification., which constitutes a guarantee of trust and excellence for our partners and customers. However, it is important to emphasize that while ISO 9001 certification has been a guarantee of quality for decades, in the era of digital marketing and CSR, we are now working to continue our commitment to the Cluster Green Efficiency label, which brings together the quality of life at work, attractiveness and territorial anchoring, environmental progress, sustainable production and consumption, governance and CSR strategy, all through local specificities.
Are you considering opening a second Offital store in the future? ?
This is an option that we are studying in the medium term. The development of our activities in Reunion is a strategic axis, and a second point of sale would make it possible to reach new customers. However, our priority remains to consolidate our current offers and enrich our expertise on the local market.
The Zadvat group brings together other companies and activities. Can you specify which ?
The Zadvat group, founded by my late grandfather, today brings together three companies with complementary expertise and operating mainly in B to B. The company IM ZADVAT, importer wholesaler, offers a wide range of products, ranging from linens to furnishings, through bazaar items and souvenirs from Reunion Island, with more than 4,000 m2 of storage to effectively meet the needs of its customers. Protect’Homs, specializes in protection and safety at work with an approach integrating CSR values. Finally, Offital is a key player in the design of work spaces, alliant design, ergonomics and durability. These three entities reflect our shared commitment to innovation, quality and social responsibility.
On your initiative, the Zadvat group has made CSR a strategic orientation. Why this choice and how is this orientation materialized in the activities of the group and its companies ?
Corporate social responsibility is at the heart of our strategy because it reflects our long-term commitment to the community and the environment . In all our activities, we ensure we value people and have a positive impact. CSR is not just a strategic choice, it’s a way of doing business that puts human beings and our blue planet first.
Do you see the future of the entrepreneurial profession in this direction? : CSR ?
Absolutely. I think the future of entrepreneurship is intrinsically linked to social responsibility. Companies today must meet consumer expectations, employees and communities, who want to see concrete actions on sustainability and equity. Entrepreneurs who integrate these dimensions into their business models will be those who prosper in the long term..
As vice-president of Medef Réunion and facilitator of the local Women of Medef network, you are the main voice of female entrepreneurship in Reunion Island. Make a link between CSR and female entrepreneurship ? In other words, do you think that women feel more concerned than men by this corporate responsibility? ?
It is true that many women entrepreneurs show a particular sensitivity to CSR, perhaps because they often bring a more holistic vision to the company which integrates both economic performance and social impact. That said, I think that CSR is a responsibility shared by all entrepreneurs, men or women. What is certain, is that female entrepreneurship tends to promote initiatives that place people and sustainability at the center.
How do you explain the success of the Medef Women network in Reunion?, compared to those of other Medefs in mainland France ?
The success of the Women of Medef movement in Reunion Island is primarily due to the sisterhood and commitment of its members.. We were able to create a strong network, where business leaders can help each other, share their experiences and encourage newcomers. This mutual support is a real strength, and it is strengthened by the local dynamic and the diversity of professional careers found in Reunion Island.. I co-chair this movement with Franziska Goderbauer ; we have origins, completely different backgrounds and professions and yet we share a common vision for the animation of this network. We chose to co-construct our model with our members and under the leadership of Sandrine Ménard, general delegate. Our movement, where the atmosphere is very warm, attracts many women business leaders to Medef.
What is the network’s action in Reunion? ?
We have identified and are working on four major axes : personal development, Training, mentoring and representation. We know today that these levers are essential to encourage women to undertake and access management positions.. We believe in strength, in the quality and desire of women to contribute positively to the progress of our territory. This is why we wanted this movement, to inspire each other, train us, support us and to give greater visibility to all women entrepreneurs, managers and executives.
You are, among others, at the origin of the sponsorship of 18 young girls from the RSMA by 18 business leaders. Where is this action? ?
This sponsorship program is a source of pride for me and for all the business leaders who participate in it.. Today we are on the second operation, and the feedback from the young girls is extremely positive. They not only benefit from practical advice, but also personalized support which helps them define their professional projects. For many, it’s a transformative experience. Following the success of the first operation, we expanded it this year to a sponsorship and sponsorship operation with 30 Medef business leaders, 15 men and 15 women, who accompany 30 young people from the RSMA.
There are quite a few female business leaders in commerce, services, consulting professions, health, significantly less in industry and the agricultural sector. Apart from business creations recorded by the CCI Réunion, do you have data on female entrepreneurship in Reunion Island? ? Is he progressing as much as he should? ?
Female entrepreneurship in Reunion Island is progressing, but there are still areas where women are underrepresented, like industry and agriculture. However, we are seeing an increase in the number of women entering traditionally male-dominated sectors.. There is still a way to go, but initiatives like the Medef Women network or sponsorship programs help to change mentalities and encourage more women to launch into entrepreneurship, whatever the sectors.
Do we still see men reluctant to work under the orders of a woman? ?
It still exists, even if mentalities evolve, and faster and faster. The important thing is to continue to demonstrate, by example, that leadership has no gender. What matters, these are the skills, ethics and vision. I believe that, over time and thanks to the many women who succeed brilliantly in management positions, these reluctances will diminish.
How did you come to also chair the Entreprendre pour savoir Réunion association?, which links the worlds of education and business in middle and high schools and which organizes the Mini-Companies Festival each year ?
I have always been passionate about the transmission and development of talents, especially among young people. When the opportunity to chair this association presented itself, it was obvious to me. Education is a fundamental lever for preparing young people for the world of work, and the mini-enterprise project gives them a first concrete experience of what it means to run a business, make decisions and work as a team. Undertaking to learn interconnects the school and the company so that they mutually enrich each other with all their energies and allow all potential to grow together.. We bring life to young people, their supervisors and mentors a collective entrepreneurial adventure that gives everyone the power to grow their ideas and their personality.
Responding to a question about your commitment to young people, you once said that it was about “giving them the keys to understanding the company and society”. What are these reading keys ?
The reading keys that I wish to pass on to young people are first of all resilience, the ability to overcome obstacles and the importance of collaborative work. I want them to understand that failure is part of the entrepreneurial journey and that it should not be a hindrance, but an apprenticeship. It is also crucial to instill in them the notion of social responsibility, so that they can become leaders aware of their impact on society and the environment.
Are there women, in the present or history, who you admire and who inspire you ?
I am inspired by women who have broken barriers and demonstrated great resilience in difficult contexts. Among them, I would quote Marie Curie, for his courage and determination to excel in a scientific field largely dominated by men. Closer to us, women like Malala Yousafzai, who knew how to defend girls’ education in the face of adversity, inspire me deeply. They embody strength, courage and vision, qualities that I strive to highlight in my own journey. And as close as possible, my mentor and friend is another Shenaz… Shenaz Bagot* !
* Shenaz Bagot is director of the Indian Ocean Development Services company. (SDO), President of the Supervisory Board of the Grand Port Maritime de La Réunion, president of the 2nd Chance School of Reunion.
Shenaz Zadwat, journey of effective and human leadership
Shenaz Zadvat’s first societal commitment dates back to when she was 19. Having finished his studies, she has just joined the family business… and visits sick children. “I have always had within me the need to help others. It’s a vocation that I owe to the education my father gave me. » It was in the 1940s that his grandfather, Ismaël Mamode Zadvat, opened on rue Jean-Chatel the business selling fabrics by the meter at the origin of the current group. In the 1970s, Mamode Zadvat succeeds his father. The company is developing its wholesale activity by extending it to numerous products ranging from household linen to bazaar items and home furnishings.. Specialization in office furniture was added in 1988. Not finding anything suitable for him in Reunion to equip his own offices, Mamode Zadvat goes to Italy, European home of furniture design. While the Reunion economy develops, he returns with the conviction that there is room in Reunion for a different and more qualitative offer than that of the player dominating this market at the time, l'UMAB. Initially a simple department of the group, the office furniture business sets up its first showroom in the boutique on rue Jean-Chatel. In the 1990s, the third generation represented by Shenaz Zadvat and her brothers enters the scene. She made her professional debut in 1996.. In 1998, la socété Offital, name of an Italian furniture manufacturer, officially sees the light of day. Shenaz Zadvat took over as director in 2000. Offital moved to Sainte-Marie shortly after. Twenty years have passed and Shenaz Zadvat has made Offital the number one in workspace design in Reunion Island. In his grandfather's footsteps, who was a founding member of Medef Réunion, she joined the employers’ organization, first becoming president of the schools-business commission, then when, five years ago, Medef France creates its Women’s network, she becomes the local representative.Shenaz Zadvat is vice-president of Medef Réunion. She chairs the Entrepreneurship for Learning association Réunion. She was elected entrepreneur of the year by the jury of the Tecoma Awards 2023, organized by our colleague L’Éco austral.
