Interview with Christophe Wagnière, CEO and Head of Pedago of 42 Lausanne.

Having become an entrepreneur at 20 after an unexpected turn of events, Christophe Wagnière knows that linear trajectories fail to fit everyone’s journey better than anyone else. It is no wonder then that when he first heard about 42, our approach and methodology resonated with him so much. He has now been the head of 42 Lausanne since early 2020, so we felt it was the right time to reflect on his journey, where 42 Lausanne is now, his vision for the future, and of course his proudest moments over these years. He has now been the head of 42 Lausanne since early 2020, so we decided it was about time to discuss his journey, where 42 Lausanne is at now, his vision, and of course his proudest moments throughout those years with him.

Can you tell us more about your background and your path to 42?

I’ve been an entrepreneur and a builder my whole life. Before joining 42 Lausanne, I spent several years working in digital transformation, combining technology, innovation, management and project management. My own educational journey was defined by a major turning point. After a serious accident prevented me from continuing my studies at EPFL, I had to reinvent myself. I eventually obtained a federal diploma and started my own company at just 20 years old.

That experience taught me that career trajectories, just as life itself, are rarely linear. It also showed me that traditional academic frameworks often fail to match a person’s true potential. When I discovered the 42 pedagogy, I instantly was taken aback by how fair and relevant it was. Its focus on learning by doing and collaboration aligned with my own journey and the needs I saw within many Swiss companies. Today, the industry needs talent capable of solving complex problems and working in teams regardless of their academic background.

What drew me to 42 is the conviction that we cannot address today’s digital challenges with yesterday’s models. Tech needs diversity, and neither academic background, financial means, age, nor gender should determine someone’s ability to succeed in this field.

What do you enjoy most about your role at the campus?

The most rewarding thing in my job is watching trajectories shift. At 42 Lausanne, we welcome very different and sometimes atypical profiles who might not have found their place in a traditional setting. Seeing them gain confidence and reveal their potential is incredibly powerful on a human level.

I also love the fact that our campus is a living environment connected to the real world. We work hand in hand with companies across Switzerland in sectors like finance, industry, and healthcare. We’ve recently received the Chinese Minister of Education and Swiss State Councillor Isabelle Moret. Marks of recognition like these make me incredibly proud. This direct connection to the ecosystem ensures we are training students who can contribute immediately to the country’s digital transformation.

What is your vision for the future of education?

In a rapidly evolving world and technological landscape, I am convinced that education needs to move from conveying top-down and definitive knowledge to teaching students how to learn and adapt. In tech in particular, tools evolve constantly. What matters is not just what you know today, but your capacity to think critically and adapt autonomously.

With the rise of artificial intelligence, this need is accelerating. While using and implementing AI models will soon be accessible to many, the real challenge lies in knowing how to integrate it responsibly while guaranteeing digital sovereignty for companies. We need to train local talent to solve concrete problems responsibly. This requires an open education system that enables people from different backgrounds and widens entry points to solve the digital talent shortage.

How would you describe your management style?

My style is demanding, transparent, and human. I believe in setting a clear direction rather than practicing constant oversight. I place my trust in collective intelligence and give my team the autonomy they need to grow.

My entrepreneurial background taught me the importance of speaking with full transparency, even during difficult moments, because that is how you build lasting trust. I also believe that good management must accept mistakes as long as they become lessons. This is consistent with the DNA of 42. We progress by testing and starting again, ensuring that no one is left to face a difficulty alone.

42’s pillar values are Ethics, Excellence, Openness, and Tech. Which one of these matters the most to you?

While all four are interconnected, I believe that openness is the foundation. Without openness, we miss out on immense talent. At 42 Lausanne, we see every day that excellence can come from all sorts of places, even those where you expect it the least at first. By creating a framework where different people learn together, we create a strategic lever for Switzerland’s technological competitiveness. Openness allows us to achieve excellence and use technology ethically.

Is there a topic we haven’t covered that you would like to mention?

Yes: I can’t stress enough that 42 Lausanne is more than just a school. It is a collaboration platform between talent and companies at the regional and national levels. Our role extends beyond training talent to bridge the gap between the needs of Swiss SMEs and the next generation of tech talent. Through partnerships, internships, and initiatives in cybersecurity and AI, we are building an ecosystem where education and innovation move forward together.