Vinci

Creating a Transformative Community of Changemakers

Overcoming market challenges like never before.

   

by Aude Le Bihan
Paris

Mission

VINCI Construction, a prominent leader in the construction industry, was facing a unique downturn in the residential construction market in France. Local business units were preparing fragmented responses that risked misalignment and inefficiency. With billions at stake, the client needed a unified, strategic approach that would not only tackle the immediate crisis but also secure long-term growth and leadership.

Faced with this pressing issue, VINCI reached out to Adviso. Our mission: how to engage all business units in a coordinated effort that would sustain leadership while fostering innovation and agility on a disrupted market?

Solution

At Adviso, we see turning points as opportunities for growth. Our philosophy is grounded in the power of collective intelligence, and in VINCI’s case, we recognized that the more complex and uncertain the environment becomes, the more it required an agile and emergent approach to produce sustainable results. 

With these insights, we introduced a bold concept: creating a transformative community of changemakers. This community would drive solutions across VINCI Construction, incorporating diverse perspectives and roles. After 100+ interviews, we brought together cross-functional teams from different units and hierarchies to form a spearhead for this transformation. 

To accelerate action, we organized two 24-hour hackathons within four weeks. These dynamic, high-energy events were designed to foster collaboration, break down silos, and tackle limiting mindsets to improve business performance. Participants were given access to prototyping tools and inspiration sources, including real-world materials like concrete to ground their creative ideas in the realities of construction. 

The hackathons unleashed a wave of innovative solutions. Teams developed actionable ideas to optimize every step of the residential construction value chain—from land sourcing to sustainable building practices. The process helped VINCI align its strategy with emerging trends in housing, ultimately strengthening its competitive position in a rapidly changing market. 

The initiative not only generated new solutions but also instilled a deep sense of pride and collaboration within the workforce. Teams across the company were energized, building trust between previously isolated business units. This coherence enabled VINCI to drive both innovation and performance, securing a clear vision for the future of residential construction. 

In recognition of the success of this initiative, VINCI Construction extended its collaboration in order to scale the community of changemakers, creating a larger network of innovators who continue to drive change. 

By embracing collective intelligence and fostering cross-unit collaboration, VINCI Construction not only responded to the immediate market crisis but also positioned itself to capitalize on future growth opportunities. 

We’ve never worked this way before—it’s so intense and enriching! We’ve reached insights that would have taken us months without your support.

— A participant

This method challenged us, exhausted us, and pushed us to our limits. It was exactly what we needed to confront this unprecedented crisis!

— A participant

 

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be part of this vibrant community!

— A participant

Inspiration

Prototype

Welcome pack

Aude Le Bihan

Paris

Aude is a cultural transformation expert, driven by a belief in the power of open communication to spark lasting change. She helps teams break silos, challenge perspectives, and uncover solutions that elevate business performance.

  

 

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