David Narr – Take Control Now Podcast

In this episode of the Take Control Now podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming David Narr, director of the Génilem association. We talked about his journey from entrepreneur to coach, his vision of silent innovation, and the importance of coaching to help businesses thrive in French-speaking Switzerland.

Who is David Narr?

David hails from the Morges region and is a father of two. He is the director of Génilem, the economic development association that has been supporting innovative entrepreneurs in the cantons of Vaud and Geneva since 1995.

Before joining Génilem, David had a rich career spanning entrepreneurship, communications, and management, always driven by curiosity and a passion for human connection.

From Video Games to a Communications Agency

After studying at HEC Lausanne, David co-founded an advertising video game company (advergaming) in the early 2000s. Together with a friend, they created custom games for brands like Opel, integrating product placement into interactive adventures.

"We were getting paid to write articles and test video games. When you're young and a bit of a geek, it's absolutely wonderful."

After three years, the company was absorbed into Trio, Switzerland's oldest independent communications agency (founded in 1931). David took on responsibility for the New Media department, then became head of the Lausanne office. A six-year adventure that shaped his vision of management and client relations.

The Shift to Génilem

Upon leaving the agency world, David took a step back — even fulfilling a dream by earning his helicopter pilot's license. He then joined Génilem as a business development coach, mentoring 100 to 150 project founders per year.

"As a coach, you have to be careful not to project your own experience too much onto others. That's something you learn very quickly."

After more than six years of coaching, he took on the leadership of the association, with a resolutely participative approach, dedicated to serving his team of 11 people.

Génilem: Silent Innovation Serving SMEs

Génilem — Génération Innovation Lémanique — offers three key services, all free of charge for entrepreneurs thanks to the support of sponsors and cantonal authorities:

• Diagnosis: 450 project founders received per year for professional feedback in 30–45 minutes
• Training: intensive coaching days
• Selective mentoring: 15 companies per year, coached over 3 years with monthly meetings

David emphasizes the concept of silent innovation: not solely technological, but any form of sustainable differentiation — business model, communications, distribution. The examples of Dr. Gabs (craft beer) and Non-Stop Gym (24/7 fitness) illustrate this vision.

"The economic fabric is primarily made up of SMEs. Our goal is to generate the SMEs of tomorrow."

His Vision and Advice

• Coaching is essential: like a top-level athlete, entrepreneurs need an outside perspective. Statistics show a +20% survival rate for coached businesses.
• Step back regularly: pause to make sure you're aligned with your values and aspirations.
• Management in service of others: when a team is running well, the manager's role is to give them the means to keep going.
• Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur — and that's perfectly fine. Intrapreneurship is equally rewarding.

"Do what you enjoy, with respect for everyone."

His Inspirations

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries — the approach of prototyping and selling as quickly as possible to learn from the market
• Business Model Generation — born in Lausanne, used worldwide
• The Royal Game by Stefan Zweig — a short and striking psychological novel
• The Horde of Counterwind by Alain Damasio — French-language science fiction featuring an invented language of wind
• A big fan of strategic board games and science fiction

Where to Find David

• Génilem: genilem.ch — click "Meet a coach" to book an appointment
• LinkedIn: David Narr

Conclusion

David Narr's journey illustrates the power of aligning personal values with professional mission. From creating video games to leading Génilem, one common thread runs through it all: curiosity, human connection, and the drive to help others succeed.

👉 A rich episode for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, coaching, and what keeps the Swiss economic fabric alive.