Every great achievement starts with a challenge. For Cedric Picaud, CEO of CRYOPDP, challenges have always been stepping stones to innovation and impact. Growing up in Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France, Cedric developed an early passion for entrepreneurship, starting his first logistics company at just 22. It wasn’t easy, but those early days taught him resilience and the importance of thinking ahead.
After earning his degree in management, Cedric joined another company within the industry, where he spent over a decade mastering the intricacies of logistics, particularly in the healthcare sector. Navigating a fast-evolving industry required him to embrace uncertainty and constantly adapt. These experiences shaped his ability to lead with clarity and purpose.
Now, as the CEO of CRYOPDP, Cedric is on a mission to redefine healthcare logistics. His vision extends beyond business success, he is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion, where every voice matters and ideas can flourish. For Cedric, true leadership is about empowering others to overcome challenges together.
Let us learn more about his journey:
The Odyssey
Cedric Picaud grew up in Saint-Martin-d’Hères, France, where he developed an early interest in entrepreneurship. At 22, while studying management, he took the plunge and started his first logistics company. It was a crucial step in shaping his future, even though it came with its challenges.
After completing his studies, he joined a company, where he spent more than a decade refining his logistics skills, particularly in healthcare. It wasn’t always easy, and there were times he had to overcome uncertainty and find new ways of thinking. However, every experience contributed to his growth, especially in a constantly evolving field.
In 2017, Cedric began working on a significant project at CRYOPDP, overseeing the logistics of sensitive biological samples across 15 Asian countries. It was a monumental challenge, but within eight months, they created a dedicated platform and successfully managed 8,000 samples a month. This became a defining moment for both the team and the company, demonstrating how collaboration and innovation can overcome even the most complex obstacles.
Today, Cedric is proud to lead CRYOPDP and contribute to innovations in healthcare logistics. While recognition is important, he is driven by the desire to build a diverse, inclusive environment where new ideas can flourish. Cedric firmly believes that empowering various voices is key to tackling any challenge.
Looking ahead, his focus is on making CRYOPDP a sustainable leader in healthcare logistics. For Cedric, it’s not just about business success—it’s about leaving a positive legacy for the world.
Inception Story
Cedric Picaud’s business idea stemmed from a simple observation: the logistics industry, particularly in healthcare, needed a more reliable and specialized approach. Early in his career, he realized that transporting sensitive materials like medicines and biological samples required far more attention to detail and care than traditional logistics could provide.
He focused on building a service specifically tailored to the healthcare sector, prioritizing safety, precision, and reliability. It was clear that there was a growing need for such a service, and Cedric was determined to create a company that could meet it hands-on.
Today, CRYOPDP is known for its innovative solutions in healthcare logistics. The core idea behind the company remains unchanged: to offer dependable, cutting-edge services that support the healthcare industry that truly adds value. Cedric and his team are now focused on sustainability, creating solutions that meet today’s needs while preparing for the future.
Balancing in Professional and Personal Lives
Cedric Picaud has learned how to balance his demanding role at CRYOPDP with his personal life. The logistics industry, especially in healthcare, is fast-paced and often unpredictable, making it a challenging field. However, over time, Cedric has discovered that finding a balance that works for him is crucial.
A significant part of this balance comes from trusting his team. Delegating is essential, and Cedric has a great group of people around him. He relies on them to take ownership of their projects. It’s not about doing everything himself, but empowering others to make decisions and take charge. This approach frees him to focus on the bigger picture and strengthens the company.
Setting boundaries between work and personal time is another key aspect. While the nature of the industry sometimes demands flexibility, Cedric consciously disconnects when he can. Whether it’s spending time with family, getting outside for a walk, or simply relaxing at home, these moments help him recharge. He’s learned that taking these breaks makes him more effective when he returns to work.
Cedric also remains committed to continuous learning. The logistics field is ever-changing, and staying current is essential. He makes time for events, reads, and connects with industry members. This ongoing learning helps him lead confidently and ensures that his decisions are grounded in the latest trends and insights.
Lastly, he acknowledges that his ability to manage work and life is supported by those around him. His family, friends, and colleagues provide invaluable support, helping him stay grounded, especially during tough times. He strives to bring this same level of support to the CRYOPDP team by fostering a positive and collaborative environment that makes balancing work and personal life a little easier.
For Cedric, balancing work and life is an ongoing process. It’s about knowing what’s most important, setting clear boundaries, and making time for the things that matter. With the right approach, he continues to keep CRYOPDP moving forward while maintaining a healthy personal life.
Appetite for Business
Cedric Picaud’s appetite for business is fueled by finding solutions and making things work. He thrives on the challenge of improving processes, leading teams, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, particularly in the logistics industry, where every decision counts. Cedric enjoys solving complex problems efficiently, whether within operations or in delivering better services for clients.
He’s also deeply passionate about building something meaningful. For Cedric, business is not just about making a profit—it’s about creating value in a way that leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s streamlining operations, offering clients improved solutions, or fostering an environment where his team can grow and succeed, this is what truly motivates him every day.
At CRYOPDP, Cedric is always seeking new ways to improve. The logistics world is fast-paced, and staying ahead of the game is crucial. He leverages both his expertise and his team’s strengths to think ahead, constantly innovating and refining their work. This approach ensures that the business remains dynamic and adaptable, essential in a competitive and ever-evolving market.
For Cedric, business is about being practical but also thinking long-term. He believes that standing still is not an option—they must continue to adapt, learn, and improve. The real reward in business, for him, comes from knowing they’ve made a difference, whether through a successful project or by creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Passion that Drives Business
Cedric Picaud has learned how to manage the demands of his role at CRYOPDP alongside his personal life. The logistics industry, particularly healthcare logistics, is fast-paced and unpredictable, presenting constant challenges. However, Cedric has discovered that finding a balance that works for him is essential to his success.
He empowers them to take ownership of their projects, believing that it’s not about doing everything himself but rather giving others the responsibility to make decisions and lead. This approach allows him to focus on the bigger picture, which, in turn, strengthens the company.
Cedric is also committed to continuous learning. The logistics field is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial. He makes time for events, reading, and connecting with industry peers, which helps him lead with confidence and ensures that his decisions are based on the latest trends and insights.
Cedric also acknowledges that his ability to manage work and life is supported by those around him. His family, friends, and colleagues play a vital role in helping him stay grounded, especially during tough times. He strives to provide the same level of support to the CRYOPDP team, creating a positive and collaborative environment that makes balancing work and personal life a little easier.
For Cedric, balancing work and life is an ongoing process. It’s about understanding what’s most important, setting clear boundaries, and making time for the things that truly matter. With the right approach, Cedric continues to move CRYOPDP forward while maintaining a healthy personal life.
Impact of COVID-19
In his words: “Leading CRYOPDP has been a remarkable journey. One of the moments I’m most proud of is how we navigated the challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. We quickly adapted, launching direct-to-patient (DtP) services to ensure critical clinical trials and medical supplies continued to move. It was a tough time for everyone, but seeing the team pull together and deliver under pressure reinforced our role as a trusted partner in healthcare logistics.
I’m also honoured to have been recognised for our innovation. In 2022, Business Worldwide Magazine named me the Most Innovative CEO in Healthcare Logistics. This recognition reflects the hard work we’ve put into pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. But it’s not just about awards; it’s about making a difference in the lives of those who rely on our services.
On a personal level, my education at HEC Paris and my MBA in Commercial Development and entrepreneurship have helped shape my approach to leadership. I’ve always believed in continuous learning and
adaptation, and these experiences have been crucial in helping me guide the company to its current state.
But what motivates me is seeing our team grow. The most rewarding part of this journey is watching the people I work with develop, take on new challenges, and achieve their successes.
It’s not about the recognition. It’s about our impact—ensuring that life-saving treatments get to the people who need them most and knowing that we’ve helped improve access to healthcare worldwide.”
Words of Wisdom
Cedric Picaud believes that anyone looking to enter leadership should focus on three essential qualities: clarity, continuous growth, and empathy.
First and foremost, clarity is vital. A leader needs to have a clear vision of where they want to go and ensure that everyone understands it. Leadership isn’t just about having ideas; it’s about effectively communicating those ideas and inspiring others to work toward them. When the team shares the same goal, they can move forward together, even when faced with challenges.
Second, continuous learning is crucial. Cedric asserts that the best leaders are those who keep learning. The world is always changing, and without growth, there’s a risk of falling behind. Whether through formal education, such as an MBA, or by staying curious and learning from others, it’s important to always seek new ways to improve.
Lastly, empathy is key to effective leadership. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers but about listening, understanding, and empowering those around you. Whether it’s your team, clients, or community, genuinely caring for and supporting others makes a significant impact. For Cedric, leadership is about serving, not just leading.
For Cedric, leadership is the balance of vision and execution, passion and discipline, authority and empathy. When leaders can strike this balance, they become the kind of leaders people want to follow and the ones who make a real difference.
Achievements in Professional and Personal Life
Cedric Picaud believes that growth and success are grounded in key principles: staying focused, continuously learning, and leading with empathy. Success comes when you have a clear vision and the ability to adapt. It’s essential to surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Leadership is not about being in charge but about empowering others to thrive. Cedric emphasizes embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow and staying curious. This mindset, he believes, not only fosters personal success but also elevates everyone around you.
Regarding additional thoughts, Cedric shares that success isn’t just about achieving goals but about the impact you have along the way. Life is full of challenges, but each one presents an opportunity to learn and grow. He advises not to fear failure, as it’s part of the process. Surround yourself with inspiring individuals, stay grounded, and hold onto your values. The journey is just as important as the destination. Keep pushing forward, remain adaptable, and remember that who you become on the path is what truly matters.
