DANIEL SCHMITT
Listen, learn, act.
Born in Brazil, and half-French. Based in Paris. Working with circularity in fashion. Constantly learning.
WHO AM I?
I was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil – the economic heart of a country that taught me so much. I reflect this city in many ways: in its complexity, its conviviality and multi-culturalism. I had the unbelievable chance to grow up in many different places and have continued to foment the passion for travelling all my life. Mobility being what has defined me for so long, I am now based in Paris working with sustainability.
Living in Argentina, France, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, and Germany allowed me to broaden and strengthen my vision on many topics. I see myself as part of the growing movement that enhances systemic economic, social, and political change. To me, these efforts should be directed towards the realization of systems aligned with (eco)logical practices and solutions. For instance, the transition towards a circular economy where value is not only shared but also redefined and reconceptualized is, to my eyes, a great source of inspiration and motivation.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Specialization & professional development
PROJECT MANAGER, VEJA
May 2019 - Present
At VEJA, shoes are produced in a different way. We use alternative and sustainable materials in accordance with ethical, social and ecological principles.
As sustainability project manager, I am responsible for the implementation of a circular strategy. Engaging in cicruclar economy in the footwear indsutry means consider the shoes' industrial complexity. In order to properly manage to launch a reuse and recycling program, I had to first have a clear understanding of VEJA's sourcing strategy. I was able to participate in the company's sourcing strategic developments.
I was also part of the team that successfully launched VEJAxDarwin, a concept store around circularity in fashion.
I consolidated the productive chain of recycled rubber through all of its stages, namely collecting, sorting, repairing, and recycling.
INTERNSHIP IN CONSTITUENCY OFFICE
January 2017 - June 2017
As an intern in the NPD's Constituency Office, I was in charge of developing the constituency's environmental strategy. Throughout my experience, I have managed to assemble people from different backgrounds to debate on material issues for the party.
CSR ASSISTANT, GPA
June 2016 - November 2016
As a CSR assistant in a large multinational corporation in the retailing world, I was in charge of presenting a comprehensive study on upcoming legislations to insure compliance, and mapping corporate sustainability projects, which one of them was Keiring's Environmental Profit & Losses.
I had the chance to present my final results to the CSO (Chief Sustainability Officer), who gave continuity to my work after my departure.
MARKETING COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT, ANNE FONTAINE FOUNDATION
July 2015 - August 2015
As an intern at Anne Fontaine Foundation in New York, I was in charge of marketing through social network and assisting the Foundation to raise funds for organizing the festival “Planeta Ginga”, a sustainable campaign in Brazil in partnership with local NGOs, artists and associations.
This internship was my first glance at the fashion industry, where I was fascinated by the potential to do good and enhance structural change towards more resilient supply chains. It is then that I discovered agroforestry, permaculture, and environmental activism.
MY PROJECTS
What I learned
CONSULTANCY PROJECT
Learning what traceability really is through tech innovation
As a student at ESCP Europe and part of a study group of 6 students, we were given as a mission to explore opportunities for DNV GL, a multinational corporation, to develop its My Story solution. My Story is a supply chain traceability monitor that enable companies to enhance transparency and compliance. It is powered by blockchain therefore insuring data accuracy and verification.
We had 7 months to deliver on a global stratgy for implementation and to assess ways for companies to closen their relations with their suppliers in all tiers.
EDUCATION
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today" Malcom X
September 2017 - April 2019
INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT, ESCP EUROPE
Graduated from one of top European business schools with a key focus area on Sustainability. Sustainability can be an empty word and this is why I dedicated my Master's thesis on redefining sustainability. I used VEJA and Natura to illustrate my argumentation.
September 2013 - Juin 2017
BACHELOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE, UNIVERSITÉ DE MONTRÉAL
Graduated from top French-speaking university in the world with a key focus are on International Relations. I acquired significant knowledge on analyzing global datas and being able to consolidate my opinions.
February 2012 - November 2012
LYCÉE PASTEUR, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC STUDIES
Graduated high school in Sao Paulo, Brazil with mention "Bien" in French Baccalauréat.
EXPERTISE
"Failure is enriching. It's also important to accept that you'll make mistakes - it's how you build your expertise. The trick is to learn a positive lesson from all of life's negative moments." Alain Ducasse
“To do good, you actually have to do something.”
Yvon Chouinard