Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree

How does a French soccer player end up co‑founding a global content brand with millions of followers?

In the Season 3 premiere of Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, host Dr. Sarah Tanner Anderson sits down with Alex Durand (MBA ’22)—international student‑athlete turned entrepreneur and co‑founder of AT Frenchies—to explore how resilience, relationships, and opportunity intersect to create global impact.

Alex shares his journey from leaving Paris as a teenager to navigating the American collegiate athletics system and ultimately choosing Longwood University for its flexible hybrid MBA program and elite athletic environment. While completing his MBA in just one year, Alex applied lessons in strategy, negotiation, communication, and leadership in real time—bridging the gap between content creation and sustainable business building.

Throughout the episode, Alex reflects on the Power of People that shaped every step of his path: Longwood faculty and staff like Wade Edwards, who supported his visa journey; Coach Sean, who believed in him as a Division I athlete; and Tom, his childhood best friend and co‑founder whose partnership laid the foundation for AT Frenchies.

From early social media videos documenting life as French expats, AT Frenchies has grown into a global brand with partnerships including NBC and Peacock, the Olympic Games, the French Embassy, and major international cultural and sports organizations. Alex also previews his upcoming book, Pardon Our French: The Parisian Way of a Happier Life, which explores joy, balance, and cultural perspective in a fast‑paced world.

In this episode, listeners will explore:
  • The leap from France into the U.S. collegiate and athletic system
  • Why a hybrid MBA was the right fit for an entrepreneur‑athlete
  • The transition from “influencer” to business owner
  • How relationships open doors across global industries
  • Why purpose and people matter more than metrics
Alex’s story sets the tone for Season 3—demonstrating how meaningful connections, mentorship, and community can shape careers far beyond the degree.

“Your relationship is your new net worth.” — Alex Durand

Subscribe to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree to hear more stories of alumni whose journeys prove the lasting power of people, connection, and opportunity.

Creators and Guests

Host
Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson
Dr. Sarah Tanner-Anderson serves as Associate Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies, as well as Associate Professor and Program Director of Educational Leadership. A former principal, assistant principal, middle- and high-school English teacher, department and grade-level chair, high-school coach, and club sponsor, Dr. Tanner-Anderson has spent nearly two decades serving and supporting public education in the Commonwealth. A proud Longwood Lancer, Dr. Tanner-Anderson obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English ('02) and Master of Arts in English, Education, and Writing ('07) from Longwood University. She earned her Post Master's Administrative Certification ('11) and Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Policy Studies ('14) from The George Washington University. Her research interests include women's educational leadership, social justice in education, and literacy leadership.
Guest
Alexandre Durand
Alexandre Durand is a French-born entrepreneur, content creator and one-half of the global social media duo @atfrenchies. Originally moving to the United States to pursue his passion for soccer, Alex attended Longwood University, where he earned his MBA. It was during his time as a student-athlete that the foundations for his future in business and digital media were built. Today, Alex splits his time between managing global campaigns and creating engaging content that makes the French language accessible to all. Whether he is filming in the streets of Paris or navigating the business landscape in the U.S., he remains a proud Longwood alumnus proving that a solid foundation in education and a bit of "French flair" can take you anywhere.
Producer
Jamie Eacho
Jamie Eacho holds the title of Director of Marketing and Recruitment in the College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) at Longwood University. Starting out five years ago as the Marketing Specialist for CGPS, Jamie has grown her love for Longwood and her desire to help prospective students find the graduate program of their dreams. While her marketing journey started as the Marketing Manager for Campus Recreation at Roanoke College, and took her to Washington D.C. marketing for the Washington Nationals, and then out to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, marketing for a hospital, she has always held a special place in her heart for working with and for students. As an alumna of Roanoke College, having obtained her Bachelor’s of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2017, her passion for small Virginia schools and the value that they can add to students’ lives runs deep.
Producer
Madison Hommey
Health and Physical Education Teacher, Jefferson Forest High School (BS’21, MS’22) Health & Physical Education M.S: Maddie Hommey, an adept educator and enthusiastic athlete, currently serves as a Health and Physical Education teacher at Jefferson Forest High School in Bedford County, VA. Her journey as an educator and her active engagement in various roles reflect her commitment to education and community involvement. Maddie is a proud Longwood University alumna, holding a Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (May 2022) and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Elementary and Middle School Mathematics Education (May 2021). As a student-athlete she received many awards and recognitions, for academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Now, she proudly serves on the Longwood Graduate Alumni Collaborative. With a robust work background, Maddie has excelled in roles such as Marketing Assistant at Longwood College of Graduate and Professional Services (formally Marketing Graduate Assistant), Social Media Manager for FC Frederick, Remote Teacher at Elevate K12, Camp Counselor at Camp Augusta, Longwood Athletics Compliance Assistant and Marketing and Communications Student Worker, Substitute Teacher, NCAA Soccer Referee, and beyond. Maddie's leadership roles, including serving as the Big South National SAAC Representative and Student Athlete Advisory Committee President at Longwood University, showcase her commitment to student welfare and advocacy. She actively engages in service activities, volunteering for Autism on the Seas, formerly Special Olympics, Alternative Breaks, and other community events, embodying her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom or field.

What is Longwood GradCast - Beyond the Degree?

Welcome to Longwood GradCast: Beyond the Degree, where we celebrate the stories of Longwood University’s graduate and professional studies alumni, students, faculty, and partners. This season, we’re exploring one powerful theme: The Power of People.
Behind every success story, every career pivot, and every moment of courage or growth, there are people who made an impact: Mentors who guided us. Professors who challenged us. Classmates who encouraged us. Communities that believed in us. And sometimes, the people we became along the way.

This season highlights the relationships that shape us and the ripple effect that happens when people invest in people. From graduates mentoring the next generation to professionals leading change in their communities, these stories remind us that success is never a solo journey.

Whether you’re considering graduate school, advancing your career, or reflecting on the people who helped shape your path, this podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the connections that move us forward and the difference they make in the world.
We’re here to support your educational journey and career aspirations. Visit our website at Longwood.edu/Gradprograms to explore our graduate programs and professional endorsements.

Leadership is in our blood. But leadership grows through people.
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