Life at LightBlue: How Augustin Found Growth, Gratitude, & Chicken Noodles at The PLEDGE

The PLEDGE intern Augustin Brantus reflects his experience working with The PLEDGE on Food Waste in Bangkok.

Thailand, July 2025

When Augustin Brantus joined The PLEDGE on Food Waste as an intern, he knew he was signing up for a challenge. But he didn’t expect the experience to include everything from building strategy decks to sweating through morning jogs under Bangkok’s tropical sun.

A 23-year-old business student from Lyon, France, Augustin brought curiosity, humility, and a readiness to stretch himself — culturally, professionally, and personally. What he found was more than just an internship.

It was a crash course in sustainability, proactivity, and… a dish of grilled chicken and noodles.

I. Meet Augustin: From France to Bangkok

The PLEDGE intern Augustin Brantus on one of his weekend adventures in Thailand. His internship in Bangkok combined sustainability work with cultural discovery… and the occasional selfie.

Augustin grew up in Lyon before heading to NEOMA Business School in Reims. By the time he landed in Bangkok, he’d already studied abroad in Beijing — but this was his first time in Southeast Asia. And his first time working entirely in English.

“It was a bit challenging at first,” he admits. “My English wasn’t excellent. But I improved a lot — I still have more to learn, of course — but it was a good push.”

He joined The PLEDGE for a reason: to experience what it's like working in a purpose-driven organization making a real-world impact. “I wanted to work on sustainability — and The PLEDGE gave me the chance to do that in a truly international environment.”

II. First Impressions: Kindness, Climate, and Culture Shock

Augustin was warmly welcomed into Thai culture. whether at local markets or on the street, he was struck by the everyday kindness and joy that define daily life in Bangkok.

When Augustin stepped off the plane in Bangkok, the heat hit him like a wall.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever been in this kind of tropical climate. It really struck me,” he laughs.

But what made the strongest impression wasn’t the weather — it was the people.

“I was genuinely surprised by how kind and warm Thai people are. Even strangers go out of their way to help you.”

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. “Bangkok’s traffic and pollution? That was hard to deal with sometimes,” he says candidly. But those challenges didn’t outweigh the charm of the city’s culture — especially its vibrant food scene.

III. From Intern to Team Player: Getting Involved at The PLEDGE

Augustin onboarding a new team member at The PLEDGE. His internship offered more than project work, it gave him the chance to collaborate closely, share knowledge, and contribute to a supportive team culture.

Like many interns at The PLEDGE on Food Waste, Augustin quickly discovered that a small team comes with big opportunities. There’s no hiding in the background here — you’re expected to step in, speak up, and get your hands dirty (figuratively, but sometimes literally).

“Even though I was new, I got to work on both strategic and operational tasks,” he says. “Since the company is small, you touch everything. That made the experience rich.”

He worked across departments, supported long-term projects, and onboarded new team members — even helping train a new recruit. “That part made me feel like I wasn’t just an intern — I was part of the team.”

His one reflection? “I wish I’d taken more initiative in client-facing settings. That’s an area I’d love to grow in next.”

IV. Culture & Camaraderie

Augustin and his buddy Thomas celebrate a hard-earned Muay Thai match victory with a cheerful photo session.

When asked what skill he developed most, Augustin doesn’t hesitate: proactivity.

“You learn to bring ideas forward, suggest improvements, and take initiative. That’s not something I was used to — but it really stuck with me.”

Working in a startup environment also taught him something else: agility.

“We’re a young company with lots of ideas,” he explains. “But we don’t always have the resources to do it all. That can be frustrating, but it forces you to be flexible, creative, and focused.”

Outside of work, Augustin formed close friendships with fellow interns — including his morning jogging and Muay Thai sparring buddy, Thomas.

Together, they tackled Bangkok’s humidity before breakfast and shared countless lunches at their favorite grilled chicken and noodle stall.

V. Advice for the Next Interns?

Augustin offers heartfelt advice for those thinking of joining The PLEDGE on Food Waste:

“This is a unique experience. You’ll work with people from all over the world. And because the team is small, you can shape your own path—choose what projects to get involved with, grow in the direction you want. So take initiative. Get involved. And don’t forget to enjoy Thailand. It’s an amazing country.”

VI. Curious What It’s Like to Work at The PLEDGE?

Augustin’s story offers a glimpse into life at The PLEDGE but if you’re looking for a second opinion, you’re in luck.

If you missed our last #LifeAtLightBlue blog, meet Tamino from Germany, who helped shape The PLEDGE’s market entry strategy in Singapore and discovered a new passion for food sustainability (plus night markets and iced coffee).

VII. Want to Join the Mission?

At LightBlue, collaboration, curiosity, and purpose drive everything we do. Whether you’re a student, intern, or seasoned professional, there’s a place for you on the mission to reduce food waste.

Whether you're new to food waste prevention or ready to scale your sustainability strategy, LightBlue Consulting is here to help.

At LightBlue, we don’t just talk about sustainability, we build solutions that make it real. Whether it’s FIT Food Waste Tech, The PLEDGE on Food Waste, or the culture that powers them, we’re always looking for new talent who want to make an impact.

Think you’re a good fit for our team or internship program?

Visit our Careers page right here.