Back to the roots
| Dear leaders, |
| September always feels a little like a fresh start. New priorities. New projects. New energy.. Whilst, at the same time, we are landing the year. For me, this rentrée is also a moment to pause and look back – before looking ahead. Here are four things on my mind as we get back into the rhythm. |
| A few days ago, I had the pleasure of seeing an article featuring me published by MEDEF. It may sound like a small thing, but for me, it felt significant. |
| It is my first publication since I started The Laughing Willow a few years ago, and it made me pause for a moment and reflect on the journey so far: the organisations I’ve worked with, the HR leaders I’ve supported, and the teams I’ve challenged, encouraged, and sometimes pushed outside their comfort zones. |
| Different contexts, different people, different challenges – but my mission remains simple: to develop leaders at every level to create lasting impact, for people and for business. |
| This interview was also an opportunity to reaffirm that mission and highlight that The Laughing Willow methodology is deeply rooted in trust. |
| So, as I head into this new season, I feel mostly grateful for the people who have trusted me and the organisations that have opened their doors. And genuinely excited about the leaders and teams I haven’t met yet! |
| A big thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. |
| More to come! |
| In The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey calls it « Sharpen the Saw »: taking time to recharge so we can remain effective. And it starts with Habit #1: Be Proactive. Rest shouldn’t only happen when we’re exhausted. This summer, I tried to do just that: slowing down, disconnecting and enjoying some of France’s beauty. I have come back with more energy and perspective. How did you sharpen your saw this summer? |
| Recently, I asked you on LinkedIn two questions: |
| Which team ritual has the biggest impact on collaboration?Which self-discovery changed how you work with others? |
| Your answers highlighted leadership fundamentals, such as self-awareness, making space to listen, and creating regular moments to reconnect, to give and receive feedbacks. |
| And a great way to develop these skills is to explore Process Communication Model® (PCM) with your team – online or in person. |
| – Discover the model in one hour and start exploring communication preferences. |
| – Apply the model in one full day – going deeper into self-awareness, communication under stress, and create a practical team ritual. |
| If you’d like to explore what that could look like for your team, I’d be happy to talk. Contact me! |
| A special invitation for you! Liza Guellerin, one of The Laughing Willow’s amazing partners, is hosting an #IamRemarkable workshop – a space to pause, recognise what you’ve achieved, and get more comfortable talking about it. It’s something I notice often: we’re usually much better at recognising other people’s strengths than our own. #IamRemarkable is a 90-minute interactive workshop that helps you identify your achievements, get comfortable talking about them, and learn how to self-promote without feeling like you’re bragging. In other words: less modesty, more ownership! The workshop is designed with underrepresented groups in mind, and the research often highlights the experience of women in the workplace. But everyone is welcome, men very much included! → Workshop on October 12, from 12:15 to 1:45 PM Sign up here |