Hello for the weekly rendez-vous on Friday. TGIF – Trust, Gratitude, Inspiration, and Fun.

Trust

My word for the year is “community.” That means NO to taking on projects that I will lead solo, and YES, seeking out opportunities to collaborate. This week I have fully benefited from networks of people I trust. French school finishes next week and summer break is around the corner. Many network events were planned while folk are still in town.

I mentor a young woman who is rebuilding her life after violence through entrepreneurship. It was an honor to attend her graduation and learn how both she and her business grew. “I am not the same person I was a year ago.” I am honored that she trusts me and in my counsel.

I trust in the Harvard community in Paris. In this case, I am the mentee 😊! A senior HBS graduate counsels and challenges me as I embark on a new entrepreneurial venture. Her input is both kind and demanding. I trust that means she believes in my potential!

Here is a photo of Station F, the largest entrepreneurial space in France, where women from Harvard gathered for our most recent get-together. There are three segments: this first hall is devoted to corporate sponsors (that’s why it looks empty. It’s after business hours.) The hall beyond the glass doors at the far end of the is where the entrepreneurs work on loooooooong tables. Security is intense and we were not allowed in. And of course, there is a food hall!

It felt eerie to be in such a place of connection (exchange of money, contacts, ideas…) when the lights were off. Hope to see it in action soon.

Our moderator created a secure setting where we could express our conviction with trust. Naturally, I did!

Gratitude

It’s heat wave time in France and I am grateful for water, especially drinking water. It is so easy to take it for granted!

American friends ask if we have air-conditioning. Like many Parisians, no we do not. That’s why we freshen off where we can. Temperatures climbed to 39.7 °C or 103.5 °F.

Calor! Chaud! Hiess! HOT! Yesterday I took it for granted. Today, I am grateful for water.

See more pics of Parisians combatting heat on Paris Match website

Inspiration

As you may know, I teach management in a French university. On the final exam I asked a question about managers’ responses to failure. (We had studied the impact of blaming vs. seeking solutions on corporate culture.)

I am inspired by the vitality and hope in this student’s response.

“If there is no solution, there is no problem.”

The phraseology caught me off guard, and I like it. Challenges exist…yet they don’t have the last word!

Problem solving — Background image from Udemy’s Engineering Problem Solving course. Cool, isn’t it!

Fun

On June 21, the longest day of the year, Paris resonates with music. It is the Fête de la Musique, a day where bands can set up on the street and play. It’s fun and it’s free.

One of my sons sings in a band and I went to admire him. I also ADMIRED this prancing princess who CLEARLY was having a blast. Check out the video on the SoSooper Facebook page for more fun. You get to see the boys dancing too!

The cool of the evening is settling in…and I’m off to watch France and the US women’s soccer match. Who to support? All of them!

Wishing you a great week.

Sincerely, Denise

Neat & New Stuff

What’s YOUR Focus Word?

Research reveals the debilitating impact of decision-overload. Choose a word-for-the-year to better stay focused on priorities. It makes it easier to say “No” with respect and confidence. Read on…