One thing I love about Clipper Race training is that it never lets you get complacent. Nothing is ever truly “won.”  Passing Levels 1 and 2 doesn’t guarantee success in Levels 3 and 4—and they make sure you know it. That mindset keeps me sharp, focused, and in learning mode.
The 11 skippers for the 2025-26 race have been announced, and on May 17th, we’ll find out who our skippers are and which of the 11 boats and teams we’ll join. 
Introducing the Clipper 2025-26 Race Skippers

While I haven’t been back on the water yet to practice sail evolutions, I’ve been doing my homework: reviewing videos, rereading my training books, and prepping for what’s ahead. I’ve also recommitted to cross-training. I’ve kept up a solid swim routine-- three times a week for most of the fall, winter, and spring--and recently added three runs and two weight sessions a week. I had forgotten just how much cross-training accelerates strength. The combination is working. I feel stronger and more prepared for my back-to-back training weeks in May.  With the clock ticking, every day counts.
Focus, Energy, and Consistency
My coaching clients experience something similar. When they focus their energy, reinforce new habits, and stay consistent, progress follows. For example, let’s say a client has been promoted and now needs to operate more strategically. That often means getting out of the details, delegating more effectively, and blocking time in their schedule for high-level thinking. To make those shifts stick, they must become intentional about how they use their time. It requires deep focus and a willingness to examine which habits support their goals and which ones no longer serve them.
Repetition Builds Results
In training, repetition is essential. The same is true for leadership.
When a client commits to change, we build the structure to support it. If their goal is to think more strategically, that might mean setting aside half a day every week for visioning and planning. Or setting recurring meetings with cross-functional partners to move key initiatives forward.  Whatever the action, it becomes part of the routine.  It’s not glamorous, but it works: rinse and repeat.
Drilling Down to Drive Change
Of course, change only works when you’re clear about what needs to shift. That’s why I spend time with clients drilling down into specifics: What does being “more strategic” actually look like? What are the precise goals? What research, collaboration, or planning needs to happen, and when? What’s getting in the way of consistent follow-through?
If a client is stuck in the weeds, we identify the detailed tasks they’re doing that should be delegated, one by one. For example, if they want to stop writing long emails, we revise a real one together: from three paragraphs to three sentences.  We practice until it feels second nature.  Because once you have clarity, momentum follows.
The Mindset Behind the Work
As I prepare for the next round of Clipper training, I am doing the same work: staying focused, being consistent, and repeating the daily habits that build readiness and resilience.
It’s the same mindset I aim to cultivate with clients. In both sailing and leadership, lasting progress rarely comes from doing something big once. It comes from the small, repeated actions that add up over time--until they become part of who you are.
If you are interested in learning more about our services, you can visit our website www.desormeauxconsutling.com or contact me: [email protected].  

This year marks an exciting chapter in my journey toward the Clipper Race. As I prepare for this extraordinary challenge, I find inspiration in stories of courage, resilience, and the unrelenting pursuit of dreams. Whether exploring maritime history or learning from accomplished sailors, each step fuels my anticipation for September 2025, when I’ll set sail on the first leg of this incredible race.

Learning from Legends

As someone relatively new to the world of sailing, I’ve been captivated by the achievements of trailblazing sailors. Recently, I discovered the Vendée Globe, a solo, non-stop circumnavigation considered one of the toughest sailing races in the world. Among its participants is Violette Dorange, the youngest sailor in the 2024/2025 competition. At just 23 years old, she’s an inspiration, proving that youth and determination can overcome even the most formidable challenges. Article : Le Monde
My visit to the National Maritime Museum in Paris deepened my appreciation for the rich history of sailing. Their Solo Around the World exhibition highlighted the extraordinary accomplishments of sailors past and present, including Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who became the first person to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation in 1969. He also founded the Clipper Race in 1995, a connection that adds even more meaning to my upcoming journey. En savoir plus : Musée National de la Marine

Stories That Spark

Books and films have also become vital sources of inspiration. I’ve immersed myself in memoirs and accounts from sailors who have conquered the seas, gaining valuable insights into their resilience and resourcefulness. A standout experience was watching La Vallée des Fous, a gripping simulation of the Vendée Globe, with my colleague and friend Valérie Asselot. These stories remind me that preparation is as much about mindset as it is about skill, and they motivate me to embrace the challenges ahead.
Finding Inspiration Within
Just as I draw strength from others’ stories, I help my clients uncover their sources of inspiration. For some, it’s the joy of creating; for others, it’s a thirst for learning or the rediscovery of a long-forgotten talent. Through exploration and visualization exercises, I guide them to identify what lights up their eyes—the passions and aspirations that fuel their growth.
From there, we map out the steps to turn their visions into reality. Scenario planning often follows these sessions, providing a framework for achieving their goals, much like my own preparation for the Clipper Race.

Leadership Lessons from the Sea
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Preparation for the Clipper Race has reminded me that leadership, like sailing, requires both inspiration and strategy. As I guide my clients to identify their own sources of motivation, I encourage them to embrace the journey, not just the destination. By setting clear goals, breaking challenges into manageable steps, and staying committed to growth, they can navigate their own paths to success—and inspire their teams to do the same.
Where will your next adventure take you?
If you are interested in discussing your 2025 leadership adventures you can learn more about our services at our website at www.desormeauxconsutling.com or contact me directly [email protected].