“Attention, Ladies and Gentlemen—5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . let’s go.”

And here we are. The Clipper Race is about to begin. https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com
There’s an electric energy in the air fueled by final safety checks, last-minute trainings, and saying goodbye to family and friends who’ve come to cheer us on. We’ve just completed another PIE assessment (Preparation, Initial Action, and Equipment) for scenarios ranging from collisions and fires to flooding and heavy weather.

The week before departure includes registration, a full day of sailing to ensure the boat and crew are ready, man overboard drills, and rehearsing maneuvers like hoisting and lowering sails. And of course, the big departure celebration.

I’ll be sailing Leg 1 of an 11-month circumnavigation of the globe, alongside crew members - some completing a few legs, others the entire race. I’m joining for Leg 1 of 8, sailing from the UK to Puerto Sherry, Spain (about 8 to 10 days of sailing), where we’ll pause for a three-day boat check to ensure everything is working properly. Then, we’ll set sail on a 33-day ocean crossing to Punta del Este, Uruguay.

Step by Step, Evolution by Evolution

In sailing, every evolution (maneuver) builds on the last. Think of it: you learn to hoist sails, then to trim lines, and eventually, to helm confidently in rough weather. Through repetition and reflection, these skills become second nature.

Leadership functions in a similar way. When I coach clients transitioning into new roles, we focus on small, deliberate adjustments, tackling one behavior at a time. Although progress might appear slow, these purposeful steps result in lasting change.

Whether you’re on the deck or in a leadership role, real growth happens one evolution at a time.

Stepping Fully Into Your Role

You made it—new job, new promotion, new challenge. And now comes the moment to lead.. This is an exciting time, and it calls for your full presence, intention, and commitment.  It’s not about having every answer on day one; it’s about showing up fully from the start. 

One client I worked with was applying for a senior role at a health insurance company, a department new to him.  To prepare, he developed a 30-page plan outlining how he would lead the department. That detailed preparation helped him not only secure the role but also succeed in it. He stepped in fully from the start.

I often meet clients six months into a new role, just beginning to see what’s holding them back.  Maybe it’s executive presence, navigating peer dynamics, or adapting to shifting expectations. That’s precisely when we partner to strengthen what’s working and adjust what isn’t. After all, stepping into your role isn’t just about the first day—it’s about every day after that.

Holding the Helm

As I write this, I’ve spent more than a year training for the Clipper race, mostly in weekly sessions and shorter sails. Aside from a two-day practice event in May, I’ve never raced under pressure.  

Now, I’m here, part of a transatlantic crew, competing against nine other teams. I, too, must fully step into my role. Just like my clients, I’m drawing on my training and preparation. I’m remembering the PIE assessments. I’m listening to the countdown. And I’m holding the helm with full attention and trust in my growth so far.

Whether on the ocean or in the office, stepping fully into your role means being ready when the moment comes. And committing with everything you’ve got.

Let’s Talk​
Interested in discussing leadership, role transitions, or how we support high-impact leaders?
📩 Reach out to me at [email protected] or visit www.desormeauxconsulting.com

This adventure is moving fast. The Clipper Race is rapidly approaching, particularly Leg 1, which is expected to last around 33 days. We’ll set out from Portsmouth, UK on August 31, 2025, with a short stop in Porto Sherry, Spain, before heading across the Atlantic to Punta del Este, Uruguay, on August 31, 2025.

Our crew will include 18 sailors, joining our skipper, Heather, and mate, Millie. All the preparation — four levels of training — will hopefully pay off. And it’s in support of a great cause as well https://www.justgiving.com/page/lyne-desormeaux-1.

Awareness of Energy Level

Level 4 training included a one-day race against nine other sailboats, an incredible challenge. We placed third. I followed that by flying to Marseille for a 5K swim https://www.defimonte-cristo.com/fr. Last year’s race had been cancelled due to strong winds, so I didn’t want to miss my chance this year, despite the intense training schedule and sleep deprivation from the four-hour watch rotations.

After a week at sea, followed by a flight back to Paris, a train to Marseille, and the open-water swim, I’ve been in recovery mode. That experience made me acutely aware of how much I had overestimated my energy reserves. Since then, I’ve been researching how to manage energy while living on a watch system and how to be better prepared for the race.  

Renewal and Recovery Cycle

Leadership, like endurance sports, requires sustained energy over time. Just as athletes train and recover to perform at their best, leaders must also build in cycles of renewal to maintain their effectiveness. My colleague, Anne Evangelista, explores this in her latest book, The Endurance Leader: Leadership Longevity in a Fast-Paced World. One question she poses has stayed with me: “If you could spend 10 percent more time recovering, what difference would that make in your energy, attitude, and physical and mental health?”
In both leadership and sports, recovery is essential, not a luxury. That 10 percent could be the difference between burnout and resilience, between reaction and clarity. As I prepare for the Clipper Race, I’m more aware than ever of how intentional rest builds long-term strength, whether on the water or in the workplace.

Managing Energy in Leadership

​I hear it all the time from clients: they are taking on more responsibility, navigating complex global roles, traveling across time zones, and trying to balance work and family. Some have young children. Others are managing teams across continents. In these contexts, time management alone is insufficient. Energy management becomes the key.

For global leaders, this means establishing a sustainable schedule that incorporates regular exercise and adequate rest. It also means surrounding themselves with strong teams: delegating, investing in succession planning, and developing direct reports who can deliver results and drive strategy. The ability to manage energy isn’t just personal; it impacts the whole organization.

Managing Energy in Training

After completing Level 4, I gave myself June to rest, including sleep, massage, time with friends, and family. Now, with two months to go, I feel ready. My current rhythm includes three swims, one run, and one weight training session every week. I’ve also signed up for a short lake swim of 3,800 meters in Lake Maggiore on August 1st, while visiting friends in Brissago, Switzerland (see lake crossing).
The balance of exertion and recovery matters—whether you’re training for a transatlantic race or leading in a complex world.
If you are interested in our leadership services, you can learn more about them on our website at www.desormeauxconsulting.com or contact me directly at [email protected].

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