The Clipper Race continues, but I’m no longer on the Team Scotland sailboat. The first part of Leg 1 — spanning from Portsmouth, UK, to Puerto Sherry, Spain—marked the beginning of this 11-month adventure.

I trained hard for five intense weeks, yet nothing quite matched nine consecutive days at sea. I was part of Team Scotland, a strong crew led by the excellent skipper Heather Thomas and her fully committed mate. We were still becoming a team, working our way through Tuckman’s arc (forming → storming → norming → performing → adjourning) when the Atlantic reminded us who’s in charge.
A Start with a BangWe sailed into the remnants of Hurricane Erin. Race leadership warned it might be the toughest week of the entire circumnavigation. They weren’t exaggerating.

Early Tuesday, I was preparing to head up to the deck as our boat, CV22, heeled sharply. My sailing boots slid, and I shot from one end of the boat to the other, hitting my head and shoulder. I was out for a few minutes. When I came to, the shoulder pain was excruciating. And then, as if to make sure I got the message, two green walls of water came through the door and drenched the skipper, a crewmate, and me. The pain meds took the edge off, but upset my stomach. The rest of the week? Call it storm school.

Winning and Losing  at the Same Time

Team Scotland won that stage. And yet, even in the win, I felt like I had lost my love of sailing and wasn’t sure how — or if — I would recover. Across the fleet, a few sailors stepped off: some decided the race was too much; others were injured- broken ribs, a broken foot—and one was helicoptered to a hospital. The race goes on, with winners and losers on paper, and with lessons for everyone on the journey.

When Storms Hit My Clients

Over twenty-three years of coaching, I’ve seen clients weather their own squalls. During the 2008 global financial crisis, some renegotiated contracts simply to keep their company alive. CEOs leave, new ones arrive, and overnight, the alliances my clients had carefully built are rearranged. Constant reorgs churned the water until even the most capable paused to ask, “Does this still fit? Are my strengths relevant here? “
We talk a lot about agility and resilience, and we should. But the way through often begins with alignment and a reset: health first, values front and center, the right support around you. From there, it’s straightforward human work: tell the truth about what’s happening, ask for what you need, and take the right next step. Not flashy. Just steady.

Leadership Lessons From the Sea

It feels good to have learned to sail, and I know I’m still learning. I set out with one goal and met another, and with friends’ support, I was able to give through JustGiving and help children—that mattered. A colleague told me storms can be a badge of entry to the sailing world; this one certainly was. I put a high value on my health and my self-care, and I know when it’s time to heal and reset. Experiences like this shake you to the core, and they invite a clear re-look at goals, choices, and values.

​Interested in exploring how to re-examine goals, choices, and values after a storm? Let’s connect. desormeauxconsulting.com • [email protected]

“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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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].

In August, I completed Level 2 of my sailing training for the Clipper Race, gaining more knowledge and experience on the water. Every training session introduces me to a new group of sailors, and together we tackle the challenges of hoisting a sail, helming, and adapting to the demands of the sea.
This latest training focused on the watch system (four hours on deck, four hours sleeping, 6 hours on deck, 6 hours sleeping, etc.) and night sailing. We were lucky enough to encounter strong winds, which provided a valuable lesson in seasickness and how to adapt--I learned that I need much stronger seasickness medication!  Despite the discomfort, I discovered a passion for helming. The responsibility of guiding the vessel, particularly during gybing maneuvers, tested me in an exhilarating and satisfying way.

Learning Together

Learning to sail, like leadership, is about progressive mastery.  Each training evolution builds on the previous one, tying skills together into a cohesive whole. This mirrors my work with coaching clients, especially when they are part of a training program where learning is a group effort. In both sailing and leadership development, individuals have strengths and areas for growth.  When we work as a team, we see these more clearly. Just as the other sailors and I rely on each other during maneuvers, my clients benefit from observing their peers during leadership training.
A growth mindset is key to both sailing and leadership. When starting a coaching session, I always tell the group or individual that as they learn and practice a new behavior or a new skill, they have full permission to fail. The goal is not about immediate perfection but instead about building awareness, testing new behaviors, and developing confidence—just like on the water.

The Power of Feedback

In both sailing and leadership, feedback is crucial.  My latest skipper, Cam, a 25-year-old with vast experience, did a great job of acknowledging my strengths while offering practical advice on improving my sailing skills. His recommendation to study evolutions in our training book was right on point, reinforcing the value of preparation and continuous learning.
Similarly, in leadership coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how coaching can drive significant transformation. One of my clients, the CEO of a financial firm, was amazed by the positive change in one of her senior officers after a coaching engagement. After working with her team, I recommended coaching for this individual. The CEO provided direct and truthful feedback, which prompted the officer to seek a coach from their homeland. The impact was remarkable. The officer became more fully participative, collaborative, and supportive of the CEO and the team. Gradual, progressive coaching and training can have tremendous results with committed clients who are eager to succeed but require guidance and support in their development.

Building Strength

In sailing, we begin with the basics. My Level 1 training focused on learning fundamental terms and techniques. I was assigned specific tasks, such as operating winches or handling lines.  By Level 2, these skills were woven into complete sailing evolutions, from hoisting sails to reefing, tacking, and gybing. I also learned to read the telltales, which provide visual cues about wind direction and sail trim. Physical and mental strength were critical, and my preparation through swimming and weight training helped me power through the challenges, even when seasickness hit me hard.
As I continue to train, I focus on maintaining and building both my physical abilities and my sailing knowledge.  Just as in sailing, leadership development requires consistent effort to stay sharp. I’ll be taking weekend sailing courses in the south of France this fall and next spring, keeping my skills fresh as I prepare for the ultimate challenge:  Leg I of the Clipper Race, a 32-day sailing adventure from Portsmouth, UK, to Uruguay next September.

Growth Never Stops

Just as sailing demands ongoing learning and practice, so does leadership. My consulting and coaching clients learn to self-observe and analyze the impact of their words, communication, presence, and effectiveness. Like sailors learning to read the wind, leaders must first understand the skills they need to improve. Once this awareness is established, real progress can begin.
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In coaching, I ask a lot of questions to help my clients reflect on their leadership style, just as I reflect on my helming techniques while at sea. Understanding what’s missing, what’s working, and what needs adjustment is key to progress. And just like in sailing, where each maneuver is part of a larger evolution, leadership development builds step by step, creating a foundation for success.

If you are interested in learning together in a training or continued growth for your leaders you can learn more about our services at our website at www.desormeauxconsutling.com or contact me directly [email protected].

Have you ever felt like you were falling short at work, even though you were putting in the effort?  Many leaders, just like me during my recent sailing course, face challenges that can derail their progress.  The key is to learn from them, build resilience, and come back stronger.
What a learning curve it has been!
This blog could have gone two ways. Either I would be reporting how I didn’t pass my Level 1 training for the Clipper sailing race, or I’d be sharing how I managed to pass it. I am glad to report that while I didn’t pass my first Level 1 training in May, I did succeed when I took it a second time in early July.

Starting a New Adventure

Who knew how wild this would be! I think I totally forgot that I would be training for a race. I got my money’s worth of learning that week. Paired with 7 men who had sailed before and another man who took to it easily, it was quite the experience. We made a good team. The skipper and two mates were great, and our second mate, Heather, had just won an all-women around the world sailing cup, Heather. BBC News.

Even though I was disappointed about not passing initially, it was well worth it to cement all these new terms (grinding, halyard, pulpit, foredeck) and understand the sequence of hoisting the mainsail, the staysail, and the yankee, as well as gybing, tacking, reefing, and dropping the mainsail. The first three days of weather were great, and we had a fantastic last day with winds that allowed us to tip on both sides, port and starboard. This would help prepare me for my “take two” Level 1 training.

One of my clients, promoted a year ago, did well setting his strategy and challenging his team to take on new challenges. However, he didn’t plan for a new peer with a different vision on a joint project. He had to rise to the occasion, negotiate, and seek alignment with leadership. It was a tense situation he managed well. Coupled with personal challenges, he had to revisit his values and priorities to avoid burnout.

Great new opportunities often bring challenges, and many aspects of life must be managed to navigate each step of the journey.


How to Strategically Manage the Pressure

“It’s barely perceptible, but he was pacing himself, deliberately spreading his energy out to maximize his performance over the whole distance. This is why the psychology and physiology of endurance are inextricably linked: any task lasting longer than a dozen or so seconds requires decisions, whether conscious or unconscious, on how hard to push and when…” Alex Hutchinson. Endure (p. 11). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

“Tenacious” was the name of the Clipper sailing boat for my second attempt at Level 1 sailing. It became my word of the week. I was tenacious and I’m now moving to Level 2. It took more physical weight training, swimming, studying, and a lot of commitment. The last day of training was our skipper Guy’s birthday. He was a great skipper and trainer. On to the next! Guy Waites’ Accomplishments https://goldengloberace.com/skippers/guy-waites/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0VOCotmivAsM2oHKXwbYX9sF_QB2w7OKPLr2Red5S3qfuzapl9l4MhFiQ_aem_cSM61oPhL03u9JsZz4d08Q
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A win isn’t a win until it’s a win and that is how I approached the week. Sustained energy spread over each day, early rising, clear positioning to learn all the skills needed, practice of knots, and review of sail sequences plus acing the written exam on the first take this time.

When my clients are working on getting their next promotion, they must address the gap between where they are and where they are going. Stretch assignments, building a stronger network, seeking mentors and sponsors, and having a plan are crucial. Once they get the promotion, it’s time to plan their first 90 days, revise career goals, identify first wins, and build alignment with key stakeholders.

Endurance

“A suitably versatile definition that I like, borrowing from researcher Samuele Marcora, is that endurance is “the struggle to continue against a mounting desire to stop.” That’s actually Marcora’s description of “effort” rather than endurance but it captures both the physical and mental aspects of endurance. What’s crucial is the need to override what your instincts are telling you to do (slow down, back off, give up), and the sense of elapsed time.” AlexHutchinson,. Endure (p. 10). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

I resonate with this definition because I know I can’t drop the ball between each clipper training. We get assessed on knowledge and safety both intellectually and in practice at every training. My new sailing colleague, Louis, had posted a weight training program for sailing. Weight Training for Sailing https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/how-train-sailor/ I reviewed it with my trainer Yassin at Anette K. https://www.annettek.fr. We modified it, and I committed to it three days a week throughout June, with a few swims in between. My strength and energy were much better the second time around. On level 2 we will be at sea for four to five days, learn to do watches and sailing at night. My goal is to up my game with more weight training and more swimming for two 5K swims that are coming up in late July (Anglet, France) and early August (Brissago, Italy). Nothing is won until it’s won. I am even contemplating adding a Leg for the 2025-2026 race after Level 2.

I see my clients get elated when they finalize big projects, achieve goals, or get promoted. I also see them dealing with pressure, challenges, and difficult stakeholders. Sustainability and endurance are crucial during long, sustained challenging times. Strategically planning how to tackle long and difficult projects and urgent timeline requires astute thinking on managing not only information, plans, and people but also mental and physical energies.
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If you are interested in thinking strategically about your career plans and working on your endurance in 2024, getting feedback through a 360, or creating a. career or leadership development plan, you can learn more about our services at our website at www.desormeauxconsutling.com www.desormeauxconsulting.com or contact me directly [email protected].

As the new year begins, I find myself gearing up for an exciting journey – a sailing expedition with Clipper Ventures. The challenge is real, as are the doubts: Can I really do this?
 
Training and Preparation
 
In 2025, I will be sailing from the south of England to compete with a diverse team of experienced and non-experienced sailors, aiming to reach Uruguay. Four one-week training sessions between May 2024 and September 2025 will help prepare me for this epic adventure. Learn more about Clipper Ventures:  https://www.clipperroundtheworld.com 
https://youtu.be/9SaXgyn1aDQ?list=TLGGgg2AH8Hjj4ExMTEyMjAyMw
 
To ensure my readiness, I’m learning everything I can before my first training, including reading the book Victoire en solitaire, Eric Tabarly’s account of his triumphant solo crossing of the Atlantic in 1964. On the physical front, I’m researching swims I can do while I’m in France this year, such as:

•  Monte Christo swim of 2.5 miles near Marseille https://www.defimonte-cristo.com/e
• Anglet swim of 3.7 miles https://www.a-events-paysbasque.com/swim4kanglet in southwest France 
• Brissago swim of 2.5 miles between Italy and Switzerland https://www.ascona-locarno.com/en/events/details/Lake-crossing-Dirinella-Brissago/44178

Regular training sessions four times a week at Anette K., my new favorite pool and gym, supplement my preparation. https://www.annettek.fr/#sport and Rob and Stephanie, my coaches continue to prepare my sport training calendar. https://colburnbodyconcepts.com
 
In anticipation of my upcoming adventure, I’ve also been watching closely the experiences of participants in the Clipper Race 2023-2024. https://youtu.be/9SaXgyn1aDQ?list=TLGGgg2AH8Hjj4ExMTEyMjAyMw The excitement builds, but so does the reality check of what lies ahead. 
 
Navigating Career Challenges
 
Some of my clients experience a similar mix of excitement and worry during career transitions.  Whether it’s promotions, transitions to new companies, mergers, or stretch assignments, we explore their reactions, working through the process to find stability and grounding for stepping up. 
 
Setting new goals is exciting for some clients, as it is for me. From envisioning career changes to planning for bigger challenges or building new competencies, the process involves thorough visioning, research, and scenario planning. I’ve had the privilege of guiding a client through a successful transition from a Senior Vice President role to assuming board positions and eventually attaining the position of CEO. Collaboratively, we created a comprehensive plan with a timeline, enabling her to promptly initiate the steps to transform her envisioned scenarios into reality. Over the next few years, she not only executed but also excelled in implementing all these scenarios. 
 
Leaders seeking their next challenge often need a partner in the imagining and mapping phases. Visioning, research, analysis, and planning pave the way for adventures and challenges. 
 
Personal Commitment
 
As I prepare for my first training in May, I am hard at work eating a healthy diet, swimming at the pool, and working out at the gym. This training will require getting the right gear, learning about safety protocols, and mastering ropework and the use of deck equipment. 

Ultimately, my Clipper Race journey is not just about sailing across ocean, it's about equipping myself  to be a more effective coach and partner for clients navigating their own unique career adventures. By investing in my own growth, I invest in the success of my clients and the value I bring to their professional journeys. 
 
As you gear up for your next adventures, projects, and stretch assignments, I wish you a fantastic new year filled with exciting journeys and accomplishments. Stay ready for what lies ahead!

Swimming pools are everywhere. You just need to find them and go swim. Like discovering swimming pools around the world, leadership training opportunities are everywhere.
What are you waiting for?

Swimming Across the Globe

When I was training for a 4.4-mile swim, my coach emphasized that swimming pools can be found wherever you travel. This motivated me to keep up with my training, even during trips.
At the time I was traveling to Paris to train to become a supervisor of coaches, a program requiring seven visits within a year. I found a few pools to keep up my practice.

Lately, I have been coming across captivating stories about swimming pools in unexpected contexts, from novels to documentaries. The New York Times recently ran an article on swimming pools in Paris and the habits of French swimmers https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/03/world/europe/paris-france-swimming-pools.html. Julie Otsuka’s 2022 novel, The Swimmers, features a group of swimmers in an underground town pool. And “Swimming Pool Stories” by Jon Karl Helgasohn is a film that explores the history and narratives surrounding the construction and development of swimming pools in Iceland over time, delving into their unique stories and cultural significance.
https://www.icelandicfilms.info/films/nr/2140.  I stumbled upon the documentary during an Icelandair flight to the United States, which now has inspired me to plan a trip to Iceland with a friend to experience their pools and natural springs.

Parisian Pool with a View 

Currently I am living in Paris for a year and have discovered another fantastic pool for my swimming practice: the Anette K https://www.annettek.fr. This unique pool, situated on the Seine, is owned, and operated by a French film producer. It offers breathtaking views, and as I swim in the morning, I’m greeted by the sight of a hot air balloon ascending. Who knew that training for my swims could be so beautiful?
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My next goal is to participate in open water swims across Europe, starting with a 2.5-mile swim in a lake between Italy and Switzerland next summer.

Unlocking Leadership Opportunities

Leadership trainings and opportunities, like swimming pools, may be found anywhere; all it takes is finding them and embarking on a journey of learning and skill building. My clients all understand that leadership is an ongoing journey that requires continuous practice, learning, and updating.  Just like perfecting swimming strokes, improving your strategic, relational, and leadership skills is always possible.

Learning can take many forms:  a trusted leadership engagement, a coaching engagement or a training course, reading a book or listening to a podcast. Working with a mentor, gaining knowledge, and identifying skill gaps are all vital steps in building and enhancing your leadership muscles.
It's all about embarking on an adventure to discover what skills you want to develop or master next. What will complement the skills that you’ve already cultivated? Are you ready to leverage your strengths to maximize your potential as a leader?

If so don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected] for a conversation about your leadership needs.

I did it! I completed the 4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay Swim again. It felt great. This was the fourth time I participated in the Chesapeake Bay Swim. The first time I came close to the finish, and the second time the currents were too strong and I was pulled out early. So I redoubled my efforts with three coaches and finally the finished the race on my third attempt.  Following that success, I kept training and decided to take on the challenge once more this year. And guess what? I did it! I completed the 4.4 mile Chesapeake Bay Swim for the second time. 

Valuing Our Accomplishments

Given society’s focus on achievement and the pressure to constantly strive for more and even surpass ourselves, it is important to pause and appreciate our own accomplishments, both in our personal and professional lives. 
What was wonderful about this swim was that I was relaxed about getting in the ba. I knew my strength and my body, and I felt confident in applying everything I had learned over the year. I entered the first mile, focused and relaxed, and paced myself. During the second and third miles, I felt strong, if not spectacular. The fourth mile was tough, requiring intense concentration to navigate the currents from the left bridge to the right bridge while advancing. I saw the 4th mile post and just kept going. The final .4 miles demanded all my energy, and I was fatigued by this point.  But it felt like the water itself was propelling me towards the shore, and that was a plus. I did it again, finishing just 6 minutes over my last swim. Three hours and 49 minutes, adjusted for my group. 
I’ve been feeling exhilarated, happy, content, and energized. I have achieved this. It was an investment of time, practice, and patience, and I have proven to myself that I am capable. 
I firmly believe that the weekend at Lake Placid a few weeks before, organized by my coaches Rob and Stephanie Colburn https://colburnbodyconcepts.com was what clinched my personal win. For three days I trained alongside a small group of ironmen and women, as well as another swimmer named Jane. Jane and I were practicing our lake swims while the ironman athletes were biking, running, and swimming in preparation for their upcoming events. Being surrounded by such strong athletes inspired me to give my best and push harder.

Going For It! 

Many of my clients aspire to grow,  better themselves, and make greater contributions to their organizations and colleagues. Once they clarify what their strengths are and areas for development, they possess the foundation to craft a plan for their desired outcomes. I believe that some leaders and managers underestimate the importance of stepping back to gain clarity in this process. 
I’ve witnessed my clients really open up, gain clarity, and achieve amazing results when they address time management, prioritize their goals, and adopt a strategic mindset. Empowering them with control over their time, organization, and leveraging their strengths has not only changed how they perceive themselves but has also inspired and motivated others who witness their newfound leadership and management capabilities.

Leveraging Your Community 

Achieving clarity and growth calls for more than just self-reflection. [NE2] It requires reaching out and asking for feedback. Once my clients articulate their strengths and areas for development, I encourage them to share their insights and gather feedback from their managers and key stakeholders. This allows them to gain fresh perspectives that can inform their plans. Once the plan is set, another crucial conversation needs to take place. When they are seeking opportunities for stretch assignments or leveraging their strengths, I encourage them to engage in further discussions with key stakeholders at various levels to uncover synergistic opportunities, committees, or projects to contribute to and collaborate on. 

What Have You Accomplished Lately That You Are Proud Of

Take a moment to consider: What have you accomplished lately that fills you with pride? What are your achievements this year?  It does not have to be big. Every small step you’ve taken towards your goals deserves recognition and appreciation. One step at a time, one practice at a time, one collaborative session at a time. 

I encourage you to celebrate your efforts as well as your wins as the year unfolds. 
If you are interested getting feedback through a 360 or creating a career or leadership development plan you can learn more about our services and visit our website at www.desormeauxconsutling.com or contact me: [email protected].