Jane Goodall & Part 2 of My France Journal

Jane Goodall & Part 2 of My France Journal

Many of you asked what day-to-day life is like at my retreats in France, particularly the most recent one last month. In Part 1 of this series, we explored the first few days of connection, coaching, and vineyard adventures. Part 2 picks up on September 10–12, where the inner work deepened, breakthroughs happened, and transformation truly unfolded.
 

If you missed Part 1, READ IT HERE.

I was saddened to hear of Jane Goodall’s passing on October 1. I had been looking forward to seeing her speak at UCLA on October 3, and her loss reminded me how profoundly she shaped my life. 

Jane was a true leader of empathy, kindness, and compassion—qualities essential in leadership but often overlooked. Her wisdom reminds us that intellectual achievement alone is not enough; to lead fully, we must also master ourselves, our triggers, and our relationships.

I’ve admired her since childhood. In 3rd grade, I did my biography project on Dr. Goodall. I made a shoebox diorama with a drawing of her in the Gombe forests and a little stuffed chimpanzee beside her. Even then, I was captivated by her devotion to both truth and tenderness.

Jane once said:
“Here we are, the most clever species ever to have lived. So how is it we can destroy the only planet we have?”

While she was speaking to conservation, I’ve always read deeper into her words. For me, this quote also reflects how our lack of emotional intelligence—how we manage ourselves, our triggers, and our relationships—can destroy trust, connection, and even ourselves. To lead with impact, we need both intellect and heart.

That’s why Part 2 of the Coaches Retreat journal matters so much. To master coaching, we first have to keep mastering ourselves. The inner work—facing discomfort, confronting blind spots, and leaning into growth—is what makes everything else possible.

A Day in the Life: My Coaches Retreat in Auros, France (Part 2)

September 10, 2025 – Sand Dune Day
There’s something humbling about standing at the base of the Dune du Pilât, Europe’s tallest sand dune. The climb looks easy at first—but a few steps in, resistance hits. Every foot sinks deeper, every step takes effort.

It’s the perfect metaphor for growth. You can see the top, but the only way to reach it is through persistence.

When we finally made it, the Atlantic stretched endlessly before us—wild, blue, alive. 

Coaches stood in awe, some silent, some reflective. I invited them to pause and ask themselves: What am I ready to release at this summit? Old identities. Expectations. Control. You could almost feel the collective exhale.

Lunch at a local oyster cabin by the sea was pure joy—fresh oysters, crisp white wine, laughter echoing off the water. On the drive home, we made a fun stop at a French supermarket. I gave everyone a “homework assignment”: choose one item to share that symbolized their Enneagram type. The aisle wandering turned into reflection and meaning-making—a coaching exercise in disguise.

That evening, Chef Julien hosted a traditional Raclette dinner. The melted cheese, cured meats, and laughter—it all felt like warmth embodied. Our evening reflection was tender and rich.

September 11, 2025 – Coach the Mayor
Our guest that day was Philippe Camon-Golya, the Mayor of Auros. He joined us for lunch and a coaching session, and what struck me most was his humility. He spoke of leadership not as authority, but as service. Of listening to understand, not to respond.

We shared thoughtful feedback on each other’s coaching, and the conversations were profound and illuminating—revealing not just new ways to coach, but deeper insights into how we show up as leaders.

Later, during our cooking class, we made Tarte Tatin, a classic French upside-down apple tart. Chef Julien explained it was invented by mistake—an accident that became a national treasure. What a great metaphor: our best leadership moments often come from the unplanned.

The evening closed with our Farewell Dinner—French roasted chicken, glasses clinking, and a deep sense of completion settling over the group. You could feel how much everyone had softened, opened, and expanded.

September 12, 2025 – Completion & Au Revoir
The final morning was quiet. There’s a sacred stillness that always accompanies endings.

Our last coaching circle focused on integration—what shifts we were taking home and how to stay anchored in them. We even used Legos to represent our transformations that week.

As bags were packed and goodbyes exchanged, I stood by the doorway of Rouge Bordeaux watching the van pull away, feeling that familiar mix of pride and gratitude. 

Transformation doesn’t always happen in the moment—it unfolds in the days, weeks, and months after.

But in that moment, I knew: something powerful had been set in motion. When coaches do their inner work, they don’t just transform their businesses—they transform every life they touch.

✨ That’s the beauty of retreats like this—they remind us that real growth isn’t a destination. It’s a way of being.

What’s one insight or moment from this retreat journal that resonates with you?