Paris Reflections

Dear friends, colleagues, and fellow travelers in life and work,

I’ve always believed that two of the greatest gifts we can receive—education and travel—are the ones that shape us most deeply. They are unreturnable, unforgettable, and undeniably powerful.

Last week, I had the gift of spending time in Paris. I wandered the streets of Le Marais, lingered in cafés watching the world go by, explored museums that left me speechless, and let myself be fully immersed in the beauty and rhythm of French culture. I traveled the Metro like a local, browsed hidden gems in vintage boutiques, and stood in quiet reflection at the Shoah Museum.

By chance, I happened to be at the Shoah Museum on the 80th anniversary of the deportation of citizens from Paris to Germany. Outside the museum, I spoke with a woman whose father had served in the army. In broken English, she shared that she and others were preparing to march from the museum to a hotel—one that had been used after the war to bring survivors back. It was a powerful reminder to never forget the atrocities that affected so many families, leaving countless children without parents, and generations changed forever.

There’s something profound about stepping outside your daily life and into a world that invites you to see, feel, and think differently.

As a career and leadership coach, I often talk about growth, purpose, and unlocking potential. But I also know that some of our most meaningful insights don’t come from classrooms or boardrooms—they come from experiences that stretch us, humble us, and deepen our empathy.

Travel does that. Education does too.

They teach us to be curious, courageous, and open. They remind us that we’re always learning—about people, cultures, and especially about ourselves.

So whether you’re reading a new book, taking a course, planning a trip, or simply noticing something with fresh eyes—lean in. Those are the moments that build us.

And the best part? Once you’ve been changed by learning or travel, you can’t go back. The gift is yours forever.

Warmly, Gwen