Since I saw Paris the first time when I was a little girl, France had always been in my dreams. I grew up imagining the cafés, the art, the grand boulevards. And now, I was finally going — not just as a tourist, but as a newly promoted manager, representing my company!
I was about to meet our business partners, Monsieur Père, his assistant Monsieur Petit, and the senior management team. After a presentation at La Défense office, I would continue with the personal training they had arranged for me at La Carla — a charming little château in Castres, where Monsieur Pierre Fabre himself occasionally hosted guests.
Just before the trip, Mr. Müd, my boss — a pharmacist, Harvard Business School graduate, and the owner of the company — called me into his office for a final briefing.
“Save all your receipts — museums, meals, even drinks — but under no circumstances buy clothes,” he instructed.
And then, with a slight smile, he added: “Can you stay over the weekend? Flights are cheaper that way.”
I had a toddler and a husband waiting for me at home. Two extra days alone in romantic Paris? It sounded like torture. But my husband’s reaction was instant and crystal clear: “You would be crazy not to!” And so, with mixed feelings — a bit confused, a bit thrilled — I packed my bags and set off.
At the La Défense office, reality hit hard.
The moment the team learned I spoke French, English disappeared. Even Mr. Müd seamlessly switched into French, drawing from his childhood years with a French nanny.
Meanwhile, I was thrown headfirst into business presentations, grappling with technical vocabulary and desperately trying to keep up.
It was not just about language — it was about survival. I quickly realized that leadership is not about having everything under control. It is about staying afloat when you are way out of your depth — and learning fast.
Later at La Carla in Castres, after an intense day of training, I faced my next challenge at dinner:
When politely offered duck, I could not help but blurt out, “Les canards sont mes amis; je ne peux pas manger mes amis.” (Ducks are my friends, I cannot eat my friend.)
Cue polite but puzzled looks around the grand dining table.
Then came the unforgettable moment:
Another international guest, while trying to cut her canard à l’orange, accidentally launched it across the room — the duck flying over our heads, landing squarely on Monsieur Père’s distinguished face.
With classic French composure, he simply pulled out his handkerchief and wiped off the orange sauce, as if nothing unusual had happened.
The rest of us sat there, suppressing our laughter under the ornate chandeliers, while the elegant white-gloved waiters continued moving solemnly around us.
As a matter of fact, that trip was not just about Paris or La Carla — it was about stepping way outside my comfort zone.
• I presented in French under pressure.
• I managed cultural surprises with (mostly) a straight face.
• And I learned that leadership means navigating not just business, but your own doubts and discomforts.
Because real growth does not happen when you are comfortable.
It happens when you are floundering, uncertain terrain …and still choosing to show up.
If you are about to step into something new, here is what helped me:
• Embrace the awkwardness. It is a sign you are stretching.
• Say yes even when you feel nervous. Those are the moments you will remember.
• Keep your humor alive. Ducks (and life) have a funny way of keeping you humble.
Every manager has their “first Paris.” Every leader has their flying duck moment.
The secret? Smile, dab the orange sauce, and carry on. Because every uncomfortable step is shaping you into the leader you are meant to be.
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