“Leading by Design: A Hero’s Journey in the Footsteps of Philippe Starck in Paris”

This 2.5-hour walking journey explores Philippe Starck’s innovative designs and philosophy in Paris, using Peter de Kuster’s Hero’s Journey framework to inspire personal leadership reflection. Participants will visit iconic locations tied to Starck’s work and engage in moments of introspection about their own leadership stories.

Timeline and Itinerary

1. Departure: Villa M (11:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Location: Boulevard Pasteur, Montparnasse.
• Activity: Begin at Villa M, a “naturalist manifesto” designed by Starck. Reflect on the Call to Adventure: How does nature and innovation inspire your leadership journey? Explore the building’s harmonious blend of architecture and greenery.

2. Walk to Le Royal Monceau Hotel (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM)

• Route: Stroll through Montparnasse toward Champs-Élysées.
• Activity: Visit Le Royal Monceau, a luxury hotel redesigned by Starck. Reflect on The Mentor: Who has guided you in creating spaces or opportunities for others? Consider how design influences human connection and leadership.

3. Seine River Walk to Café Georges (12:30 PM – 1:15 PM)

• Location: Walk along the Seine to Café Georges, located atop the Centre Pompidou.
• Activity: Designed by Starck, this café offers panoramic views of Paris. Reflect on The Road of Trials: What challenges have shaped your leadership style? Discuss how creativity can transform obstacles into opportunities.

4. Musée des Arts Décoratifs (1:15 PM – 1:45 PM)

• Location: Rue de Rivoli, near the Louvre.
• Activity: Explore exhibits showcasing Starck’s iconic furniture and product designs. Reflect on The Reward: What tangible outcomes have emerged from your leadership journey?

5. Return to Villa M (1:45 PM – 2:00 PM)

• Route: Retrace steps or take public transport back to Montparnasse.
• Activity: Conclude with reflections on The Return: How will you integrate lessons from Starck’s innovative approach into your leadership practice?

Reflection Moments

Throughout the journey, participants will pause for guided reflections inspired by Peter de Kuster’s Hero’s Journey model:

1. Call to Adventure: What drives your passion for leadership?
2. Mentor: Who has influenced your growth as a leader?
3. Road of Trials: Identify pivotal challenges and lessons learned.
4. Reward: Celebrate achievements and milestones.
5. Return: Plan actionable steps to apply insights gained during this walk.

This journey blends Starck’s visionary designs with personal leadership development, fostering creativity and transformation in participants’ own stories as leaders.

Tour Details:

• Duration: 2.5 hour leadership journey
• Start Time: 11:30 AM
• End Time: 14:00 PM
• Cost: € 395 excluding VAT per person. Entree fees included.

You can book this leadership journey by sending Peter an email with details at peter@wearesomeone.nl

Your Tour Guide

Peter de Kuster is the founder of The Heroine’s Journey & Hero’s Journey project,  a storytelling firm which helps creative professionals to create careers and lives based on whatever story is most integral to their lives and careers (values, traits, skills and experiences). Peter’s approach combines in-depth storytelling and marketing expertise, and for over 20 years clients have found it effective with a wide range of creative business issues.

Peter is writer of the series The Heroine’s Journey and Hero’s Journey books, he has an MBA in Marketing,  MBA in Financial Economics and graduated at university in Sociology and Communication Sciences.