Introduction: What Creative Leaders Can Learn from Monet

Claude Monet, founding figure of Impressionism, forever changed the way we see the world—and the way we approach creative leadership. Daring to perceive light, color, and life differently, Monet defied rejection, financial hardship, and the comfort of convention. He led not by dominance, but by inspiring a movement, building collaborative circles, and staying relentlessly true to his evolving vision. Monet teaches creative leaders that greatness is painted day by day through courage, adaptability, and resilience. His journey is a call to see possibility where others see limits and to become the storyteller of your own professional legend.

On this unique Paris walking tour, you’ll follow Monet’s footsteps, guided by the Hero’s Journey and the 12 archetypes. At every stop, you’ll reflect on your own story, for you are the artist and author of your leadership journey.

Timeline: Monet’s Hero’s Journey in Paris

Time	Stage / Archetype	Location	Reflection Focus
09:00	Ordinary World / Innocent	Place de Clichy (Monet’s early Paris life)	Origins, first dreams, humble beginnings
10:30	Call to Adventure / Explorer	Musée Marmottan Monet (early experiments)	Risk-taking, daring to break convention
12:00	Meeting the Mentor / Sage	Café Guerbois (Impressionists’ gatherings)	Collaboration, learning, shared vision
14:00	Tests, Allies & Enemies / Creator	Musée d’Orsay (Impressionism’s rejection and triumph)	Perseverance, resilience, legacy
16:00	Return with the Elixir / Magician	Musée de l’Orangerie (The Water Lilies)	Wisdom, integration, inspiring others

The Walking Tour

09:00 – Place de Clichy (Ordinary World / The Innocent)

Monet’s first Parisian neighborhood was modest but full of energy, the launching pad for a life of reinvention.

Reflection:

• What beginnings shaped your early vision?
• How do you preserve your sense of wonder and possibility?

Monet’s Lesson:
Every journey starts with humble origins—embrace where you began.
Question: What aspect of your “ordinary world” do you wish to see with fresh eyes?

10:30 – Musée Marmottan Monet (Call to Adventure / The Explorer)

Here you’ll find Impression, Sunrise, the painting that named an artistic revolution and redefined the boundaries of seeing.

Reflection:

• When have you chosen to see the world differently from your peers?
• What risks have you taken for your creative vision?

Monet’s Lesson:
True leaders are willing to experiment—even at the risk of misunderstanding.
Question: What bold step or experiment is calling you now?

12:00 – Café Guerbois (Meeting the Mentor / Sage)

This Montmartre café was a hub of lively debate among Monet, Renoir, Manet, and others—mentorship, inspiration, and challenge.

Reflection:

• Who are your mentors and creative allies?
• How do you foster collaborations that push your thinking?

Monet’s Lesson:
Growth flourishes in creative communities that embrace dialogue and difference.
Question: How can you create your own circle of visionaries?

14:00 – Musée d’Orsay (Tests, Allies & Enemies / Creator)

Once scorned by critics and institutions, Monet and his peers persisted—today, their masterpieces command pride of place here.

Reflection:

• When have you faced resistance to your ideas?
• How do you respond to setbacks and criticism?

Monet’s Lesson:
Perseverance turns rejection into legacy.
Question: What past failure or rejection could become your turning point?

16:00 – Musée de l’Orangerie (Return with the Elixir / Magician)

Surrounded by Monet’s Water Lilies—the culmination of a lifetime’s vision and a gift to Paris.

Reflection:

• What is your “masterpiece”—the legacy you wish to create?
• How can you inspire others with your journey and vision?

Monet’s Lesson:
The true leader transforms personal vision into shared wonder.
Question: How will your story shape and uplift others long after your journey?

Conclusion: Lessons from Monet’s Hero’s Journey

Monet’s journey was not a straight line, but a series of bold choices, experiments, and setbacks—each woven into an extraordinary legend. By telling himself a story of persistent creation and daring innovation, Monet found flow and left a mark beyond measure. His journey reminds us: you are the artist of your own legend, and every day is a new canvas.

Final Reflections:

• Where are you on your own hero’s journey: beginning, exploring, collaborating, overcoming, or inspiring?
• What narrative are you painting for your leadership?
• Will you dare to see, create, and lead with vision beyond convention?

Your legend is waiting—pick up the brush.

Tour Details:

• Duration: 1 day
• Start Time: 09:00 AM
• End Time: 05:00 PM
• Cost: € 595 per person excluding VAT per person

You can book this tour 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.