Introduction: What Creative Leaders Can Learn from Degas

Edgar Degas, master of movement and observer of life, lived his greatest story on the boulevards, studios, and theaters of Paris. His art was both daring and disciplined—pushing boundaries while honoring tradition, and making the unseen visible. Degas’ journey teaches creative leaders the power of close observation, adaptability, and resilience in the face of struggle. His discipline, willingness to collaborate, and relentless reinvention offer a playbook for leaders who wish to choreograph their own legend. As you trace Degas’ steps through Paris, you’ll be invited to examine and compose the story of your own leadership, one moment of reflection—and daring innovation—at a time.

Timeline & Walking Tour Itinerary

Time	Location & Theme	Reflection & Questions
09:00	Start: Place de la Madeleine (Degas’ Birthplace) The Ordinary World & Call to Adventure	What “stage” do you begin your journey on? What call or curiosity pushes you to new levels?
09:30	École des Beaux-Arts (14 Rue Bonaparte) Meeting the Mentor | The Innocent/Explorer	Who shaped your early instincts and work ethic? How do you seek out new knowledge?
10:30	Musée d’Orsay (see Degas’ ballet works) Tests, Allies, and Enemies | The Orphan/Hero	Who helps—or hinders—your development? How do you deal with critique or competition?
12:00	Lunch: Café de la Paix (Opéra Garnier nearby) Allies & The Lover/Caregiver	Who are your collaborators? How do you build trust and empathy on your team?
13:30	Opéra Garnier (home to Degas’ favorite subjects) Crossing the Threshold/The Creator	When have you observed or led from the wings rather than center stage? How do you witness and shape culture?
15:00	Montmartre (Degas’ studios and Impressionist gatherings) Ordeal, The Rebel, The Jester	When did you challenge norms or experiment with new ideas? Where do you find the courage to improvise?
16:30	Jardin des Batignolles (reflection spot, Impressionist group’s roots) Reward, The Sage, The Magician	Where do you reflect and connect the dots of your journey? How do you translate vision into action?
17:30	Finale: Rue Victor Massé (Degas’ final home and studio) Return with the Elixir, The Ruler	What legacy are you creating? How will you shape and share the masterpiece of your leadership story?

The Hero’s Journey & 12 Archetypes: Degas in Paris

• The Innocent: Young idealist, filled with potential at the Beaux-Arts.
• The Orphan/Everyman: Facing isolation, the hardships of artistic life, and loss.
• The Hero: Committing to time-consuming technique and embracing innovation.
• The Caregiver: Supporting friends in the Impressionist circle, mentoring younger talents.
• The Explorer: Venturing into photography and sculpture, never settling.
• The Rebel/Outlaw: Sponsoring independent exhibitions; spurning the Salon system.
• The Lover: Passionate devotion to art, friends, and the Parisian ballet.
• The Creator: Inventing new ways to depict movement and light.
• The Jester: Humor in personality and playfulness in pastel technique.
• The Sage: Constant study of old masters and new technology.
• The Magician: Turning everyday scenes into evocative masterpieces.
• The Ruler: Orchestrating Impressionist exhibitions; leaving a lasting influence.

Reflection Moments & Questions at Each Stop

• Place de la Madeleine:
  What is your “stage” at this moment in your leadership? What first called you to lead, or to create?
• École des Beaux-Arts:
  Who or what are your mentors? How do you keep learning and refining your craft?
• Musée d’Orsay:
  Who challenges or supports you? How do you handle criticism and use it to grow?
• Café de la Paix:
  Who forms your circle of trust? How do you nurture loyalty and shared vision?
• Opéra Garnier:
  Are you more comfortable in the spotlight or as an observer? How do you influence culture from either position?
• Montmartre:
  How do you innovate and break with convention? When did you last take a creative risk?
• Jardin des Batignolles:
  How do you find time for reflection? How do you turn insight into inspired leadership action?
• Rue Victor Massé:
  What legacy are you creating as a leader? What masterpiece will you leave behind?

Conclusion: Lessons from Degas’ Hero’s Journey

Degas’ Parisian odyssey was a study in evolving vision, resilience, and continuous learning. By telling himself a story of persistent growth and creative rebellion, he found a deep flow and built a legacy that shaped modern art. Your journey is equally unique: you are the choreographer of your own legend, turning setbacks into new movements and solitude into moments of revelation. Embrace the role of both observer and innovator. Your leadership masterpiece is yours to compose.

Final Reflection:
What narrative will you write as the hero of your own leadership journey? How will you step into both the shadows and the spotlight to create your legend?

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.