Introduction: What Creative Leaders Can Learn from Auguste Rodin

Auguste Rodin, celebrated as the father of modern sculpture, was more than an artistic innovator—he was a master of resilience, reinvention, and transformation. Rodin’s path in Paris was not linear; it was sculpted by setbacks, stubborn vision, and a refusal to accept mediocrity or conformity. For creative leaders, Rodin’s life offers a powerful lesson: greatness is not handed to you, but carved out of persistence, self-belief, and a willingness to see possibility where others see only stone. You are the sculptor of your own legend. On this immersive walking tour, you will trace Rodin’s journey through Paris, reflecting on challenges, breakthroughs, and the legacy you wish to leave. By following the hero’s journey and the 12 archetypes, you’ll find fresh inspiration to tell—and shape—your own leadership story.

Timeline: Rodin’s Hero’s Journey in Paris

Time	Stage & Archetype	Location	Reflection Focus
09:00	Ordinary World / The Innocent	6 Rue de l’École-de-Médecine (early studio & École des Arts Décoratifs)	Origins, early dreams, first steps
10:30	Call to Adventure / The Orphan	Place de l’Odéon (site of early rejections, struggles)	Facing rejection, forging identity
12:00	Meeting the Mentor / The Creator	Musée du Luxembourg (Rodin’s first accepted works)	Influence, inspiration, bold vision
14:00	Trials and Allies / The Warrior	Hôtel Biron (now Musée Rodin)	Adversity, innovation, alliances
16:00	The Return / The Sage	Les Invalides (The Thinker, legacy spot)	Wisdom, legacy, storytelling

9:00 – Ordinary World / The Innocent

Location: 6 Rue de l’École-de-Médecine (Rodin’s Early Studio & École des Arts Décoratifs)

Rodin began life in modest circumstances, first studying design and drawing, then working as an artisan and craftsman. His passion for sculpting grew despite early setbacks.

Reflection:

• What sparked your earliest ambitions?
• How can you preserve your sense of wonder and possibility in your leadership?

Inspiration from Rodin:
All great journeys begin with humble origins—embracing your beginnings helps fuel your growth.
Question: What “ordinary world” are you ready to transcend?

10:30 – Call to Adventure / The Orphan

Location: Place de l’Odéon (Site of Early Rejections & Struggles)

Rodin’s early work was repeatedly rejected by the École des Beaux-Arts. He faced poverty, obscurity, and doubt, but his setbacks became fuel for transformation.

Reflection:

• When have you faced rejection or exclusion?
• How do you respond when your vision is not yet recognized?

Inspiration from Rodin:
Rodin’s resilience in the face of rejection made him stronger, sharpening his individuality as an artist and leader.
Question: What challenge is calling you to step beyond your comfort zone now?

12:00 – Meeting the Mentor / The Creator

Location: Musée du Luxembourg (First Museum to Exhibit Rodin’s Work)

Recognition at last: with the acceptance and exhibition of his work, Rodin gained access to influential networks and new forms of artistic collaboration.

Reflection:

• Who has offered you guidance, encouragement, or a breakthrough?
• How do mentors and collaborators expand your creative vision?

Inspiration from Rodin:
Mentorship and validation can be turning points—who do you seek out, and who do you inspire?
Question: What kinds of inspiration and support do you need to reach the next level?

14:00 – Trials and Allies / The Warrior

Location: Hôtel Biron (now Musée Rodin)

Here, Rodin produced his greatest works, including The Gates of Hell and The Thinker. He faced public controversy, criticism, and technical obstacles, but also found allies—like Camille Claudel—who shaped his art and life.

Reflection:

• What obstacles are sharpening your resolve right now?
• Who are your allies, and how do you support each other’s growth?

Inspiration from Rodin:
Innovation is forged in struggle—and in the company of fellow warriors.
Question: How do you transform adversity into creative progress?

16:00 – The Return / The Sage

Location: Les Invalides (where The Thinker gazes across Paris)

Rodin’s legacy is cemented not just by his art, but by his willingness to push boundaries and redefine leadership in creativity.

Reflection:

• What wisdom have you gained through your experiences?
• How will you share your story and shape the legacy of those who follow?

Inspiration from Rodin:
The final act is to bring back the insight, courage, and inspiration of your journey—so others may discover their own.

Question: How will you use your story to empower the next generation of leaders?

Conclusion: Lessons from Rodin’s Hero’s Journey

Rodin’s Parisian path embodies the hero’s journey: humble beginnings, repeated rejection, undeniable persistence, visionary breakthroughs, and a legacy that redefined what was possible. He chiseled his own story into history, turning struggle into form, and vision into reality. For leaders, the lesson is clear: your legend is not found—it is made. Sculpt it with courage, resilience, and authenticity. The story you choose to tell yourself can become the work that speaks to generations.

Final Reflections for Your Leadership:

• Are you shaping your life, or letting it be shaped by circumstance?
• What masterpiece could you create if you dared to carve your own path?
• What legacy will you leave behind, and how will it inspire others?

“Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.” — Auguste Rodin

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.