My biggest takeaway: International travel is what I imagine time travel to be. I'm transported to another dimension that allows me to look more objectively at myself, my goals and more fully imagine new possibilities

I was expecting to have breakthroughs, but I was surprised at how much confidence I gained through the experiences and the relationships I forged.

I learned that my vulnerable stories are worth sharing, and I will be more intentional about bringing my whole self into my work life.

I also reconnected with the joy of creative pursuits and plan to find space in my professional and personal life to appreciate beauty for the sheer pleasure of it.

My biggest takeaway from Joya's "Deep Writing and Reflection Retreat" was that location can stoke creativity. Inspiration can be found outside of my comfort zone. Courage can be ignited with when you reserve time alone.

What was I expecting: Joya's brand and logistics planning is so on point. I knew the retreat would be a carefully crafted experience, complete with unique elements and class.

What surprised me: I enjoyed the private tour of the Galerie Dior much more than I expected; I'm not a fashionista, nor am I a brand name dropper - but his life, overcoming challenges, short tenure (he was creative director for only 10 years, dying at 52), branding, craftsmanship, legacy - all helped me realize what a gift my daily life is.

What did I learn about myself: I've not lost who I am. She's still there. Despite the hurdles, caretaking, daily demands. She just needed a nudge, some good Paris chocolates, and a reminder.

What will I take back into life: My journey looks different than most. Both in my leadership and in my personal struggles, but that's okay.   I don't have to conform to some 'canned role' of what leadership looks like.  The lesson about fashion and icons. Each Creative Director that succeeded Dior was a rebel in his or her own right - taking their vision, blending it with the legacy of Dior. They weren't afraid. They overcame obstacles.

The biggest outcome of my attending your event in Connecticut was stepping out of my comfort zone.

I drove from New Hampshire. I booked a bed and breakfast nearby the night before. I went to dinner by myself and met all kinds of interesting people. I met up with all of you for the Grace Trail walk the next day.

It was a truly wonderful 2 days for me. I plan on practicing getting out of my comfort zone regularly- weekly if not daily. Thank you!

Your events are about a higher level of networking.

I cherished the fashion, the gastronomic excursions, and the personalized museum experiences. Added to that, you curated a group of high level women achievers. We had a perfect environment to develop deeper relationships and business ideas. 

It was a treat is to get away and look at life from a different perspective. Paris was an ideal location to stimulate creativity and foster collaborative ideas.

So grateful to my leadership coach Joya. She’s helped me break into rooms I never imagined I could be in.

This is what I realize from being a part of your membership the last few years: I need to stop feeling guilty about taking care of myself first. At your last event, I was in a room with 7 or 8 women who said it out loud. Everyone was professionally successful, juggling work, home life and self care. So it's a good group to take advice from. It was nice to hear that sentiment echoed back to me.

I’ve always thought of Dior as catering to the “ladies who lunch” set and to see generations of designs that appeal beyond that usual haute couture audience (and there were dresses I’d kill to wear), was quite a pleasant surprise.  Van Cleef tapped into recognizing the necessary work of art, and quite frankly comforted me as I work to research my Substack posts and my book. It was fun too in seeing which tasks came more naturally to me and the others that required work. Both had their own rewards.  The photos are a visual reminder of the beauty of the women and our experiences together in Paris. 

The Women’s Leadership Academy is truly unique from any other networking group or forum. I not only broadened my professional network,  but I participate in specially curated immersive experiences within the arts, culture, culinary and fine dining spaces.

I am a part of the finance and legal sector of this network. Through my membership, I met like minded, executive women that are ambitious, strong, goal oriented and focused on excelling in their careers. I've gained personally too, including advice and support in being a working mother, work-life balance, and being a woman on Wall Street.

Although I have been to Paris before, Joya put together a very exclusive itinerary where we dined at a Michelin-star restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, had a private shopping experience at Chanel, viewed the paintings of female artists during the impressionist era, and had lunch at the beautiful Le Meurice restaurant. Each event sparked very interesting and controversial conversations. I met women from all different sectors and walks of life. 

It was truly a refreshing experience, both professionally and personally. I look forward to future events!