Three weeks. It feels like a lifetime packed into a few short weeks, doesn’t it? I’ve been working on several fronts lately, from envisioning a dream farm in France to navigating significant professional transitions. There’s also my consulting business development, a journey that’s been gaining momentum and demanding my focus. It’s been a period of intense activity and reflection, and I’m excited to bring you along for the ride.
Personal
Let’s start with the personal side of things. Over the past three weeks, I have been using Obsidian and its Canvas plugin not for professional ventures, but to map the renovation work to perform in our farm in France, our permaculture garden and food forest, the potential income streams coming from our activities in the farm. It’s getting quite complete and documented. Canvas allows to create logical connections between ideas very easily and in a visual way. Honestly, it’s been a game-changer! I’m a visual thinker, and being able to map out in a visual way is incredibly satisfying. It’s like building a digital blueprint of our dreams.
Also, family coming first and with the weather slowly turning, we’ve been able to spend more time outdoors, which is always a boost, especially for long-distance hikers. I’m really looking forward to those long, sunny days in Southwest France.
Professional
Professionally, it’s been a period of significant change. We have finalised the hiring process for my replacement. It’s been an interesting process and am happy to get to the end of it. Our commitment was to name my successor by the end of February and I am incredibly proud to announce that amongst the different options available, on the 28th of February we have promoted a member of my team. Achieving this, as a leader, is what I call a success. I have worked everyday for the past 3 years – since I have took my role of Engineering and Lab Manager – to grow the team. Supporting the development of each member of the team, encouraging initiatives and autonomy.
On the other side of the mirror, there has been also some progress with regards to my career move. I had a very promising interview for a quality assurance role in the aerospace industry. Pivotal between Engineering and Programme departments, interfacing directly with Customers and Aviation authorities on different continent. It’s an exciting opportunity that aligns perfectly with my skills and interests.
And then there’s my consulting business development. This is one of the side activity which I started back in 2021 at the end of the COVID-19 crisis, and that I have kept relatively marginal for the past years. However, this is (obviously) one of the most promising start-up I have launched, and with now several new opportunities on the line, it’s time to properly develop my start up consulting business growth.
Inner
Internally, I’ve been focusing on consistency. My journaling practice has been solid, but I’ve fallen behind on my mindfulness and breathing exercises. It’s a reminder that balance is crucial.
With regards to fitness, I have been pretty good and consistent. I have really started tracking my progress with a Honor 5 band (yes, that’s an old one!) and the Huawei Health app, since the 10th of February. The records show a very good progression. I have been burning some fat, cycling 50 km, walking 40 km, and doing some other exercises as well. I am monitoring heart beats and blood pressure, and those are top-notch.
The only area for improvement is my sleep. Duration is good and am pretty consistent with my bedtime (9:30pm) and getting up at 5am. However quality is just average, as I am waking up several times and my deep sleep is too fragmented.
What’s coming up for next week
Next week, I am heading to France on Monday where I will be exploring professional opportunities. I will also stay at our (new) place and will gather data to schedule the renovation work and envision our future projects.
It’s an exciting time, filled with possibilities.
Final words
As I prepare to head to France (I am just finishing packing!), I’m looking forward for the opportunities that lie ahead.
This period of growth has reinforced a fundamental truth: life is a continuous process of building, adapting, and discovering. Whether it’s nurturing a team, charting a new career path, or developing a consulting business, each step contributes to the larger picture. One should always remember that every challenge has a solution, and those ‘aha’ moments are often found in the most unexpected places. If you’re feeling inspired to take action, whether it’s on your personal or professional front, start today – seriously, even if that’s by taking the smallest step in the history of mankind.
And if you’re also on a journey of consulting business development or navigating a significant transition, I’d love to hear about your experiences. Share your thoughts, challenges, and triumphs in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together.