Thierry Kervella

Tag: Family time

Consulting Business: Development, My 3-Week Growth & Career Transition

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.

Progressing on our permaculture garden and food forest. Picture from “The Creative Gardener” by Adam Frost.

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.

Family comes first. Always. My first daily devotion. Enjoying time outside with my daughter and my partner.

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.

Working on my Consulting Business development

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.

Fitness tracking shows good results and consistency

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.

02/03/2025
An Eclectic Week: French Farm Renovation, Family Time, and Career Updates

This week has been a delightful mix of progress, challenges, and precious moments. It’s amazing how much can happen in just a week! From thinking and learning about our French farm renovation to celebrating family time together and making strides in my career, it’s been some truly eclectic 7 days.

Personal

This week (and the same week each year) bring a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. The 5th of February was my Dad’s birthday; he would have been 71… Bon anniversaire Papa, miss you!

On a lighter note, I finally succumbed to the allure of Vinted! Yes, I’m a late bloomer, but I’m thrilled with my discovery. I snagged a brand new pair of Salomon Ultra 4 mid-cut wide fit hiking boots for a steal – £70 instead of £191 on Amazon! They’re perfect timing, as my trusty old hiking boots – a pair of Salomon X Ultra 3 , which have accompanied me on adventures from Georgia to Tenerife, Brazil, Sicily and beyond, are passed retirement. They’ve served me extremely well, but it’s time for a worthy successor.

Salomon X Ultra 4 mid-cut found on Vinted! Will this help for our French farm renovation?

We’ve also been making some practical decisions!
We’re switching some bank accounts to First Direct (HSBC group) to take advantage of a £175 welcome bonus. Every little bit helps!

And speaking of finances, I’ve submitted a request to Ma Prime Renov’ (Rénov’Occitanie Hautes-Pyrénées) to help us navigate the process of improving the energy efficiency of our new farm (Yes!! We bought an old farm!). Our French farm renovation is a big project, and I want to take full advantage of any available financial assistance, including grants and subsidies. The farm itself is a constant source of inspiration and work. I’ve been busy detailing the improvements we want to make. It’s exciting to envision the future! In parallel, to help speed up the sale of our flat in the UK, we’ve decided to work with multiple agencies. Fingers crossed for a quick and smooth process.

Professional

Professionally, I’ve passed an interview for a potential next step in my career! Fingers crossed for good news. And on the other side of the table, I’ve finalised the first round of interviews to find my successor. It’s rewarding to help someone else grow and take on new challenges.

I’ve had some exciting learning moments. I’ve discovered the Canvas core plugin in Obsidian, and it’s a game-changer for mind mapping! The flexibility is incredible, and I have been using it extensively this week. Check out this demo by Vicky Zhao [BEEAMP] for a glimpse of its power.

Inner

This week – as always – has also been a time for personal growth. In a funny twist, I’ve been consciously working on my tolerance and patience. A seemingly simple task – replacing the mixer tap of the basin in the bathroom – turned into a mini-saga when I discovered the shut-off valves were inaccessible (Yay!). Let’s just say there was some creative plumbing involved (and a little bit of splashing!). But I persevered and got the job done.

Family time is always a priority. We enjoyed a lovely walk all together this Sunday, after a day with Nelly on Saturday while Mama took a well deserved day off to go to the theater. These moments are so precious!

I’m also continuing my quest for better sleep. I’ll be using an Honor 5 band tracker to monitor my sleep patterns and hopefully make some improvements.

What’s Next

My immediate focus is to fully understand the ins and outs of Ma Prime Renov’. I also want to continue developing our plans for the farm improvements, which includes learning about French drains! It’s a continuous learning process.

Life, as always, is a balancing act. Between the French farm renovation, my career, family, and personal growth, there’s always something to keep me busy. But I’m learning to embrace the eclectic nature of it all and to find joy in the journey. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every problem has a solution.

What about you? What are some of your recent reflections or “aha!” moments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

09/02/2025
Moving to France: We Got the Keys! Our Hautes-Pyrénées Dream Begins!

Moving to France just gave us the biggest high-five ever! And that high five came few days ago in the form of a single key. Not a set, just a small key – the key to our very own place in the Hautes-Pyrénées! This isn’t just about a new house; it’s about unlocking a dream, a future filled with sunshine, fresh air, and a generous helping of joie de vivre. It’s a dream we’ve been nurturing, and seeing it start to bloom is absolutely thrilling!

Personal Reflections

The past two weeks have been the happiest for quite some time! Our quick trip to the Hautes-Pyrénées confirmed everything we’d hoped for and more: this is definitely the place for us.

Driving through the picturesque countryside, the majestic Pyrenees looming in the (close) distance, we felt a sense of homecoming. The tranquillity is palpable, the scenery breath-taking, and the pace of life…well, let’s just say it’s a welcome change from the hustle and bustle! We explored charming local markets overflowing with delicious regional specialties, picturing ourselves becoming regulars.

Even in January, the sun’s warmth and the crisp mountain air were invigorating. These moments of connection with nature are pure magic – they recharge our batteries and put smiles on our faces.

And our daughter? She had a blast! Discovering frogs in the (admittedly chilly) swimming pool – or pond – was a major highlight, and she instantly bonded with the friendly local cats. Seeing her so happy and at home made our hearts sing.

The view from our new home in the Hautes-Pyrenees, with the majestic Pyrenees looming in the (close) distance,

Back in the UK, we’re riding high on this wave of positive energy! We’re full steam ahead with selling our current place (multiple agencies are on the case!), and we’re enthusiastically diving into the planning stages. From the (sometimes daunting) administrative details to dreaming up exciting improvements for our new home – a vibrant vegetable garden, a cosy reading nook with a mountain view, perhaps even a swing! – we’re embracing every step with excitement. Sure that can feel a little overwhelming at times, but we remind ourselves that each task is a step closer to our sun-drenched, mountain-view dream.

Professional Development

The Hautes-Pyrénées region is brimming with exciting professional possibilities! Whether it’s joining a dynamic company or forging our own path with a new venture, the potential is inspiring. I’m exploring the options with a spring in my step, considering how my skills and experience can best contribute. I’m also giving thought to the kind of work that will allow us to truly embrace the lifestyle we’re seeking when moving to France – one with more time for family, more time for nature, and more time for those simple pleasures that bring so much joy.

Inner Growth

Our time in France was incredibly restorative. I found myself naturally settling into a state of mindful presence, especially while enjoying a cup of tea while gazing at the magnificent mountains. The quiet was a balm to the soul, punctuated only by the delightful sounds of birdsong. It’s amazing how such simple moments can bring such profound clarity. I’m continuing to refine my approach to energy management and prioritization, always aiming for greater impact and fulfilment.

A log burning in the stove in our new house. It’s amazing how such simple moments can bring such profound happiness

I made one noticeable change to my morning and evening routines. I have stopped setting up morning alarms to get up on time. Instead I have set up a bedtime alarm (typically 9:30pm). Doing so lead me to go to bed on time, and I rely on my body clock and natural resting cycle to get up in the morning. Not being forced out of your sleep to start your day put you in a much better energy and mood. Should you get it a try?

Looking Ahead

On the immediate horizon: selling our UK property (fingers crossed for a smooth and speedy process!), meticulously planning the move (from packing boxes to navigating French bureaucracy), and continuing to explore those tempting professional avenues in the Hautes-Pyrénées. We’re counting down the days until we can fully settle into our French home, tending to our garden, exploring the local hiking trails, and becoming part of the warm and welcoming community.

Conclusion

Moving to France is for us the embodiment of intentional living – it’s about taking the reins and creating a life that truly reflects our values and brings us joy. It’s a grand adventure, and we’re absolutely loving every minute of it! We’d love to hear your thoughts – have you ever taken a leap of faith to pursue a dream? Share your stories and sprinkle some of your own sunshine in the comments below!

02/02/2025
Family Time and Setting Annual Objectives for a Successful 2025
As the first week of 2025 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect and share my experiences, particularly around setting annual objectives for the year ahead. This week has been focused on family time and on laying the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling 2025, both personally and professionally.

Personal Reflections

This week was a mix of family time and strategic planning.

On New Year’s Eve, we enjoyed a wonderful evening with our neighbours, celebrating the start of 2025. And on New Year’s Day, we hosted Nelly’s best friend and his mom for a pleasant afternoon.
Overall, I’m very happy with the amount of quality time I spent with my family this week. “Family always come first” is one of my core principles.

The 2nd and 3rd of January were dedicated to preparing my annual objectives for 2025, complete with relevant indicators. Each goal aligns with my long-term goals, addressing the eight forms of wealth (Inner, Vitality, Physical, Craft, Prosperity, Circle of Genius, Adventure, and Impact) described by Robin Sharma in his book “The Wealth Money Can’t Buy” – I cannot recommend enough this masterpiece. I’m using a Hoshin Kanri X Matrix to organise the data and a scorecard to track progress. I’ll plan activities at a macro level in my agenda and detail them as I go. I will share more about my goal-setting process in a dedicated post.

Setting Annual Objectives using a Hoshin Kanri X Matrix

I also started reading “Losing My Virginity” by Sir Richard Branson – it’s proving to be a good read!

Professional Update

On the professional side, I’m pleased to share that this website is now recognised by both Google and Bing, and the sitemap has been submitted.

I also finally posted on LinkedIn about my search for new challenges and opportunities. You can find the post on LinkedIn here.

Inner Growth

I’ve restarted my 5 am morning routine, which feels great.
We also spend time in the nature, fresh air, curiosity and discovery! Great for the mind!

A lovely sculpture of a young wild boar.

Moss, Frost and Seasoned Wood

Turkey Tail mushrooms found in the forest.

I’ve also changed my journaling approach, now splitting it into morning and evening sessions. I’ll share more about the benefits of journaling and my writing process in a future post.

My sleep quality has been poor lately, and improving it is one of my annual objectives. I’m considering getting a sleep tracker – any recommendations are welcome!

We had two very sunny days this week, the first in weeks. I missed bright light and have hopefully topped up on vitamin D!

This week was also about reconnecting with friends we have not seen for a very long time.
First with a dear friend who was surprised and happy to hear about our upcoming move from the UK. We were equally surprised to learn he was flying to Kathmandu for 2 weeks of trekking in Nepal!
And then with Alex and Jean-Philippe, a couple we met during our Camino in 2023. We had good fun together, and they kindly learned Nelly (not even 3 at the time) to make faces and to harvest snails. It was wonderful to get some news from them and hopefully we will meet again in 2025!

What’s on the Menu for Next Week?
- Personal: Complete my goal setting for 2025.
- Professional: Continue refining my CV and applying for jobs, while also exploring freelance opportunities.
- Inner: Focus on improving my sleep quality.
Few words to conclude

As it is the start of a new year, and better than resolutions, I strongly suggest to work towards setting annual objectives and creating a fulfilling year.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your key focuses for 2025? Share your reflections in the comments below!
05/01/2025