Finding Clarity: My Journey in France

I never thought I’d end up calling France home. What started as a career move—a chance to grow in talent management and coaching—quickly became something much bigger. I was drawn to the charm of cobblestone streets, the rhythm of a new language, and the café culture. But moving abroad wasn’t just about changing locations; it was about figuring out who I really was.

Living and working in a new country meant navigating a completely different culture, both personally and professionally. Talent management and coaching in a multicultural environment required a new level of adaptability. I was working with people from all backgrounds, each bringing their own perspectives, communication styles, and expectations. Diversity in the workplace wasn’t just a concept—it was my daily reality. And while I encouraged my clients to embrace change, I found myself struggling with it. Between long hours, cultural adjustments, and constant self-doubt, I felt stuck. Did I make the right choice? Where am I actually headed? The clarity I always talked about seemed out of reach.

Then one morning, sitting in a quiet café with my espresso, I asked myself a different question: What if clarity isn’t about having all the answers? What if it’s about learning to move forward even when things feel uncertain?

Understanding Clarity, Diversity and Adaptation

As a coach, I know that clarity isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about self-awareness, values, and mindset. But moving to a new country added another layer: adaptability in a multicultural environment. Here are some concepts that helped me shift my perspective:

1. Reflection is Key (Kolb’s Learning Cycle)We learn by doing, but also by reflecting. I was so caught up in work and adapting to my new life that I wasn’t pausing to check in with myself. Once I started reflecting—journaling, talking things through—I began to see patterns and insights I had been missing.

2. Embracing Diversity in Thinking (Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions)Different cultures approach communication, leadership, and decision-making in unique ways. In France, I had to adjust to a more relationship-driven work culture, where networking and trust-building played a bigger role than in my previous experiences. Once I stopped resisting these differences and started embracing them, I found new ways to connect with people and make an impact.

3. Decision Fatigue and Adaptation (Kahneman’s Thinking Systems)We often default to autopilot thinking (System 1) instead of slowing down for deeper, intentional thought (System 2). I had been making quick, surface-level decisions instead of stepping back and really considering what I wanted. Living in a new culture required me to engage in deeper thinking—questioning my assumptions and learning to adapt to new norms without losing my identity.

4. Values as an Anchor (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT)When we align our actions with our values, we feel more grounded. Instead of stressing over big, long-term plans, I asked myself: What actually matters to me right now? That shift helped me stop chasing external validation and start making choices that felt right for me, even in an unfamiliar environment.

How I Found My Focus

Clarity isn’t something that just appears—it’s something we create. Here’s what helped me:

• Journaling – Writing down my thoughts made me see patterns and truths I had been avoiding.

• Mindfulness – Instead of obsessing over the future, I practiced staying present and appreciating where I was.

• Reframing Uncertainty – I stopped seeing uncertainty as a problem and started embracing it as part of growth.

• Cultural Adaptation – I let go of the idea that my way was the “right” way and became more open to learning from different cultural perspectives.

• Small Steps – Rather than waiting for a perfect plan, I focused on small actions that aligned with my values.

Moving Forward

Over time, I realized clarity doesn’t come from eliminating uncertainty—it comes from learning to navigate it. It’s not about waiting for the “right moment” but trusting the process and making intentional choices. Growth doesn’t happen in perfect conditions; it happens in the messy, uncertain middle. And in a multicultural environment, adaptation is a key part of that growth.

Now, when I work with clients from different backgrounds who feel lost, I understand their struggles on a deeper level. The challenges of adapting, the fear of making mistakes, the pressure to prove themselves—it’s all familiar. And I remind them of what I’ve learned: Clarity isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create, one step at a time.

And as I continue my own journey, I no longer seek certainty. Instead, I embrace the unknown, knowing that every challenge—every cultural difference, every tough decision—is shaping me into the person I’m meant to become.