Leadership often feels like a relentless drive to do more, fix more, and push harder—but that constant motion can create a disconnect. The irony is that real influence doesn’t come from always having the answers; it comes from paying attention, from actually hearing what people need. When leaders shift from commanding to understanding, their impact deepens, and their teams become more engaged. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a leader can do isn’t to speak—it’s to listen.
Summary:
Fabrice Desmarescaux, a French leadership expert based in Singapore, specializes in executive coaching, consulting, and leadership development. A former McKinsey consultant, he is the author of The Art of Retreats: A Leader's Journey Toward Clarity, Balance, and Purpose, which explores how business leaders can find inner peace to lead with clarity and purpose. Today, he shares his approach to leadership, emphasizing the power of guiding clients to their own solutions. He also discusses personal growth, managing his energetic nature, and the importance of deep listening to understand what goes unsaid in conversations.
Quotes:
● "I’m not here to tell people what to do; I’m here to create a space where they can emerge by finding their own solutions."
● "Collaboration means we need to hold space for each other so that we can understand each other better and we can collaborate better."
● "An act of generosity toward your partners and colleagues could be saying, ‘Hey, in that meeting, you did this really well. It could have been even better if you had also done this.’ This ensures regular cycles of constructive feedback."
Takeaways:
● Practice active listening by creating space for others to find their own solutions, rather than immediately offering advice.
● Channel your energy towards serving a greater purpose instead of using it as a weapon to get what you want.
● Reflect on whether you're still trying to prove yourself or if you can now enjoy the fruits of your labor.
● Ask yourself: "How often do I truly see and understand others in my interactions?"
● Experiment with letting go of attachment to specific outcomes and focus on creating collaborative conditions.
Timeline:
[00:36] Introducing Fabrice Desmarescaux
[02:21] How Honest Feedback Shapes Personal and Work Growth
[05:29] Coaching Without PowerPoint and Listening with Depth
[10:12] Letting Go of Outcomes and Redefining Success
[16:05] How Science and Spirituality Shape Better Leaders
[18:49] Lessons from Eastern and Western Spiritual Teachings
[22:39] Spotting Leaders Who Stray from Their Own Values
[25:40] Finding Fulfillment Beyond Just Hitting Goals
[29:22] How True Success Comes From Working Together
Conclusion:
Staying true to one’s values is most important when faced with uncertainty or hardship. Businesses that prioritize genuine relationships over short-term gains build stronger, more loyal communities. People remember how they were treated, not just the products or services they received. When integrity and human connection come first, success follows in a way that is both meaningful and lasting.
Links/Resources:
Website:
https://www.desmarescaux.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabrice-desmarescaux/
The Art of Retreats: A Leader's Journey Toward Clarity, Balance, and Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Retreats-Leaders-Journey-Clarity/dp/1544526369
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