Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Los Angeles….grew up there and did first degree in French at California State University Northridge…. Spent one year abroad in Aix-en-Provence
When and why did you move to Paris?
2002 to explore opportunities. Started out lecturing at various universities then launched my own company called Visibility Branding.
You have been very successful with your Story Telling Events. Can you tell us the format of these evenings and also what you attribute their success to?
Format is that once a month I welcome guests (max 25) chez moi with a glass of champagne and they then mingle and dine (5 course meal ) Following the Storyteller presents 75-90 minutes. Dessert is served during the presentation. The Storyteller chooses the format. Is and informal and intimate setting with the focus on either just the Storyteller or Q & A format with “moi”. Often a performance is weaved into the evening. Normally in English, a translator can be provided.
The flow of the evening is "roughly" the following:
7:30 - 8:45 welcome, aperitif, mingling, and dinner
8:45 - 10:00 presentation and Q & A
10:30 - ???? (open) Guests linger and mingle with the Storyteller
I attribute the success to the fact that the setting is welcoming and intimate…. a residence not a café or public place. Guests hail from all walks of life…locals, expats, people passing through and the idea of gathering storytelling enthusiasts who mingle, dine then listen to a storyteller (entertainer, artist, musician, actor, singer, dancer) who recounts their story and performs. These are often compared to the French “salons” of the 18th century which provided a place for intellectual discourse under the roof of an inspiring hostess and held to amuse, to refine the taste and increase the knowledge of the participants through conversation. These modern day “salons” are through storytelling where the idea is to ENTERTAIN, AMUSE, EDUCATE, ENLIGHTEN or any combination thereof. The physical event is attended by 25-30 Storytelling aficionados, passionate about storytelling and are a mix of locals, expats or people passing through Paris. These events are also live-streamed via Facebook and attract viewers from across the globe. The 5-course menu that starts with a glass of champagne is an important part of the evening and is always different, corresponding with the theme and/or the storytellers’ origins or preference. I do all of the cooking which I love as gives me a chance to explore various cuisines.. I know several chefs who give advice on the menu, recipes etc…
How did you come up with the idea of the Storytelling Evenings?
The fact that I love to entertain and I moved into a bigger apartment
Who is the person you most want to have speak at your Storytelling Evenings?
I don’t have anyone in particular……as the 60 plus to date have been quite varied. I find so many people who have interesting stories that others would enjoy and when I discover this I am delighted to showcase their story and talent. Perhaps I live vicariously.. I do play classical piano but would rather showcase others.
You are also a brand and marketing strategist and congratulations on the recent 15th anniversary of your company Visibility Branding. How and why did you start your company and what was your background in this field?
I am all about storytelling whether my Storytelling Evenings or in my career where I help professionals tell their story.
And thank you….yes it has been 15 years when I founded Visibility Branding where I am a Career Transition Personal Brand Strategist, Storyteller, Speaker and Author of "Storytelling about Your Brand Online & Offline" . I offer career development services working with individuals (executives, professionals, entrepreneurs, consultants, Executive MBA ) and organizations (start-ups, universities, associations and corporations). My areas of expertise are Personal Branding, LinkedIn, e-Reputation Management and Storytelling. I call the US and France both home, and connect virtually with most of my clients.
My background running up to this was a 15-year international corporate career with brands such as Procter & Gamble, Ford, Saatchi & Saatchi, American Express, Citibank, DHL, Jaguar and Nestle. I transitioned in 2003 to working with personal brands offering career development services for individuals, corporations and academic institutions in virtual and on-site environments.
Do you have some short tips about how someone would market their small business?
Network to find synergies, get ideas, and to share yours. Search out experts that can help you and advise….don’t feel you can do everything on your own.
Who are some of your future guests for your Story Telling Evenings?
This Saturday February 23rd, Brigitte Beling is featured. Our paths crossed in 2008 in Paris at the US Election Night. I have heard her sing on several occasions and in discovering her story was delighted that she could feature where she will tell her story and perform “Sweet Home Chicago” (where she grew up) plus selections of some of her jazz, blues, gospel and musical favorites and her own compositions.
I would be delighted to welcome some of your readers this Saturday Feb 23rd to hear Brigitte.. here is link to RSVP
http://visibilitybranding2015.eventbrite.com
What arrondissement do you live in and what do you like best about it?
11th. What I love most is the marche every Thursday and Sunday morning to 13:30. As I understand it’s the largest in Paris. Is where I buy fruit and vegetables and I feel like a local. The area in general is animated…..borders on the Marais is chock full of cafes, restaurants, opera at Bastille, clubs, shops and almost everything I need is within walking distance..
What do you prefer about Paris?
The cultural diversity.
If you haven't already seen my Eye Prefer Paris exhibit, it's on until March 31.
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