How Aya Nakamura deconfined a CEO in a high speed train

Ariana and I met thanks to Socrate, the booking algorithm of the French public transportation, which had placed us side by side on the train. Probably because we both listened to Aya Nakamura, a Deezer musical icon, on our respective phones. We both enjoyed this synchronicity.

Aya represents the “visibly felt leadership” of those who take bold steps forward and wish to soar. Aya warns us against backstabbers who disrupt teamwork within companies. “This pretty chick is full of vital energy,” says Ariana, breaking the ice.

Inspired by both Aya and Ariana, I answered honestly: “I’m Ludovic, the author of a blog named The Sentimental Company. Who are you?”

“My name is Ariana. I run a company I’m trying to help stand, and I’d like to solve a puzzle that’s been stumping me.”

“Would you like to share it? Sometimes the third way comes out of two thinking together.”

“Well, I’m trying to stimulate the vital impetus of my company to help it thrive,” she replied.

“It might sound like a stretch, but it is what it is. On one hand, we’ve made significant progress: we've defined our ‘Why,’ clarified our purpose, and assessed our contributions and positive impacts on our externalities. We no longer doubt our reasons for existing and are fulfilling the mission we set out for ourselves. We have a balanced governance. Yet, on the other hand, I still feel uncertain, and I don’t know why. It feels like we’re missing something.  Feels like being useful and profitable won’t be enough.”

I was intrigued. “It won’t be enough...for what?” I asked.

“To succeed in our business journey. Beyond being useful, I want our company to be more sustainable and endearing in the future than it is today! I want this change to happen because of me rather than despite me. Did you know that the life expectancy of companies has been decreasing in the past decade? Sustainability should be the goal, and attachment is the key. The hundred year old companies are endearing to me, and more inspiring than a lot of start-ups. They managed to pivot strategically over time and have positively influenced the destinies of everyone connected to them. They created lasting impressions in the minds of the men and women who worked there, and these memories will continually inject vitality into the organization.”

“I love it! And what unforgettable memories make you feel so alive, Ariana?”

“I felt alive when winning contracts by trusting my colleagues,” she said. “I also felt alive when I arrived. I received such a warm welcome! Also during uncontrollable and never-ending fits of laughter at the coffee machine. I was alive and proud when I was congratulated for having the courage to challenge practices that no one dared to question.

And again during memorable farewell parties, where I was moved to tears applauding a colleague who had become a friend. All these simple moments that build such strong bonds between us. They empower me with a manifestation of life that justifies all the effort and hardships. I want to develop this impetus further!”

“Have you started to implement it?”

— I’m torn about how to approach this, Ariana continues. I feel like I am stuck in my ways of thinking. I’m still in the habit of setting individual objectives with associated bonuses, ranking all potentials from first to last as if I were in high school, and dismissing those who resist change. I tend to come up with action plans like New Year’s good resolutions!

— Why wouldn’t you ? Isn’t the vital impetus at the end of this path?

“Well, I have my doubts. These methods are no longer effective,” Ariana worries. “Our progressions are asymptotic, and their second derivatives are negative! In other words, we are exhausting ourselves without being able to activate that second wind. I feel constrained, like an engine throttled by my own leadership culture. This individualistic mindset I’ve inherited creates more tension than collaboration. The historical inbreeding in our recruitment and promotion processes deprives us of the diversity that is essential for innovation. Moreover, don’t tell anyone, but I want it all! I want to keep the best aspects of my culture while transforming it without giving anything up. That is why I have a headache right now!

“I understand better now. What do you hope to gain by uncovering the source of this vital impetus you describe?”

“Ludovic, we hardly know each other, but I’d like you to share how you feel about my determination and my struggles,” Ariana asks.

“How do I feel? It’s not butterflies in my stomach, but rather caterpillars changing in their cocoons. I genuinely feel your drive, restrained in our cultural straitjacket. It can be challenging to free ourselves from a culture that we have inherited. We find ourselves confined to it, and we know it shaped our ways of thinking. Transforming a culture often involves methods like: blood transfusion (renewing the 'blood' of a COMEX by changing its members), managerial pressures (asking each boss to change his culture so that it trickles down), or propaganda (relentlessly conveying messages that for the benefit of others).

“You’re right, but is there another way?” Ariana asks.

“Well I can see a fourth option: hybridization. Rather than replacing our culture with its opposite, let’s hybridize them for mutual benefit, just like your SUV. The geographical, academic, psychological, and generational differences within your teams are a tremendous resource to exploit. I would recommend you to use the Synklios approach. It  hybridizes opposing visions while respecting individual perspectives. All your company's binary forces are wrongly deemed contradictory. You could help your team take a step to the side and then a step forward. I must admit my favorite chess piece is the knight. Your dream of creating vital momentum is not an illusion; it embodies hope and even serves as a premonition. You know dreams often prepare reality. Well this dream will foster the vital momentum you desire. By the way, Ariana, will you share our inspiring conversation at the next Worldwide Forum?

- Who knows, Ludo ?"

Sentimentalement vôtre.