Hello friends!
Today, I’m taking you to Amsterdam, to witness a moment of quiet brilliance:
A private lesson between Paavo Järvi, the world-renowned Estonian conductor, and a young student destined to stand on some of the world’s grandest stages.
The concert hall is vast. Musicians are in place. The student steps onto the podium and begins to conduct—his movements careful, focused, under the sharp yet kind gaze of his mentor.
But after a few moments, Paavo gently raises his hand and signals the student to stop.
The orchestra continues.
The music flows — beautifully, seamlessly, without anyone conducting.
After a while, Paavo stops the musicians and turns calmly to the student.
“You see,” he says, “the orchestra can play just fine without you.
That’s a great lesson in humility — even for conductors like me.”
And then, he adds something deeper:
“The only question you need to ask yourself is this:
‘How will you make this music even more alive, more vibrant?’
Only you can answer that.
Find that spark — that unique energy — that transforms a performance into something unforgettable.”
The student looks down, thoughtful.
And then — a small smile.
He steps back onto the podium, not to control the music… but to ignite it.
So the next time you’re called to lead — a team, a dream, or a project —
Don’t ask how to follow the score.
Ask yourself:
🟡 How can I breathe life into this?
🟡 What’s the energy I bring that no one else can?
Because leading isn’t about directing every move.
It’s about inspiring movement in others.
Like music, life resonates best when we spark, not steer — when we let our inner fire bring harmony to the world around us.
🎶 Lead with presence. Inspire with purpose.
See you soon for more inspiring stories from around the world.
📱 April 2025 podcast by Francaisdanslemonde.fr – radios & podcasts for French speakers preparing for or living abroad.
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