An episode on the 15th of each month since 2023.
On the 15th of each month, I host an artist, designer, or any other professional who contributes to the promotion and support of these trades.
We don't talk about the creative process – certainly fascinating, but already explored in other media. We discuss management, strategy, communication – in short, how the magic happens. behind the scenes.
Music and direction: Philippe Drevet
If you’d like to find out more about what I call Creative Management, I dedicated a full episode to it a few months ago.
Today, I would like to take a closer look at one aspect of Creative Management: team-building.
What exactly does it involve?
What are the benefits?
I also share a great example, as well as a counter-example, from my own experience as an employee.
And bonus: I talk about my favourite sports coach, Ted Lasso. (no spoiler as I haven’t started Series 4 yet).
If you're interested in offering your team a workshop / team-building / training session, do drop me an email! lbm@lilibonnet.com
I can organise and facilitate almost anywhere in the world 🙂
I’ve known Fabien for over 20 years, back when he was a graphic designer.
We worked together on a project and have stayed in touch — partly because it’s something I enjoy doing, of course, but mainly because I’ve always admired his entrepreneurial spirit.
Even when he enrolled at art school, he didn’t know what he was going to do later on; he just had a fairly broad vision of his future:
– getting up whenever he wanted;
– not working for a boss;
– and living in a loft.
Today, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
He’s the owner of UNSEEN, a vintage shop in Brussels, but he’s also a designer, a carpenter…
it’s clearly impossible to define him in a single word, as he has developed and put to use a wide range of skills.
And it’s quite fascinating to see how much this multi-potential individual needs to free himself from the constraints that a single skill entails, to allow himself not to be confined to just one profession. Not to limit himself. And that is precisely the driving force behind everything he undertakes.
this episode, we also talked about:
– pop culture,
– imposter syndrome,
– mental health,
– and identity, thanks to his recent reconnection with his country of origin, Vietnam.
An unconditional love for, and I quote, «spaghetti bolognese, airports, [their] cat, and old universities», Sébastien Gafari Is an architect and designer.
He is particularly known for his Trumeaux.
What is a trumeau? It is an architectural term; it refers to the space of a wall between two windows.
If you don't understand what it is, I invite you to consult its website the internet and its account Instagram, which are brimming with them.
We met in 2024 when he was a finalist for Design Parade Toulon.
In pairs with Sarah Guedes, they presented there Palazzo, designed as a haven for migrants who had to leave everything behind. This resonates with his own story as his parents, of Lebanese origin, fled the civil war.
In this episode, we discussed, among other things:
– of the history of trumeau panels and his fascination with this ornamental element; ;
– on the impact of the Design Parade competition on his career; ;
– of his pivotal meeting with India Mahdavi, and how she continues to follow and advise him; ;
– of the importance of teaching, which he embraced upon graduating; ;
– of the place that experimentation holds in his approach as a designer.
And of so many other aspects of the life of an architect / author-artist / teacher.
Even though the majority of his projects are in Paris, Sébastien lives, works, and teaches in Bordeaux.
A life choice he wouldn't change for anything in the world.
Because that's where he feels most aligned with himself — and with his cat.
A graduate of Lycée de Sèvres in Applied Arts, and of the Atelier Chardon Savard fashion school, Julia Colléaux She is an artist, in the broadest and most fundamental sense of the word.
I quote the definition from Larousse:
Artist: A person who has a sense of beauty and is capable of creating a work of art.
Her creations can take any form, any medium: music, dance, fashion, painting, oracle cards... everything is an excuse to create, as long as there's a connection to the body.
After a decisive meeting with the artist Alejandro Jodorowsky, Julia fully embraced her mystical side and committed herself with great freedom and spontaneity to everything that called to her.
And it continues today.
Incidentally, Julia is currently undergoing a major shift, an inner evolution that is naturally changing her business model.
Julia Colléaux notably proposes the co-creation of bespoke clothing, based on sacred geometry and energetics.
Her mission is, and I quote, «to bring life back where it no longer flows.».
It thus contributes to a transformation, even a transmutation.
In brief, Julia Colléaux, This is living art.
I hope this interview really gets you buzzing.
I hope this interview inspires you to realign with the frequency that best suits you, to honour your intuition.
I wanted to propose a special episode to wrap up season 3 of the podcast.
So this month, I'm taking you to the maritime pine forest of the Arcachon Basin, in La Teste-de-Buch, at Sylvain Gobeil.
Self-taught, Sylvain He has had 15 lives and 50 jobs, in France and Quebec.
Today he is a resin tapper; he harvests pine resin using a modern technique that is much more respectful of the tree, therefore of the environment, and of humans.
Founder of the brand Expert Gem, it produces musical rosin and thus offers a hand-crafted alternative, much healthier than industrial rosin. While also helping to maintain the forest, an emblem of local heritage.
So how is this episode different?
First, because we talked about everything except business – and yet, I tried!
Then, because it’s a family episode. With my husband as a guest, Philippe Drevet, musician.
And because we also spoke about Thomas, Sylvain's son. And how supporting his neuroatypical child with specific needs allowed him to become aware of his own differences and learning difficulties.
It's a deeply human episode, centred on the heart and sensitivity; ;
Quality over quantity; ;
And on solidarity.
For this first episode of 2026, which is the penultimate one of the podcast's 3rd season, I welcome Morgane Rospars.
A Breton exile in Le Havre who regularly visits Paris, Morgane was a graphic designer before embarking, unplanned, on a career in commerce.
Elle dessine et vend des tableaux. ex-libris in limited edition for 11 years now.
One could say she has rehabilitated this object of antiquated charm, which is used to put one's name in one's books.
They are, of course, made to order.
I was a customer at first and inevitably melted for her shy personality. She, who would have dreamed of staying in the shadows like Daft Punk, understood that she had to show herself to embody her eponymous brand. By force of circumstances and the Instagram algorithm, she started speaking on camera with the disconnect and self-deprecation that make her extremely touching and accessible.
If you haven't already, I invite you to follow Morgane for her humour, her boldness and her spontaneity — and her undeniable talent.
I wanted to know how the idea to create ex-libris was born, and how the idea turned into a business.
We also spoke about her organisation, or rather what she describes as an absence of organisation in this instance, and therefore how spontaneity guides everything she does quite naturally.
Nothing was planned, and yet it all happened... for a good reason.
Marine Birot co-founded with Marine Ulrich the agency Artistic Bazaar, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
As can be read on their website, «Artistik Bazaar designs and produces cultural events to address the major issues of our society.»
What I appreciated most in this conversation with Marine — aside from his intelligence and vision, obviously — it's his silences. Laden with meaning.
Because leaving room for silence, for time to reflect, for a mindful pause, is certainly the most difficult thing today.
In the race for the good idea, we interrupt ourselves a lot – and I'm guilty as charged! The podcast is, moreover, an excellent exercise in listening for me; I try to let my guest express themselves right up to their silences, precisely.
I met Marine at Wise Women, circle of women from cultural and creative industries.
So we've spoken.
And above all, I wanted to know more about Artistic Bazaar, their customer typology, prospecting, communication… and the association between the two Marine.
How they naturally share tasks or leadership on projects. ;
And what are the 3 pillars of a successful association, according to Marine.
Spoiler alert: it's not silence 🙂
This is the second time Sarah Quan comes to the microphone of Everything Happens For A Reason.
The first time was in Milan, for a special episode with 4 guests, whom I interviewed live during design week.
This time, I wanted to dedicate an entire episode to it, so I took the train, heading towards Zurich.
I've gone back to my roots in a way, as my maternal grandmother was Swiss.
Zurich is a city that embraces nature, thanks to the lake and the surrounding hills.
Originally from Morrens in the canton of Vaud, near Lausanne, Sarah has been living and working in Zurich for several years, with her partner and associate, Fortunat Lüthi Alias Fortii.
Together, they founded Villa Nomad — a curation, production, and communications agency that builds bridges between brands and art & design.
Sarah also tells us how this agency was born from an event they created – the idea for their business came afterwards, in fact.
We also spoke:
specificities of the Swiss market
🇨🇭 of the division of roles with Fortii, and the balance between professional and personal life, all the more so when you live and work together
and the challenge of always having to create something new, something different
Sarah also shares her 3 tips for good networking as her network is her main strength.
Once in a while, I'm closing the 2nd season of the podcast with a solo episode.
No guests, just me and my mic — and Philippe Drevet to the technique 🙂
Creative Management.
Management by Creativity.
It's almost an oxymoron for some.
But these two words are in fact complementary, indeed inseparable.
In this episode, solo, I talk about topics that are close to my heart:
I am currently developing training on the subject, and I am eager to get your feedback on this special episode > email me: lbm@lilibonnet.com
Meet with François-Xavier Fonbonnat, co-founder of Laclaux with Chloé Nègre.
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If you have already listened to the episode titled « How to surround yourself well » with Chloé Nègre, available online since November 15th, you were certainly waiting for this one, which is in a way its sequel!
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After parallel professional journeys, Chloé and François-Xavier recently joined forces to found Laclaux, a publishing house that, I quote: «opens its doors to transmission, know-how, ecology, sharing and transparency.".
Laclaux aims to restore »furnishings of excellence".»
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In this episode, I wanted to discuss with François-Xavier leaving a salaried job to go into business together, and even more so with a friend.
He also explains that he would never have embarked on the entrepreneurial adventure alone, as he likes the strength of a duo. A duo that can also be found in his previous professional experiences.
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Responsible for all product development and partner selection, François-Xavier comes alive when talking about products, materials, gestures, touch... He's obsessed with detail – and he embraces it!
This level of precision perfectly complements and brings Chloé's vision to life.
Together, they summon the imagination and create pieces destined to last.
Just like his father, Jade Genin is a chocolatier — and a business owner.
Of Jacques To Jade, there are only a few letters… A self-taught man, he taught her the gourmet alphabet and wanted to offer her, and I quote, «all that was most beautiful, most sincere, most generous»
This recognition of beauty, this sincerity, this generosity, one feels them completely in Jade.
A student excelling in artistic skating sports, then a business lawyer, she hadn't planned her career change into chocolate – even if she was destined for it.
In this episode, we talked about mindset, rigour, communication, and craftsmanship.
And of course, Jade tells how, overnight, she dropped everything to launch her business.
And especially why! Because the future takeover of the Jacques Genin brand conditioned the creation of the Jade Genin brand.
An interview that, I hope, will whet your appetite! 🍫
Interior architect and designer, a graduate of’École Camondo, Chloé Nègre founded their studio in 2015.
I've been working with Chloé and her team for over two years, and this is certainly one of the most personal episodes.
I obviously wanted to talk about her journey and address the profound shifts she's managed to make to reach the next level, thanks to her growing leadership.
She notably recounts:
How and why she founded her eponymous studio
The difficulties encountered at each strategic stage
What projects, what press publications have been growth levers?
And above all, how she surrounded herself, which in my opinion is one of the pillars of her development.
The reason I waited so long to interview Chloé was because I wanted it to coincide with the launch of Laclaux, its furniture brand, in association with François-Xavier Fonbonnat.
It is a mission-driven company, we discuss it a little in this episode and we will continue the story with François-Xavier, who will be the guest on January 15th, 2025.
In this episode, I welcome Nina Senoyer.
What interested me about Nina, it's that she recently made a career change and I therefore wanted to know her journey up to her new profession: a web SEO writer.
If you don't know exactly what this English acronym means or what it involves, you're in luck, because we're covering the subject in detail in this interview.
His promise? «to help you take the place you deserve on Google»
We obviously talked about website optimisation, search engines, social media, and also:
– on the importance of content quality and the relevance of the words we use
– artificial intelligence and in particular Chat GPT
– of the current trend to constantly train, and the plethora of training courses offered on social media
of the entrepreneur's agility and the need to organise and delegate
And finally, we touched on a subject that is particularly close to my heart, and which is precisely at the centre of his career change: ikigai.
Laurent Cotta is the curator in charge of the graphics department of Palais Galliera, Museum of Fashion of the City of Paris.
An iconic venue for all connoisseurs, but far from elitist as it belongs to the city and therefore has a public service mission.
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But it wasn't at the Palais Galliera that I met Laurent Cotta!
He welcomed me in an exceptional place. the museum's restoration and preventive conservation reserves and workshops, somewhere in Paris.
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Installed in one of the reserves, in the basement, we talked about the duties and functions of a museum curator.,
of the inalienable status of works,
of organising an exhibition; ;
but also vanities, treasures, paradoxes, egos,
and even of Marilyn Monroe's dress worn by Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala.
This month’s guest is French artist Malika Favre.
And even though she speaks perfect English, we hesitated and finally decided to do the interview in French.
Because it's her mother tongue — and so that her mother, Ouisa, could actually listen to one of her daughter’s podcasts for once!
So I thought it would be nice to add a bonus in English for non-French speakers, with a quick recap of our conversation.
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You might not know Malika Favre’s name — but you have most likely come across her illustration work over the internet, on billboards, in books and/or magazines.
Famous for her bold style blending Pop Art and Op Art, she has already produced a dozen covers for The New Yorker — the ultimate aspiration for all illustration artists —; the poster for the 2017 edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival — the ultimate aspiration for all jazz fans —; dozens of covers for Penguin Books, editorial work for Vogue, and even two art books published by Counterprint.
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We covered a range of topics including: launching a career as an artist; why and how to select your agent(s); copycats; building your reputation; fostering a community; collaborating with brilliant people and fantastic brands; workload and time management.
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What's next?
Never stop drawing.
Make more objects. This month's guest is French artist Malika Favre.
And even though she speaks perfect English, we hesitated and finally decided to do the interview in French.
Because it's her mother tongue — and so that her mother, Ouisa, could actually listen to one of her daughter’s podcasts for once!
So I thought it would be nice to add a bonus in English for non-French speakers, with a quick recap of our conversation.
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You might not know Malika Favre’s name — but you have most likely come across her illustration work over the internet, on billboards, in books and/or magazines.
Famous for her bold style blending Pop Art and Op Art, she has already produced a dozen covers for The New Yorker — the ultimate aspiration for all illustration artists —; the poster for the 2017 edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival — the ultimate aspiration for all jazz fans —; dozens of covers for Penguin Books, editorial work for Vogue, and even two art books published by Counterprint.
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We covered a range of topics including: launching a career as an artist; why and how to select your agent(s); copycats; building your reputation; fostering a community; collaborating with brilliant people and fantastic brands; workload and time management.
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What's next?
Never stop drawing.
Make more objects.
In this episode, we're travelling to Barcelona to visit Malika Favre.
French artist Malika, who launched her career in London and lived there for over 15 years, wanted to move closer to the sun and colours of the South a few years ago.
His flat is like him: warm, welcoming, graphic, and colourful.
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Ever since she started drawing as a child, Malika has never stopped.
At the intersection of Pop Art and Op Art (Optical Art), his style is so identifiable that we are bound to know his work – even if we sometimes struggle to put a name to his illustrations.
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She collaborates with the biggest brands and publications, but it's through the prism of her encounters that we approached this interview.
Because as she says so well, we often talk about the projects we've completed, but we tend to forget to talk about the people we worked with.
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And if I've chosen to deviate from the rule of the 15th of each month for this new episode, it's quite simply because December 14th is her birthday. So happy birthday Malika, and thank you for your generosity!
