Paris is humming with a special kind of energy right now. It's La Rentrée, a time of year for new beginnings and the perfect chance to reinvent yourself. That's why I'm so excited to announce that Season Two of GenerateHER is back! Get ready to discover five reasons La Rentrée isn't just a Parisian tradition—it's a mindset we can all embrace.

Welcome: 00:00:00

Lesson 1 - La Pause: 00:02:22

Lesson 2 - La Rentrée: 00:06:12

Lesson 3 - Connection: 00:07:27

Lesson 4 - Culture: 00:09:43

Lesson 5 - Back to School: 00:12:00

Final thoughts: 00:15:30

Reinvention doesn’t require a grand plan. For me, it starts with curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to plant something new.

As I wrap up season one of GenerateHER, I’ve been thinking about what it means to grow as a woman in business, and as someone who’s built a life in Paris. This episode is my chance to reflect on the stories we’ve shared, the lessons I’ve learned, and the practices that continue to guide me.

I talk about nurturing your “secret garden,” those dreams and ideas you’ve planted, and the importance of protecting them from negativity. I share why I believe creativity is non-negotiable. Without it, how can we reimagine our work, solve problems, or even see ourselves in a new way?

I also revisit some of my favorite conversations from this season: asking for help with intention, taking risks with courage, journaling as a business tool, and of course, the many lessons I’ve learned from French culture. From the art of a dinner party to the value of thoughtful relationships, life in Paris continues to shape how I show up in the world.

I hope this episode feels like a conversation with a friend, and that it leaves you thinking about your own next season. A bientôt, mes amis!

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

02:00 Season One Recap and Reflections

02:33 Planting and Protecting Your Secret Garden

05:26 How to Ask for Help Intentionally

05:56 Four Elements of Taking Risks

09:47 Journaling and the Power of Writing

12:00 Finding Beauty in the Mundane

16:21 Lessons from French Dinner Parties

17:59 Why Role Models Still Matter

19:15 What It Means to Be French

21:47 Looking Ahead to Season Two

Links

Connect with Jane Bertch:

Website: www.janebertch.com

Instagram @janebertch

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

A single journal Natalie Valmary carried on a family trip through Asia sparked one of the most beautiful brands I’ve ever encountered, and reminded me how important it is not to wait on your dreams.

In this episode, I sit down with Natalie, the founder of Louise Carmen, to talk about creativity, reinvention, and what it looks like to build a business that’s deeply personal. Natalie shares how her idea took shape during a year of travel with her husband and daughters, and how it grew into a beloved journal company based right here in Paris.

Natalie also opens up about the stroke that changed everything, and the clarity it brought about what really matters. That part of the conversation hit me hard. What do we do with the time we’ve been given? Are we spending it in ways that feel true to who we are?

This episode is full of inspiration for women, whether you’re starting something new or finding your way back to what you love. We talk about personal transformation, the quiet power of journaling, and what it means to trust yourself in life and in business.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Meet Natalie Valmary

03:48 How Louise Carmen Was Born

10:07 Family, Travel, and Creative Sparks

13:12 A Lifelong Love for Journals

17:08 Building a Brand with Purpose

24:26 A Health Scare Changes Everything

29:03 Growing the Business

33:57 Finding Strength in Hard Moments

39:10 Inspiration for Women

Links

Connect with Natalie Valmary:

Louise Carmen Website: https://louisecarmen.com

Louise Carmen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisecarmenparis/

Connect with Jane Bertch:

Website: www.janebertch.com

Instagram @janebertch

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm