Interview with Wellness and Mental Fitness Coach Amelie Papin on How She Built a Business That Gives Back
This was an interview with a lovely member of our Sweet Words community, following my recent newsletter: “Should the show go on?”, starting a conversation on how as a business and world citizen, we can think of how to do the “most good for the greatest number with the resources we have”.
Amelie Papin’s reply was so kind and motivating, I really wanted our community to learn more about what she does, why, and how - so those who’d like to get involved but don’t know where to start can get a dose of inspiration. I invite you to discover the interview as well as some great insights and resources.
The feeling of being frozen and not knowing how to contribute in the face of chaos and tragedies in the world was something that resonated with you. You shared with me several actions that you are already doing as a Wellness & Mental Fitness Coach, such as:
Pro bono coaching during the pandemic to the Lean In Network Bordeaux community (which you are an active member of);
Volunteering at Supercoop, a cooperative and participative supermarket in the Bordeaux metropolis (inspired by New York's Park Slope Food Coop) in exchange for access to local quality products;
Participating in an Inclusive Leadership Masterclass facilitated by Daniela Felletti who donated part of the training fees to La Maison Rose Bordeaux, an organization that supports women with cancer ;
Donating to different organizations every year :
Magic Hospital who bring play and laughter to hospitalized and vulnerable children
Bethel, an orphanage that provides loving care and education to blind and visually impaired children and orphans
Amazon Frontlines to support indigenous people's rights to decide the future of their lands.
What do you think motivated you or inspired you to get involved in philanthropic action? Why is this important to you?
Ever since I was young, I witnessed my parents donating to various organizations and causes they believe in, and over the years they’ve inspired me to do the same.
Given how privileged I am - having received an academic education, being able to travel and discover the world, having a roof over my head, food on my plate 3 times a day, and being in good health, I believe it’s my way of giving back to build a happier, healthier, more sustainable world.
How do you choose the organizations you donate to every year? How did you choose Bethel and Amazon Frontlines this year?
I am passionate about healthcare, education, economic & social empowerment as well as sustainability and environmental actions (I know, that’s a lot :D), and they are my main drivers when choosing which organizations to support, donate to, or volunteer in.
It’s easier for me to donate when I’ve visited the organization or spoken with someone from the organization, that way there’s trust-building and clear communication about their goals and actions, and I have a clear and solid understanding of what they do.
That was the case a while back when I was living in China and volunteering at JCI (Junior Chamber International), I met the two incredible human beings behind Bethel: Guillaume and Delphine. I was deeply moved by my visit to the orphanage, being able to speak with the caregivers and the children themselves who had prepared a wonderful music concert and gave us so much love. I’ll never forget that day.
When it’s not possible to visit the organization, for whatever reason, it’s important to do your research and find organizations you can trust. I’ve been actively following the UN’s work as well as Greta Thunberg’s work (amongst others) and she recently shared a petition from Amazon Frontlines. Given the urgency to fight climate change, this was a no-brainer.
How do you select people who will benefit from pro-bono coaching?
In the case of our initiative for our Lean In Network Bordeaux community, I didn’t select people who wanted to be coached. It was open to all our members who needed a safe space to share their daily struggles, with no strings attached.
Other than that, I always offer a free “chemistry” coaching session before engaging in a coaching relationship, to allow my future clients to experience what a coaching conversation feels like.
What would be one piece of advice/tip/insight you’d like to give to someone who wants to get involved but doesn't know where to start and feel stuck?
My advice: there are no small or big actions. Just actions. The amount of money or time you give doesn’t matter, what matters most is action.
Start small and local:
Is there an organization in your neighborhood that you can and want to support?
Are your family members, colleagues, or friends donating or volunteering to organizations that you might also be interested in?
To find inspiration, I highly recommend checking the United Nation's 17 Sustainable Goals.
Last but not least, please support Ukraine if you can. I donated to The French Red Cross (click here for the English website) however there are many other renowned organizations providing support. #supportukraine #strongertogether"
Thank you so much, Amelie! Can you share a bit about yourself and what you do? Where can we follow what you do?
Sure, thank you, Maika :) I am a Certified Wellness & Mental Fitness Coach and Trainer.
Through personalized online coaching sessions and programs (1-on-1 or group), I empower French expats returning to France to strengthen their mental fitness so they can handle repatriation challenges with less mental stress and less negative emotions.
Since I believe in democratizing coaching and improving well-being at the workplace, I’m proud to deliver on-demand coaching sessions via Coachello, a fabulous platform that connects certified coaches and companies who want to make coaching accessible to all their employees.
I also co-run the Bordeaux branch of Swedish Fit which offers fun and affordable fitness classes, and love it so much that I’m training to become a fitness instructor!
→To learn more, check out my website or join me on Linkedin, Instagram or Facebook.
“There are no small or big actions. Just actions. The amount of money or time you give doesn’t matter; what matters most is action. ”
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