Two words can carry you across borders.

Last week, I travelled through France, Switzerland, and Italy.

Each place had a different energy.
In France, it was elegant and precise.
In Switzerland, calm and structured.
In Italy, warm and expressive.

And each time, I had to adapt.
Not just to new food or time zones, but to people.

Still, one thing stayed the same:
You take yourself with you.

If you’re reactive at home, you’ll be reactive abroad.
If you’re closed at home, you’ll be closed abroad.

But there’s one universal bridge.
A quiet passport.

Manners.
Specifically: “please” and “thank you”.

🇫🇷 France: S’il vous plaît. Merci.
🇨🇭 Switzerland (German): Bitte. Danke schön.
🇮🇹 Italy: Per favore. Grazie.

No matter the country, respect is understood.
Gratitude is welcomed.

This week reminded me
Leadership isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s a soft word,
spoken with intention.

So I’ll leave you with this:

Where am I refusing to adapt?

What version of me am I carrying on this journey?