GForce founder Gaëlle Deschamps reveals her path from a childhood inspired by her single mum to a top leadership coach. She discusses pivotal “chance moments,” overcoming challenges, and embracing ambition.
BEGINNINGS AND ASPIRATIONS
It all started in my childhood. My mum was an English teacher in a secondary girl school in the outskirts of Paris (for girls who could not cope in the state system) and dedicated her life to helping them aim higher. I saw her generous, loving, positive leadership style each and every day. Unwavering. A force for good. Refusing to give up on a girl based on her academic results. I did not realise it at the time but it gave me an incredible map for what good leadership looks like. My mum was my female role model. She raised me as a single mum, work hard to make ends meet. She believed in me and told me I could be anything I wanted.
PIVOTAL MOMENT THAT SET YOUR TRAJECTORY?
That’s a funny one. One thing you have to know about me is that I am a planner. I love a vision board. I love strategy sessions. At work and at home. But what I am doing now feels like a series a “chance moments”. Unplanned. Just gifts steering me gently towards a greater path. Helping me find my purpose, my true north, my why.
I’ll share 3 particular events which changed my trajectory:
My manager at Coca-cola decided to send me (without me asking for it, which was unusual in itself as I am very proactive when it comes to training) on a coaching training. It was love at first sight. After the first day, I asked if I could complete the full certification and become an Executive coach internally on top of my day job as a Global Marketeer. He said yes. Upon graduation, I became Executive Coach to High Potential women at Coca-cola, then I certified to be a Leadership Faculty in the Coca-Cola University. Then, I left in 2021 and set up my own Leadership training business, GForce. I never looked back. I absolutely love being the master of my ship.
My husband sailing across the Atlantic for his milestone birthday 3 years ago and coming back to our London home saying he wanted a change and move out of London (this came as a shock as we had spent 25 years there, we had literally just renovated our flat, our children schooling was sorted and we had never discussed a move).
A random ad on Google advertising Jersey as an ideal relocation place. I called the number. Vicky Pemberton from relocate Jersey picked the phone up. The rest is history. 3 months later, our visa in hand, our kids started school here in Jersey.
New everything: new home, new beginning, new routines, new hobbies, new friends. We knew no one. Just 3 referrals. And what a welcoming and warm community we are now part of. I would not switch back for the world. Waking up with the view of the sea and the sunrise everyday is so previous. Life here is very special. In fact we have friends who followed us and moved to Jersey too since we moved.
CHALLENGES AND LESSONS
I have had my fair share. We all do. Nothing is ever plain sailing.
My first one was lack of financial means. When my parents divorced we suddenly had very little (no money for a car, carpet, sofa…we sat on cushions on the concrete floor). My mum had to work 2 jobs, and worked every single day of the year. No summer holiday. No Easter holiday. It gave me such a drive, fire in my belly to never have to experience this again. I worked since I was 14, on my free time after school, and during my holidays. I paid for my own dream bed at 15 years old. I was so proud. It was a mezzanine bed, it had stairs. It felt like I was creating my world. I also researched jobs which could give me an international career and a good life. Then I reverse engineered it, what do I need to study to get this job. Maths and physics was the royal path back then in France. So I choose these for my Baccalauréat. I prepared so intensely for a year to take the competitive exam to get in one of the best French business school. Then I got a scholarship to study in America. It was the beginning of a new life. Never went back to France. To this day, I really believe that if there is a will, there is a way.
SKILLS AND MINDSET
I’m Resourceful. I would always find a way. You’ve also got to turn a negative into a positive. If a teacher said I could not aim high or dream too big such as being accepted in the best business schools in France, I would want to prove him wrong and work harder to get it. Ambition and vision are key. I had a very clear plan in my head since I was 12. And I pretty much achieved everything on it! I also have drive. I don’t spend too much time debating, hesitating. I can take decisions quite quickly and act fast. I love doing. Implementing. Seeing the results of ideas. And because I am doing a lot of things I love, it gives me energy to keep going. But don’t get me wrong. I love to pause and reflect too. Nothing beats a cup of London fog on my terrace, admiring the sea view and day dreaming.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING LEADERS
I would talk about the seasons of life, that life is not always spring or summer. That some periods feel like winter, harsh and cold. But it has a role and with consistent work, Spring will soon come. Every experience (good and bad) helps us be better human beings. I would talk about the importance of self awareness and designing the life you dream of. Don’t listen to anyone else…
If you’re a woman reading this, I would say, don’t listen to anti-aging jargon. Women get better with age. I turned 50 this year and I feel amazing. More me than ever. Being 50 rocks. There is no age limit to start something new. To reinvent yourself. Stay open. Stay curious. Have side hustles. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Side hustles keep you sane and bring you joy, on demand.
Join, create, find your tribe. Connection is what makes us truly happy. No success will taste good alone. Take time for friendships. Family. Meeting new people. Surround yourself with inspiring leaders. We become like the 5 people we spend the most time with. Be choosy!
