Le Trente
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM ANNE V:
I've had the benefit of participating in various online groups over the last six or seven years, some were study groups, others were more social. To my great surprise, I made many friends and connections with people across the world, people I've never met IRL, including one Yancey Strickler, co-founder and ex-CEO of Kickstarter. At the time, Yancey was working on a project (which you may have heard me talk about) called the Bento Society. He told me his story: he had been looking for a hook for the book he was writing, a metaphor to illustrate the point he wanted to present. By the time he found it (the bento box), wanted to test his idea on a few people. One friend suggested he workshopped this idea during one of her salons.
When I heard the word, it didn’t fall on deaf ears. A salon… I started dreaming.
Yancey's metaphor worked out, the book 'This Could Be Our Future' is well worth a read and the Bento box led him to build the Bento Society. But back to the salon.
I rented a grand new apartment in July 2020. It felt extravagant to have so much space, especially living on my own. For the first couple of years I didn’t invite anyone in, and it wasn’t for fear of germs.
During an interview with a fellow podcaster, we bonded over the idea that when we record a show we are inviting our audience, albeit virtually, in our homes. For her, this meant inviting her guests into her office, for me, it was my study (a beautiful space, wedged between the dining room and the living room).
The idea germinated until I came to this: why not create something that reflects my podcast, IRL?
A salon… and so it began!
A LIKE-MINDED COMMUNITY
Le Trente is also an attempt at creating a community that can come together to enjoy deep conversations, to hear from people who have projects and ideas they want to share, and to do that in a safe and intimate space. A private salon with no expectations beyond spending a good time together.
THE FORMAT OF LE TRENTE
One of the best ways to get people to continue a conversation, or to bond, is over food. The format includes a talk, interview and Q&A, along with a buffet-style meal served afterwards, cooked by my fair hands. The only ask: guests bring their drink of choice and they help me plate and distribute the food. On occasion, a film screening will be hosted at a nearby cinema before talk and dinner.
Kind Words
Being a part of the "Out of the Clouds" podcast and the vibrant "Le Trente" salon event with Anne Muhlethaler was a remarkable experience with lasting resonance! It allowed me to share my journey and insights, from igniting innovation to embracing 'freesponsibility' and exploring the impact of SINA (Social Innovation Academy) in Africa.
Anne’s thoughtful questions, genuine interest and relaxed atmosphere, made the dialogue engaging and profound. This opportunity helped highlight the work of SINA and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference. I'm grateful for the platform and the chance to contribute to enriching discussions, inspiring others to act towards a world that works for everyone.
It was an incredible opportunity to connect with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise and introduce Grameen Foundation's strategy “Invest in HER Power”. The diverse perspectives were invaluable, they made us adjust how we communicate to audiences unfamiliar with our work. It was especially exciting to receive insights from those connected to multilateral agencies. To top it all off, the delicious vegeterian food was a treat! I highly recommend Anne Muhlethaler’s salons for making meaningful connections that create magic and impact.
Le Trente Salon exceeded all my expectations as a speaker.
Anne has a true gift for creating a space that feels warm, safe, and welcoming. The atmosphere was cozy, intimate, and peaceful—just perfect. As a speaker, I felt truly encouraged, and it was both safe and intimate. After my talk, it was incredible to be in an environment where everyone felt free to express their thoughts, and every voice was valued.
The respect in the room was palpable, and the smaller crowd made it easy to connect deeply with almost everyone there. No one was left out; everyone was genuinely welcomed.
And I have to mention the food—it was simply outstanding! Combined with the beautiful interior, the space invites meaningful conversations that go beyond the surface.
IF YOU LIKE THE IDEA OF LE TRENTE
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