Le Trente x Corde Coffee Salon Speaker Series
A space for deep conversations and meaningful connections
Le Trente Salon is an attempt at creating something rare: a gathering where people come together to share ideas, hear from inspiring individuals and engage in thoughtful conversations—all in a safe and intimate space. For 18 months I have been holding these gatherings in my home. Now Carlina Johnson and I are partnering to bring it to Corde Coffee.
The Salon Speaker Series at Corde Coffee is not just an event but an experience. From my home to Carlina’s coffee shop, we are imagining a space with no expectations beyond spending a good time together and leaving feeling inspired, connected and uplifted.
This isn’t about tradition or following a template—it’s about creating something that feels right for now, for us, and for the future we want to build.
Why a salon?
Le Trente draws inspiration from many places, but one experience left a lasting mark: my time in the Bento Society, a gathering created by Yancey Strickler, ex-CEO and co-founder of Kickstarter. For over 18 months, I participated in weekly Bento groups where we explored the dimensions of self-interest proposed by Bentoism: considering not just “now me” but also “future me,” “now us,” and “future us.”
This wider lens on decision-making—one that prioritises the individual, the collective, and future generations—was transformative. It became a foundation for how I approach meaningful conversations, gatherings and sharing new ideas.
When Yancey mentioned presenting these ideas in a salon, the concept stayed with me. At the time, I had been sitting in my own salon— French for ‘living room’—for each of the Bento group sessions. I intentionally chose this space, mindful to stay away from my office, so it wouldn’t feel like an extension of my career or something I was doing for work.These gatherings felt personal, reflective, generous and free from the concept of networking.
That choice planted the seed for me to initiate Le Trente Salon, which has since grown into a space where we can extend these values offline: fostering dialogue, supporting each other and reimagining the world together.
As Julian, a fellow Bento Society member, once said, it’s about creating “a welcoming space for people to rejuvenate themselves and co-imagine the world together.”
What’s behind that name?
The name Le Trente (French for the number 30) holds special significance. In numerology, the number 30 is imbued with highly creative and social energy. It resonates with optimism, imagination, and the ability to inspire others. It encourages creative expression, joy, and tolerance, and uplifts those who encounter it. Mirroring my generally passionate personality, the number 30 tends to be enthusiastic about others' work.
For me, the number reflects the essence of what I hope these salons will bring: a dynamic space where creativity and ideas flourish, where you leave not only inspired but with your own sense of possibility reignited.
Corde Coffee: rooted in connection
Our collaboration with Corde Coffee is a perfect match. Corde is built on principles of community, empathy, and sustainability—values that align seamlessly with the mission of Le Trente. Together, we aim to elevate conversations and cultivate a sense of belonging while celebrating stories that inspire.
About the Salons
Each Salon features a guest speaker whose work aligns with one or more of Corde’s guiding pillars:
Empathy & community
Sustainability
Coffee
Entrepreneurship aligned with impact
The evening is designed to foster meaningful connections and create a sense of shared discovery. Here’s how it flows:
6:30 pm: Welcome–enjoy a drink and settle in.
7:00–8:00 pm: A presentation, conversation and open Q&A with our guest speaker, moderated by Anne Mühlethaler.
8:00–9:00 pm: Time for connection. Engage in deeper conversations over passed hors d'oeuvres, a natural wine bar and vegan desserts.
Meet our first speaker
To mark the launch of this series, our inaugural guest is Carlina Johnson, founder of Corde Coffee, who celebrates the 5th anniversary of Corde this January.
Carlina’s journey from a global analytics consultant to a specialty coffee roaster, barista, and entrepreneur is a testament to her belief in coffee as a tool for greater empathy, connection and sustainable impact.
Join us as she shares her story and her vision for Corde Coffee’s future.
Event details
Date: Tuesday February 11, 2025
Location: Corde Coffee, rue Claudine-Levet 7, 1201 Geneva
Time: 6:30 pm welcome | 7:00 pm presentation | 8:00 pm connection
Tickets: CHF 55.-
Join us
Reserve your spot
Seats are limited to ensure an intimate, inspiring experience. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this gathering of minds and hearts.
Embrace creativity. Engage deeply. Feel inspired.
Get your ticket here