Why ‘Removing barriers’?

When I was 18 years old, I dreamed of becoming a diplomat. I love languages and fancied travelling the world.  

I soon realised that moving from one country to another every few years probably wouldn’t suit me. Sticking to an official line wasn’t terribly appealing either. I wanted to have more freedom to speak my mind.

I’ve been working as a journalist ever since – first as a radio reporter in Paris, then as a freelance foreign correspondent in London for radio, TV and print since 2008.

I don’t regret my career choice. However, over the years, I’ve realised that I wanted to act more as a peace-builder and a facilitator rather than a cynical spectator or, worse, a divider.

News reporting mainly thrives on doom and gloom, controversies, clichés and prejudices. In short, stories that make dramatic – if not accurate – headlines.

Thanks to my research background, I have always tried to give a more complete and complex view of the world.  Unfortunately, as a freelance reporter, I can’t influence the editorial line of the publications I work for.

At the end of 2020, I was able to articulate with clarity what I profoundly aspired to – removing barriers and frictions that lead to misunderstanding, resentment and frustration.

So, in order to be more aligned with my values, I decided to put empathy at the heart of my work and use my communication skills as a storyteller and copywriter.

Treating people with empathy is a good life rule. It is also a sound business principle.

Empathy is the building block of user’s experience (UX) design and a key ingredient to effective communication.

Empathetic communication is based on facts rather than assumptions. It enables you to build a strong, thriving relationship with your audience or your customers and make you stand out from the competition.