THE HERO’S JOURNEY IN PARIS
THE ONE DAY EXPERIENCE
MAKE A LIVING. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
One extraordinary day in Paris to discover what you love, develop your gifts and create a living from them.
With Peter de Kuster
PARIS · 2027
YOUR LIFE IS A STORY. MAKE IT A GREAT ONE.
What if you could make money doing what you truly love?
What if your greatest talents could become your greatest contribution?
What if the work you do every day could be an expression of who you are — and create something other people value enough to pay for?
Paris has always attracted people who dared to imagine a different future.
Artists, writers, scientists, entrepreneurs, architects, philosophers and craftspeople came here to pursue an idea, challenge convention and create something extraordinary.
Some changed the world. Others changed the way people lived, worked, thought and dreamed.
They followed their calling. They developed their gifts. They created their own opportunities.
Now it is your turn.
The Hero’s Journey in Paris is an extraordinary one-day experience for people who want to rediscover what they love, become exceptional at what they do and create a living from their greatest gifts.
Led by Peter de Kuster, this experience combines storytelling, entrepreneurship, personal discovery, leadership and the pursuit of excellence.
You will walk through inspiring parts of Paris, encounter the stories of remarkable people and use their experiences as mirrors for your own life, work and ambitions.
This is not another motivational seminar. It is not a conventional business workshop.
It is a day to step away from your everyday world, rediscover what matters and explore what you could create next.
One city. One day. One personal quest.
THE GREAT QUESTION
What would you do if you could make money doing what you love?
Every meaningful working life begins with a question:
What work do I love enough to give my very best to — and how can I make a living from it?
Some people make money but lose their sense of purpose.
Others have extraordinary talents but struggle to turn them into a sustainable business.
Many spend years doing work that no longer reflects who they are.
The real opportunity is to bring three essential dimensions together.
LOVE
What makes you come alive? What gives you energy, meaning and a reason to get up in the morning?
MASTERY
What are your distinctive talents? What could you become exceptionally good at through curiosity, practice and dedication?
MARKET VALUE
Who needs what you have to offer? What problems can you solve? What will people value enough to pay for?
The intersection of these three dimensions is where meaningful work and sustainable business can meet.
The ambition is not simply to follow your passion. It is to turn your passion and talents into something the world genuinely values.
THE DOUBLE JOURNEY
The Hero’s Journey and the Heroine’s Journey
At the heart of Peter de Kuster’s methodology is the understanding that every meaningful life involves two complementary journeys.
The Hero’s Journey is the outer journey.
It is the journey of doing, creating, achieving and contributing to the world.
It is about answering your calling, overcoming obstacles, developing your talents, creating something of value and making your contribution.
The Heroine’s Journey is the inner journey.
It is the journey of being, discovering, loving and becoming.
It is about discovering your identity, reconnecting with what you love, confronting your fears, finding meaning and becoming whole.
Both journeys belong to everyone, regardless of gender.
The outer journey asks:
What am I here to create? What contribution can I make? What value can I bring to the world?
The inner journey asks:
What do I truly love? Who am I becoming? What makes my life meaningful?
Neither journey is complete without the other.
Success without inner fulfilment can become an empty achievement. Inner fulfilment without outer expression can remain an unrealized dream.
The great adventure is to bring the two together.
The outer journey creates your livelihood. The inner journey gives it meaning. Together, they create a life and a business worth living.
THE LOVE-AND-MONEY MAP
Discover the business hidden inside your talents.
During the Paris experience, you will work with one of Peter de Kuster’s signature tools: the Love-and-Money Map.
It helps you explore three essential questions:
- What do I love doing?
- What can I become exceptional at?
- What do people need and want to pay for?
You will examine where these three dimensions overlap and identify opportunities for your next professional or entrepreneurial chapter.
Perhaps it is a new business.
Perhaps it is a different career.
Perhaps it is a new product, service or creative venture.
Perhaps it is a more meaningful way of leading the organization you already have.
The purpose is to move beyond vague ambitions and discover where your passion, abilities and market opportunities can become one coherent quest.
EIGHT PRINCIPLES. ONE QUEST.
The principles that turn inspiration into excellence.
The experience follows eight principles that connect the inner and outer journeys and translate the philosophy of excellence into daily practice.
1. ANSWER THE CALL
What work is calling me, and what am I waiting for?
Recognize your ambitions and find the courage to begin.
2. WALK CLOSE TO THE PEOPLE YOU SERVE
Whose life am I here to improve, and what would they value enough to pay for?
Understand your customers, listen deeply and create value that matters.
3. CLAIM YOUR QUEST
Where am I waiting for permission that I could give myself?
Take ownership of your ambitions and create your own opportunities.
4. BRING OUT THE HERO IN OTHERS
Who needs my trust, encouragement, recognition or leadership?
Help other people discover their talents and contribute their best.
5. LEAD BY LIVING YOUR VALUES
What am I unwilling to compromise, even when money is at stake?
Build success that reflects your principles and beliefs.
6. KNOW YOUR GIFT
What can I become exceptional at, and who needs that gift?
Discover your distinctive talents and develop them into mastery.
7. KEEP THE QUEST SIMPLE
What should I stop, simplify or delegate to protect my best work?
Focus your energy on what creates the greatest meaning and value.
8. HOLD THE STANDARD, FREE THE SPIRIT
Where do I need greater discipline, and where do I need more freedom?
Combine craftsmanship, responsibility, experimentation and creativity.
Inspired by the excellence tradition of Tom Peters and enriched by Peter de Kuster’s storytelling and double-journey methodology.
PARIS AS YOUR STORYTELLER
Walk in the footsteps of people who dared to create something extraordinary.
Paris is not simply the backdrop. Its history, people and places become part of your personal journey.
The city offers a remarkable collection of stories about entrepreneurial ambition, artistic mastery, creative courage, leadership and the determination to make a difference.
You will discover five extraordinary role models and explore the places where their stories unfolded.
Each encounter becomes a mirror for your own ambitions.
1. LOUIS VUITTON — CLAIM YOUR QUEST
Location: 4 Rue Neuve-des-Capucines, near Place Vendôme
In 1854, Louis Vuitton opened his first shop at this address. He had spent seventeen years learning his craft as an apprentice trunk-maker before establishing his own business.
He understood that people were travelling differently and that their luggage needed to change. He combined craftsmanship with practical innovation and created a distinctive business around what customers needed.
His story illustrates the transformation of a personal gift into an entrepreneurial opportunity.
The outer journey: Recognize an opportunity, develop a distinctive product and build a business around your talent.
The inner journey: What do I believe I can contribute? What am I afraid to claim as my own?
Peter’s exercise: The Entrepreneurial Calling
Identify one talent or passion that could become a valuable product, service or business.
Your question:
What could I create that combines something I love with something people genuinely need?
2. VICTOR HUGO — ANSWER THE CALL
Location: Maison de Victor Hugo, 6 Place des Vosges
Victor Hugo lived here from 1832 to 1848. During this period, he wrote important works and developed ideas that would contribute to some of his greatest literary achievements.
His novels, poetry and political engagement explored human dignity, justice, love and society.
His work became much larger than his personal ambitions. His writing created an enduring contribution to the world.
His story reminds us that a calling can become a lifelong contribution.
The outer journey: Find your calling, develop your voice and create something that matters.
The inner journey: What do I really believe? What matters enough to dedicate my life to?
Peter’s exercise: The Story of My Life
Identify three defining moments:
- A moment when you felt truly alive.
- A moment when you overcame an obstacle.
- A moment when you made a meaningful contribution.
Begin writing the next chapter of your story.
Your question:
If my working life were a book, what would its next chapter be about?
3. ERNEST HEMINGWAY — KEEP THE QUEST SIMPLE
Location: 74 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine and Place de la Contrescarpe
Hemingway arrived in Paris in 1921 as a young journalist. He lived with his wife Hadley in a modest apartment at 74 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine.
He was still developing as a writer. He worked, observed, practised and learned to remove everything unnecessary from his writing.
His Paris years became an important part of his creative development and later inspired A Moveable Feast.
His story reminds us that excellence requires focus, discipline and the courage to concentrate on what matters.
The outer journey: Develop your craft, practise consistently and protect your attention.
The inner journey: What distracts me from what matters? What do I need to let go of?
Peter’s exercise: The Essential Few
Identify the three activities that create most value in your work, and three things that consume energy without producing meaningful results.
Choose one thing to stop doing.
Your question:
What must I remove from my life to make room for my best work?
4. AUGUSTE RODIN — KNOW YOUR GIFT
Location: Musée Rodin, 77 Rue de Varenne
Auguste Rodin developed a distinctive artistic language through observation, experimentation and an uncompromising dedication to his craft.
His sculptures reveal a lifelong pursuit of creative expression and mastery.
At the Hôtel Biron, where he established his working presence, you can explore the relationship between inspiration, craftsmanship and excellence.
The museum and its sculpture garden provide a beautiful setting for personal reflection.
The outer journey: Discover your distinctive talent, develop your abilities and create something original.
The inner journey: What is my authentic voice? What makes my work different?
Peter’s exercise: My Unique Gift
Identify:
- Your three strongest talents.
- The work you enjoy most.
- What other people consistently appreciate about you.
- The ability you most want to develop.
Your question:
What could I become truly exceptional at if I dedicated myself to it?
5. GUSTAVE EIFFEL — BRING OUT THE HERO IN OTHERS
Location: Eiffel Tower and Champ de Mars
The Eiffel Tower was built for the 1889 World’s Fair.
It is a magnificent example of what happens when ambition, engineering, innovation and teamwork come together.
The project was developed by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier, with architect Stephen Sauvestre contributing to its design. Gustave Eiffel’s enterprise helped turn their ambitious concept into reality.
The tower reminds us that extraordinary achievements are rarely the work of one person alone.
The outer journey: Make an ambitious vision real, bring together the right people and build something that outlives you.
The inner journey: How much do I trust the talents of others? Am I willing to let other people shine?
Peter’s exercise: The Bigger Than Me Challenge
Identify one ambition that cannot be achieved alone.
Explore whose talents you need, who you should empower and what you could create together.
Your question:
What could I achieve with others that I could never achieve alone?
YOUR DAY IN PARIS
One city. Five role models. Eight principles. One personal quest.
Forget the conventional conference room.
Paris becomes your classroom, your inspiration and your mirror.
The experience combines guided walks, storytelling, personal reflection, entrepreneurial thinking and conversations with other ambitious people.
09:30 — THE CALL TO ADVENTURE
Louis Vuitton — Rue Neuve-des-Capucines
Meet Peter de Kuster and discover the philosophy of the Hero’s Journey.
Explore the question that brings you here:
What is the work I truly want to create?
Discover how a personal gift can become a business opportunity.
10:30 — ANSWER YOUR CALLING
Victor Hugo — Place des Vosges
Enter the world of Victor Hugo.
Explore the relationship between creativity, conviction and contribution.
Reflect on the defining moments of your own story and discover what you want the next chapter to be about.
11:45 — THE POWER OF FOCUS
Ernest Hemingway — Latin Quarter
Walk in the footsteps of Hemingway.
Explore the discipline of creative work, the importance of focus and the art of simplicity.
Discover what you need to stop doing to make room for your best work.
12:30 — LUNCH AND CONVERSATION
La Closerie des Lilas — Montparnasse
Enjoy lunch at one of Hemingway’s historic Parisian haunts.
Discuss the relationship between love, talent, customers and commercial opportunity.
Begin exploring your Love-and-Money Map.
14:00 — DISCOVER YOUR GIFT
Auguste Rodin — Musée Rodin
Discover the world of Rodin.
Explore the relationship between originality, craftsmanship and mastery.
Identify your distinctive talents and what you could become exceptional at.
15:15 — THE POWER OF COLLABORATION
Gustave Eiffel — Champ de Mars
Meet the story of the Eiffel Tower.
Explore leadership, teamwork, shared ambition and the power of making extraordinary visions real.
Discover how to bring out the best in others.
16:15 — RETURN WITH THE TREASURE
Champ de Mars — Your Excellence Quest
Bring the five stories together.
Complete your Love-and-Money Map and personal Excellence Charter.
Identify your next ambition and the first concrete action you will take within seven days.
17:30 — CLOSING DRINKS AND COMMITMENTS
Share your insights, make your commitments and celebrate the beginning of your next chapter.
18:00 — THE END OF THE DAY. THE BEGINNING OF YOUR NEXT CHAPTER.
The programme is indicative and may be adapted to the final route, museum schedules, weather and local arrangements.
THE LOVE-AND-MONEY MAP
Turn your passion and talents into an opportunity.
During the day, you will work on the intersection of three essential dimensions:
WHAT YOU LOVE
Your passions, interests, ambitions and sources of energy.
WHAT YOU DO WELL
Your talents, experience, knowledge and distinctive abilities.
WHAT PEOPLE WILL PAY FOR
The needs, problems and opportunities of the people you want to serve.
The objective is to discover where these dimensions meet.
You may discover a new business idea, a new professional direction, a new service or a new way of creating value in your existing organization.
The map helps turn an inspiring day into a practical business or career opportunity.
YOUR EXCELLENCE CHARTER
Make your next chapter real.
Inspiration is only the beginning.
At the end of the experience, you will create your own Excellence Charter.
It brings together what you have discovered about your inner and outer journeys.
You will define:
- What you want to become.
- What work you want to do.
- What you want to become exceptional at.
- Who you want to serve.
- What values you want to live by.
- What you need to change.
- What you will do first.
Your Excellence Charter becomes a personal commitment to the next chapter of your working life.
WHAT YOU WILL TAKE HOME
More than memories of Paris.
At the end of the day, you will have:
- A clearer understanding of your inner and outer journeys.
- A personal quest connecting what you love with how you earn your living.
- Your own Love-and-Money Map.
- Greater awareness of your distinctive talents and strengths.
- A better understanding of the fears and assumptions that may be holding you back.
- Practical ideas for creating more excellence and flow in your work.
- A personal Excellence Charter.
- A concrete action to take within seven days.
You will leave with more than inspiration.
You will leave with a direction, a language for your ambitions and something practical to do next.
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
The Hero’s Journey in Paris is designed for people who want more from their working lives.
It is particularly relevant for:
- Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to reconnect with their original inspiration.
- Founders looking for their next business opportunity.
- CEOs and senior executives who want to lead with greater purpose.
- Creative professionals, artists, designers and storytellers.
- Professionals considering a new career direction.
- People who want to turn their talents into a sustainable livelihood.
- Leaders who want to bring more meaning, ownership and excellence into their teams.
Whether you are building a business, leading an organization, developing a creative career or considering a new chapter, this experience offers an opportunity to step back and explore what is possible.
No previous knowledge of storytelling, business strategy or the Hero’s Journey is required.
You only need curiosity and a willingness to explore.
YOUR HOST: PETER DE KUSTER
Everyone has a story worth living.
Peter de Kuster believes that the most meaningful businesses and careers emerge when people discover what they love, develop their gifts and create value for others.
His approach brings together the Hero’s Journey, storytelling, entrepreneurship, leadership and the pursuit of excellence.
Inspired by the excellence tradition of Tom Peters, Peter adds a deeply human dimension:
What if the most successful business you could build were also the most meaningful work you could do?
Through The Hero’s Journey, he invites individuals, teams and organizations to rediscover their ambitions, challenge their assumptions and turn their stories into action.
The Paris experience offers the opportunity to step outside your everyday environment and explore what your next chapter could become.
THE PARIS EXPERIENCE
THE OPEN HERO’S JOURNEY
A small international group. An extraordinary day. A personal adventure.
Join a carefully selected group of entrepreneurs, leaders, creative professionals and people who want to make more of their working lives.
LOCATION
Central Paris, France. The exact meeting point will be shared upon registration.
DURATION
One full day, approximately 09:30–18:00.
LANGUAGE
English.
GROUP SIZE
8–14 participants.
FORMAT
Guided walking experience, storytelling, personal reflection, facilitated conversations and practical exercises.
YOUR INVESTMENT
€895 per person
Early-booking investment: €795 per person.
Your participation includes:
- One full day with Peter de Kuster.
- Guided Paris walking experience.
- Personal workbook.
- Love-and-Money Map exercises.
- Personal Excellence Charter.
- Lunch and refreshments.
- Closing drinks.
- Practical action plan.
Travel to Paris, accommodation and personal expenses are not included.
The public experience is confirmed once the minimum group size of eight paying participants has registered.
PRIVATE AND CORPORATE EXPERIENCES
Would you prefer to explore the journey privately or with your own team?
The Paris experience can also be arranged as a dedicated private or corporate programme.
THE PRIVATE QUEST
One or two people. One confidential day of personal discovery and business direction.
Investment: €4,950 per day.
THE LEADERSHIP QUEST
For executive teams and business partners. A shared journey towards purpose, trust and excellence.
Up to 8 participants.
Investment: €8,950 per group.
THE EXCELLENCE EXPEDITION
For departments and teams that want to strengthen collaboration, ownership and performance.
Up to 20 participants.
Investment: €13,500 per group.
THE INNOVATION QUEST
A creative business safari for entrepreneurial and innovation teams.
Up to 25 participants.
Investment: €17,500 per group.
Private and corporate prices exclude VAT where applicable and travel and accommodation expenses.
JOIN THE 2027 PARIS EXPERIENCE
Give yourself one day to imagine a different future.
You can continue doing what you have always done.
Or you can take one day to explore what you really want to create.
You can continue waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Or you can answer the call.
You can build a career simply to earn a living.
Or you can create a living from your gifts, ambitions and love of the work.
THE HERO’S JOURNEY IN PARIS
One city. One day. One personal quest.
2027 — Limited places available.
To enquire about dates and availability:
Peter de Kuster
Email: peterdekuster2023@gmail.com
Website: http://www.theherojourney2016.com
YOUR STORY IS WAITING.
Walk the streets of Paris.
Discover the stories of people who dared to create something extraordinary.
Explore your inner and outer journeys.
Rediscover what you love.
Turn your gifts into excellence.
Build something the world values enough to pay for.
MAKE A LIVING. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
THE HERO’S JOURNEY — THE ONE DAY EXPERIENCE
With Peter de Kuster