Written by Isabelle Verdon

September always carries a special energy. The “back-to-school” season is not just for children. For many of us, it is a moment of transition: returning from holidays, stepping into new projects, or resetting priorities.

And yet, how we come back from the summer can reveal a lot about who we are, not only as leaders but as human beings.

Holidays are more than a pause. They are a mirror.

Some of us recharge through adventure and challenge: climbing mountains, learning a new sport, or pushing our limits. Others find renewal in stillness, through quiet mornings, reading in the countryside, or long walks in nature. Some thrive in connection, through late-night conversations with friends, lively family gatherings, or celebrations. Others are deeply nourished by discovery, whether that is wandering through historical sites, standing in front of art that stirs something in us, or being immersed in another culture.

Each of these choices says something about what we value, what we long for, and how we restore our energy.

This summer, I had the chance to share time with many friends and family members. What struck me most was how differently people design their holidays. It goes far beyond financial resources. It is about personalities, needs, and desires. And I’ll be honest: even within my own family, balancing everyone’s wishes was sometimes tricky. One wanted adventure, another rest, another connection. Sound familiar?

I was lucky to enjoy a mix of experiences: hiking, flying, and sailing. Each activity nourished my love of learning, my desire to challenge myself, and my curiosity to explore new territories in every sense.

But if I reflect on what will truly stay with me, it isn’t the activities themselves.

It is the late-night conversations with my sister-in-law. The career talks with our friends’ teenager and my nephew. Listening to my friend’s parents talk about the changes they see in the world. The quiet awe of sitting on a bench, simply watching the sea, letting myself be humbled and replenished by nature, just being. Those moments of depth and presence told me more about what I value than any itinerary ever could.

Our relationship with holidays also shines a light on our vulnerabilities.

Some of us count the days until the break, almost escaping from work. Others feel uneasy when the emails stop and the calendar is empty. That discomfort can be just as telling as our joy.

The real invitation is to notice.

What did your holidays reveal about you? Did you feel most alive in discovery, in connection, in silence, or in challenge? Did you allow yourself to disconnect fully, or did you struggle to switch off? What gave you energy, and what drained it?

And here is another layer: holidays are not only an opportunity to know ourselves better. They are also a chance to get to know others more deeply. Ask your colleagues, team members, or even clients about their holidays. Listen not only to what they did, but to how they speak about it. Where does their energy rise? Do they light up when they talk about family trips, hiking alone in nature, discovering a new culture, or just having nothing to do? These stories open a window into what truly motivates and nourishes them.

Leadership is not about being flawless. It is about being conscious.

When leaders take the time to reflect, they come back not just rested but wiser. And when they take the time to listen, they build stronger, more authentic relationships.

So as you step into this new season, here is the question to carry with you:
What part of your holidays do you want to bring back into your leadership, and what might you discover if you invite others to share theirs ?