Chapter Eighteen: Week 18

Balancing Leadership and Landscapes- Assisting the Director and Mapping Garden Beds

Work day: 04/03/2025

Today began with a one-on-one meeting with Nelcy, the director of the Château, where I was entrusted with the important responsibility of visualising the staff roles within the organisation and operation of LNAF France. This task required a careful evaluation of each staff member’s contributions across various aspects of the foundation, such as mission-supporting activities, administration, and other operational tasks. I had to rely on my problem-solving skills and make educated judgments, despite not having been with the foundation for long. This experience helped me develop valuable management and people-evaluation skills, as I worked closely with Nelcy to create a comprehensive visualisation table. This tool will aid in future job delegations and provide insights into areas of strength and improvement within the team, ultimately helping to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

After completing the staff evaluation task, I transitioned to assisting Natasha and her sister Pip with gathering measurements for design garden committee in America. Being involved in the design process here in France has accelerated the decision-making regarding flower bed planting. My ability to manage time effectively and provide efficient solutions allowed me to gather the necessary measurements quickly, enabling the team to make informed choices for the garden layout.Being involved in this process not only improved my design skills but also helped me learn how to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

As the day came to a close, I took time to relax by painting my mural, finding peace in the creative process and the quiet beauty of my white flower blooms. This moment of calm allowed me to reflect on the day’s work and feel a sense of accomplishment. From staff evaluations to design work, I was able to contribute in meaningful ways, and I’m excited to continue growing both as a designer and as a contributor to the Château’s ongoing projects.