GenerateHER

EP14: What Is Your ‘Jardin Secret’ and How to Care for It

Your dreams are a secret garden; how you care for them shapes what flourishes and what fades.
 
I’ve learned that personal growth and transformation are a lot like tending a garden. After leaving Chicago and building a new life in Paris, I realized that our inner dreams need patience, care, and the right environment to thrive. In this episode, I share the idea of a jardin secret, a secret garden where we plant our hopes and nurture them until they’re ready to bloom.
 
I walk through eight key insights on how to cultivate this inner space, reminding you that growth often happens beneath the surface before you see results. Just like plants need healthy soil, your mindset and emotional well-being shape what you’re able to create. I also talk about the importance of pruning distractions and protecting your dreams from negativity, giving them the space and support they need to take root.
 
Transformation isn’t linear, and every season serves a purpose. By honoring both the quiet moments and the times of bloom, you can embrace renewal, unlock new possibilities, and step into the next version of yourself with confidence.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
02:44 Jardin Secret
05:59 Lesson 1: Give It Time
07:02 Lesson 2: Growth Takes Time
08:09 Lesson 3: Plant in Fertile Soil
09:17 Lesson 4: Regular Maintenance
10:32 Lesson 5: Pruning for Strength
12:03 Lesson 6: Removing Weeds
14:03 Lesson 7: Embrace Change
15:49 Lesson 8: The Importance of Winter
 
Links
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP13: The Magical Brain with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, PhD

Rethinking success starts with a simple shift: experiment, stay curious, and let learning lead the way.
 
I’m sitting down with neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff to talk about neuroscience, creativity, and personal transformation. What happens when we stop chasing a predefined version of success and start treating life as a series of experiments? Anne-Laure shares how a health scare pushed her to leave corporate life, study neuroscience, and build Nest Labs, a community that helps people stay productive and creative without sacrificing mental health.
 
She introduces the “experimental mindset,” a way to embrace uncertainty, learn through action, and reframe failure as progress. She also shares a simple brain hack: “curiosity snacks,” small shifts that turn impulsive habits into moments of meaningful exploration.
 
This conversation is a reminder that personal growth doesn’t require a perfect plan. Instead, understanding the brain and leaning into creativity can open new doors, helping us build a life that evolves with us.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
02:40 Anne-Laure’s Career Journey
06:08 Managing Insecurity and Embracing Change
07:48 Personal Crisis and Realignment
09:21 Curiosity and Creativity Interconnection
10:17 Creative Processes and Community Feedback
12:37 Taking Risks and Community Support
14:03 Nest Labs Community Creation
16:40 Empowering Community Members
18:49 Fascination with Neuroscience
20:00 Stimulating the Brain: Curiosity Snacks
21:44 Book Introduction: Tiny Experiments
23:35 Experimental Mindset Concept
25:37 Intentional Imperfection Concept
29:13 Role Models and Personal Influence
31:07 Closing
 
Links
Connect with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, PhD:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuranne
NessLabs: https://nesslabs.com  
Anne-Laure's Book Tiny Experiments: https://nesslabs.com/book
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP12: What It Really Means to Be French

What does it really mean to “be French”? Is it about the way I tie my scarf, the handbag I carry, or how I order my coffee? Or is there something deeper?
 
After more than two decades of living in Paris, I’ve wrestled with these questions myself. As an American woman running a business here, I’ve felt the pressure to fit in. But over time, I realized something surprising—my strength came from not trying to.
 
In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about French culture and mindset, from confidence and self-love to the importance of relationships and the art of conversation. I’ll talk about why women are so often made to feel like they need to mold themselves to fit an ideal and why embracing who you are can be a huge advantage instead.
 
Through my own experiences and observations, I hope to offer a fresh perspective on thriving in a new culture without losing yourself in the process. Whether you love all things French, are navigating life in a foreign country, or are building a career on your own terms, I think you’ll find something in this episode that resonates.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 Accepting Cultural Differences
03:06 The Pressure to Be French
05:37 The Secret to Being French
06:09 Rule 1: Love Yourself
07:01 Rule 2: Be Cultured
08:19 Rule 3: Don’t Be Apologetic
09:57 Rule 4: Take Pride in Your Appearance
11:04 Rule 5: Master the Inside Voice
13:06 Rule 6: Be Discreet
14:00 Rule 7: Treat Friends Like Family
15:17 Rule 8: Respect Time
17:15 Closing
 
Links
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP11: What France Has Taught Me About the Word ‘Success’

Success isn’t a finish line. It’s a long, unpredictable road filled with setbacks, small wins, and lessons along the way.
 
After completing a long-awaited renovation for my business, La Cuisine, I felt uneasy with the word success as people congratulated me. The glossy finish doesn’t tell the full story. This journey took seven years of struggles, delays, and setbacks that tested my patience and perseverance. I see this milestone as a réussite, a hard-earned achievement, but real success? That’s still unfolding.
 
In this episode, I reflect on what success really means, the weight of language, and the unseen challenges behind every big moment. What if true success isn’t about the big wins at all but about the resilience it takes to keep going?
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction
01:24 The Word “Success” and Its Impact
03:11 Cultural Nuances in Language
04:36 Réussite vs. Succès
05:08 Challenges of La Cuisine’s Renovation
07:03 Behind the Scenes of the Renovation
09:00 Measuring Success in Business
10:10 Long Journey to Success
11:05 Future of La Cuisine and GenerateHER
12:00 Personal Reflections on Success
13:05 Comparison and Joy
14:00 Final Thoughts and Weekly Wishes
 
Links
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP10: On Creativity with Jessie Kanelos Weiner

Creativity isn’t reserved for artists—it’s how we solve problems, express ourselves, and reimagine what’s possible. But what happens when self-doubt creeps in or inspiration feels out of reach?
Jane Bertch sits down with illustrator and author Jessie Kanelos Weiner to talk about the creative process, embracing imperfection, and the unexpected paths that shape our work. Jessie shares her journey from Chicago to Paris, where she arrived as an au pair with a sketchbook and a dream but no clear roadmap. Over time, she found her voice through watercolor, eventually working with brands like Vogue and Cartier while developing a unique artistic identity.
Jessie and Jane explore the role of creativity in building confidence, why getting “messy” is often the key to progress, and how cycles of inspiration come and go. Jessie also introduces her new book, Thinking in Watercolor, a guide to unlocking creativity through daily artistic practice. Whether you’re an artist or just looking to bring more creative energy into your life, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to start where you are.
Quotes
"I think it's just kind of accepting that some days you just don't want to do what you need to do and you want to work on something else. If you feel like lightning has struck and you need to seize the day, then it’s always important to make a little bit of time for those really pressing ideas." (10:47 | Jessie Kanelos Weiner) 
"Start where you are. You are your own best primary reference or resource." (17:49 | Jessie Kanelos Weiner)
"You don’t need to know everything perfectly. It’s just a matter of practicing." (23:52 | Jessie Kanelos Weiner)
"Sometimes you just have to live your life and piece it together afterwards. I'm thankful for those moments and those people who saw something in me that I didn't see in myself." (27:02 | Jessie Kanelos Weiner)
 
Links
Connect with Jessie Kanelos Weiner:
Jessie's substack ; https://jessiekanelosweiner.substack.com 
Jessie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessiekanelosweiner/?hl=en
 
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP09: What You Need to Know About Role Models, and Why You Need One at Any Age!

Role models shape how we see ourselves and who we become, yet many women hesitate to claim that title. Why do young women confidently identify their role models while seasoned professionals shy away from the idea?
 
Jane Bertch unpacks this disconnect, sharing insights from her research and personal experience. She breaks down the difference between mentors, sponsors, and role models, explaining why all three play a role in personal and professional growth. She also challenges the modern idea of an “influencer” and makes a case for seeking out role models who inspire action, not comparison.
 
If the people you admire offer a glimpse of your future self, who are you looking to? This episode will help you rethink the voices shaping your path and encourage you to curate a vision for who you’re becoming.
 
Quotes
“Your values, I believe, are your voice. And we talk a lot about discovering your voice, growing into your voice. Well, your values are how you deliver what’s important to you and how you present yourself.” (07:56 | Jane Bertch) 
“You don’t have to want to emulate everything about that person. I cherry pick from people who I consider role models all the time.” (09:11 | Jane Bertch) 
“Your role models are so important because your role models are a future vision of yourself. They are a future vision of yourself. Your role models are the vision board. If I use that term, they’re the vision board of who you want to be, who you hope to be.” (16:30 | Jane Bertch)
“Surround yourself with a diversity of information and opinions. We have access to so many different voices. Choose the ones, as we said, that make you feel that you’re growing, that you’re learning, that you feel good about yourself, that share with you. They don’t show off to you.” (17:36 | Jane Bertch)
 
Links
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP08: The Four Things You Need to Help You Take Risks

Taking risks and embracing change are essential for personal transformation, and in this episode, Jane Bertch shares how curiosity, creativity, courage, and community serve as powerful tools for personal development. 
 
Drawing on her own leap from Chicago to Paris and her journey of building a business, Jane offers her view on what it really takes to embrace change. How does curiosity help you take that first step? Why does creativity fuel your confidence? What role does courage play in everyday decisions? And how can the right community push you further than you’d go alone?
 
Jane invites you to explore these questions and leaves listeners with a quote from Anaïs Nin: “And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom.” It’s a reminder that growth often requires stepping out of the comfort of staying the same. 
 
Quotes
“If you want to make big changes, you have to make big changes. I think that’s the formula. I don’t see another way around.” (00:59 | Jane Bertch) 
“Taking risks is a lot about listening to your intuition. And while I do believe in an element of magic from the universe, your intuition is this beautiful database of information and experiences that you’ve collected up to now.” (03:44 | Jane Bertch)
“Try to think about how you can use your curiosity. How can you use it to help you take those tiny steps forward, which will allow you to take a risk and moving towards the direction that you want? Curiosity is such a powerful tool.” (06:54 | Jane Bertch) 
“Courage can be not moving forward. Courage can be having the conviction to stand still. And courage can be the courage to quit, to stop, to know that the fight you fought was a wonderful one.” (12:37 | Jane Bertch) 
 
Links
Malcom Gladwell : https://www.gladwellbooks.com/titles/malcolm-gladwell/blink/9780316172325/
 
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP07: Five Things I Have Learned About Asking for Help - Thanks to Life in France

Thoughtfully asking for help isn’t just about solving problems, but also about building meaningful relationships. For Jane Bertch, this practice has been a cornerstone of her personal and professional growth. Drawing from her years as a business owner in France, Jane contrasts the shallow, one-sided act of “picking people’s brains” with the enriching experience of fostering reciprocal relationships that allow both parties to grow and learn.
 
In this episode, Jane shares five practical strategies for approaching help with intention that turns it into a mutually beneficial exchange. She focuses on the importance of clear communication that ensures both parties understand their needs and expectations, and points out the role of commitment, integrity, and respect in sustaining meaningful connections. By framing help as a negotiation rather than a request, Jane encourages us to think about what we can offer in return, hence creating a collaborative environment that’s rooted in trust.
 
With her passion for mentoring and community building, Jane inspires a shift from transactional interactions to deeper connections that support personal and professional reinvention. Listeners will leave with a renewed perspective on the power of asking for help—not just as a tool for achieving goals, but as a way to cultivate belonging and unlock new possibilities in every area of life.
 
Quotes
“Helping others is really the foundation of community, isn’t it?” (02:59 | Jane Bertch)
“Asking for help can actually be a really beautiful way to start a relationship if you do it thoughtfully.” (08:12 | Jane Bertch)
“What I want to do is to share resources, to be conscious about how I can help them, to be conscious of what I can bring to the table. Because you know what, I think it’s better when we can grow together.” (10:21 | Jane Bertch)
“Commit to it until you said you wouldn’t. Commit to it to the deadline that you gave it. See it through. Having said that, sometimes there are things that are out of our control. Sometimes we have to leave an activity or a business or a project.” (21:48 | Jane Bertch)
“Sometimes we have to leave an activity or a business or a project. And if you’re doing that with others, you need to be very thoughtful about how you do so. Again, you want the activity or the project to end, not the relationship… it’s never about leaving. It’s always about how you go.” (22:06 | Jane Bertch)
 
Links
https://www.instagram.com/meghandono/ 
https://www.moritaheripour.com/bringyourselfbook
 
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP06: Things I Have Learned From Living and Working In France for the Past 20 Years

Building trust and thriving in France means embracing patience, cultivating meaningful relationships, and balancing confidence with humility. Drawing from 20 years of life in France, Jane Bertch shares insights and life lessons that show the unique cultural values shaping her experience. 
 
Jane reflects on the deep investment required to build relationships, where trust and understanding take precedence over quick connections, and offers a poignant nod to “Le Petit Prince.” Jane also explores how the French reverence for expertise influences business, where contracts are rooted in reputation and trust rather than mere transactions. What does it take to navigate this delicate balance of trust and professionalism?
 
Presentation—whether in demeanor or surroundings—plays an important role, paired with a deep respect for personal privacy that allows connections to grow naturally over time. Jane’s reflections encourage listeners to embrace these lessons as tools for reinvention and personal growth, wherever life may take them.
 
Join Jane in this episode for a thoughtful exploration of life in France, and gain insights into relationships, expertise, and the art of embracing reinvention with patience and grace.
 
Quotes
“Relationships in France are long-term investments. They don’t come overnight.” (04:19 | Jane Bertch)
“Contracts are based on relationships. They’re not based on money.” (07:36 | Jane Bertch)
“Confidence and humility, I think, are two key words when it comes to doing business in France.” (10:07 | Jane Bertch) 
“Presentation is everything... It’s not the exterior aesthetics, it’s also, again, the confidence.” (10:17 | Jane Bertch) 
“Being showy and bling bling… is vulgar to people. It’s really vulgar to the people I know. So I always try to have a careful balance. I think about this in my life. I think about this as my business. To share, not to show. To share because showing can become showing off.” (18:55 | Jane Bertch) 
 
Links
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

EP05: 6 Tools to Create a Flourishing 2025

“Winter for me is never the end. It’s preparation for the beginning.” Jane Bertch offers a refreshing perspective on growth, as she draws inspiration from the quiet resilience of winter. For her, it’s not a season of endings but a time to reflect, recharge, and prepare for new opportunities.
 
In this episode, Jane shares her tools on personal development and transformation, and weaves in lessons from her life in Paris and experiences as a woman entrepreneur. How can we begin our journey to meaningful growth this 2025? Jane suggests starting with a single word to guide the year—a word that anchors your goals and keeps you aligned.
 
Jane also touches on ways to maintain meaningful connections in the midst of a busy lifestyle. Her innovative approach to nurturing friendships, such as sending weekly video messages, shows how small efforts can deepen relationships. 
 
Jane challenges us to seek diversity and curiosity in all areas of life. What new perspectives could transform our paths? With a focus on intentionality, Jane invites us to embrace the year ahead with more meaning and purpose.
 
Quotes
“Winter for me is never the end. It’s preparation for the beginning.” (03:34 | Jane Bertch)
“I set a word for every year that we have. And that word represents what I want to see out of the year. So some years maybe that word’s ‘pivot.’ Maybe that word is ‘revitalize.’ Maybe that word is ‘grounded.’ That word should be my feel rouge, to use a French word. What is the red line that goes through my year? What is the theme of my year? And I find that so important because I hark back to that all year long. One in reminding myself, what did I want out of this year?” (03:57 | Jane Bertch)
“Another book I really, really enjoy is Herminia Ibarra’s book, ‘Working Identity.’ …It’s a really elegantly written, easily digestible book on making those changes. And most importantly, it encourages you that you can do and try anything. And those experiments are so important to helping you figure out what your next step is. And those experiments are not failures if you get to the end of them and you realize that’s not where you meant to be. They’re data points.” (09:33 | Jane Bertch)
“Make sure that you are consciously seeking diversity and curiosity in your life in all manners... consciously seek out diversity and that will make your 2025 much richer.” (16:33 | Jane Bertch)
 
Links
https://nesslabs.com/annual-review-template 
https://yearcompass.com
https://www.jeffkarp.com/lit-the-book/
https://www.instagram.com/juliacameronlive/?hl=en
https://herminiaibarra.com/working-identity-book/
https://open.spotify.com/show/0LtsgWkOpLdYR7wK0senTX (Deepak Chopra) 
My retreat: https://www.janebertch.com/retreats 
Journal practice: www.janebertch.com/journal
 
Connect with Jane Bertch:
Website: www.janebertch.com 
Instagram @janebertch
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm