We’re looking forward to introducing you to Phylicia French-Dupard. Check out our conversation below.
Phylicia, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I completed a 15-week entrepreneurial academy called Mortar, and I’m really proud of the way I showed up for myself and my business, Nouvelle Collaborative. At the end of the program, my cohort voted for me to receive the Entrepreneurial Light Award, which recognizes camaraderie, teamwork, and support for fellow entrepreneurs, and I also tied for the People’s Choice Award in our pitch competition. Those moments were affirming, but what I’m most proud of goes beyond the recognition. I finally made my business a true priority! I committed the time, rebranded, and allowed myself to learn, grow, and break through old barriers. More than anything, I’ve redefined what success means for me, and that shift makes me feel so proud.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Phylicia French-Dupard, founder of Nouvelle Collaborative, a professional development agency focused on burnout care and restoring joy to the heart of education. I design trainings, retreats, and events that center mental health, self-care, and authentic leadership for professionals in education. What makes my work unique is the way I blend strategy with creativity by creating fun, joyful spaces that are also deeply educational and help restore passion and purpose. For me, it’s not just about professional development, it’s about transformation. I want people to leave feeling seen, supported, and inspired to care for themselves while bringing renewed energy and confidence back into their work.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When I was three years old, I auditioned to be a mini dancer (mascot) for my godsister’s dance team, the Ball High Tornettes. I’ll never forget how kind the dance team was before the audition, giving me instructions and cheering me on. The moment the music started, I danced my heart out and instantly made the team! Seeing their surprised and excited faces during my audition made me feel powerful and confident. That feeling only grew when I looked out into the crowd and saw a whole stadium of people excited about my moves. Looking back, I believe those moments sparked my desire to bring joy to others and were my earliest memories of demonstrating the power of showing up as my authentic self!
When did you last change your mind about something important?
I obtained my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2016 with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor. During my last semester, I realized how emotionally challenging it would be for me to be a therapist as an empath. I still loved everything about mental health and wellness, but I needed to find a way to use my knowledge and degree while staying true to myself. I designed and facilitated my first workshop and discovered my new passion: professional development! I now love creating trainings, retreats, and events that focus on self-care, trauma-informed practices, time management, solution-focused leadership, restoring creativity in education, and more. That shift was the best change for me and my career as it allows me to combine my expertise, heart, and creativity to impact professionals in education in meaningful ways.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
There are different versions of myself with my family, friends, clients, or colleagues, but the public version also reflects the real Phylicia French-Dupard.
For the longest time, I didn’t even fully know who I was, as I wasn’t standing in my true authenticity. When I moved abroad to Doha, Qatar, in 2017, I decided to embrace my most authentic self, feeling the freedom of being in a place where no one knew me. That experience helped me connect with who I truly am and taught me how to bring that authenticity into public and professional spaces! I am kind, vibrant, creative, fun, energetic, passionate, caring, and yes, I still love to dance!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
My mom instilled in me the value of giving my best no matter what. By default, I show up in both professional and personal spaces with the mindset that I will always give my best. I naturally go above and beyond because I’m a high achiever. Over time, I’ve learned that there are spaces where giving your best without praise can be unhealthy. To be praised is to be seen and valued, and that acknowledgment is so important in any environment where you put in your energy! I’ve also learned to give my best to myself by praising my own efforts, celebrating my wins, and recognizing my growth, even if no one else does!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nouvellecollaborative
- Linkedin: Phylicia French-Dupard
