Keynote Speaker at the French Consulate in NYC

Anne-Sophie shares insights from her keynote at the French Consulate in New York on wellness in hospitality, travel, and the power of human connection in today's fast-moving world.

In February 2026, I had the privilege of speaking at the French Consulate in New York in front of more than 150 hospitality leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators gathered by the Influence Society.

Was I impressed? Absolutely.

Was I ready? Honestly... I'm not sure.

Did I say yes anyway? Yes.

Standing in that historic room, surrounded by some of the most inspiring professionals in the hospitality industry, I felt both humbled and incredibly alive. Not because I was there to perform. But because I was there to share something I deeply believe in.

The Transformative Power of Travel

As someone who has spent more than 17 years in hospitality, I have witnessed firsthand how travel can change people. Not simply because it allows us to discover new places. But because, when done with intention, it creates something much deeper. Travel invites us to slow down. To become present. To reconnect with ourselves. To build bridges with people we may never have met otherwise.

At its best, hospitality becomes more than a service. It becomes a catalyst for human connection. And in a world that often feels fragmented, that connection is incredibly powerful.

In a World That Never Stops, We Are Craving Connection

Today, we live in a world that moves faster than ever. We optimize. We automate. We scroll. We multitask.

Yet despite being more connected digitally, many of us feel increasingly disconnected from ourselves, from others, and from what truly matters.Behind every strategy, every business objective, and every innovation, there are humans.

Humans who want to feel seen. Humans who want to belong. Humans who want meaningful experiences. And perhaps that is why the conversation around leadership, culture, well-being, and human connection feels more relevant than ever.

A Heartfelt Thank You

My sincere thanks to the Influence Society, Sébastien Félix, and Joseph Naggiar for the invitation and the opportunity to contribute to such an inspiring gathering.

And thank you to everyone in the audience for your attention, your openness, and your willingness to engage in a conversation that matters.

You reminded me that growth truly lives just outside of comfort.

And that human connection remains one of the most powerful forces we have.