My name is Claudie Bell, I am a global citizen, a nomad who travels within and without, who loves to learn and share her fascination with the beauty and complexity of the world we live in. As co-founder of Let’s Reinvent, I work to make education, good mental health accessible and to enable a deeper connection with ourselves, our fellow human beings and nature.
I studied translation, linguistics and computer science. My path has led me through various fields such as (audiovisual) translation, customer service, marketing, fashion, community building and management, as well as tech and social media.
I really enjoy to think, discover and discuss new, exceptional means to navigate through society. A dedicated breath coach and mindfulness supporter, my curiosity towards anything that nourishes the mind and the body in a profound and respectful way is insatiable.
Wherever I go, I collect impressions, wisdom, connections and I add them to my life’s puzzle. Having lived in Cameroon, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain and the UK has been a mind-opening experience in so many ways. It also has been a catalyst in my dedication to others’ and my own wellbeing. The more I listen, become aware of my surroundings, engage with others, self-reflect, read and travel, the more connected I feel. And so my passion for self-development, diversity and inclusion and environmental sustainability took shape.
Over the years, I have led and facilitated workshops and events around networking, mental health, personal and professional growth, women empowerment, as well as music, art and environmental sustainability. I will continue to do so.
What is the greatest challenge you faced in your life and how did you overcome it?
The greatest challenge I faced was growing up too soon, leaving my family behind as a teenager to embark on a journey in Germany. It was a deeply unsettling, heartbreaking, formative experience which took a lot of work and years to recover from. Luckily for me, I grew up learning to adapt to whatever situation I am in and to keep going, regardless of the time and effort it takes. As a child, I learned a lot from my parents. No matter how afraid they were, they always faced challenges with courage and perseverance.
What impact do you want to make in the world?
I want to help others to step out of their comfort zone, to take action and be more kind and compassionate towards themselves and others. Sometimes details, seamless things and inconspicuous acts of appreciation have the biggest impact.The greatest challenge I faced was growing up too soon, leaving my family behind as a teenager to embark on a journey in Germany. It was a deeply unsettling, heartbreaking, formative experience which took a lot of work and years to recover from. Luckily for me, I grew up learning to adapt to whatever situation I am in and to keep going, regardless of the time and effort it takes. As a child, I learned a lot from my parents. No matter how afraid they were, they always faced challenges with courage and perseverance.
What is something that nobody or a few people know about you?
I love the clouds!
What's your Top 3 life principles you live by?
I promised myself to strive to remain an authentic, welcoming, and ever-growing individual.
What is the coolest thing you have ever done so far?
The coolest, but also the hardest thing I did was treating myself like my best friend and my body like my home.
Who inspires you the most?
Anyone who is doing good, who supports communities and challenges restrictive ways of thinking, including people I have meaningful conversations with. It is incredibly interesting to get insights into others’ way of thinking and living. Life is so diverse, and we are always to learn. There is so much to life, it is hard to get bored.
What's your favourite book? Why?
I would not be entirely honest if I named one book as my favourite. I have dozens of favourite books, depending on the subject, the storytelling, the writing style... One of my highlights of 2020 is "Life Isn't Binary", by Meg-John Barker and Alex Iantaffi. This book is an extraordinary testimonial on diversity in humanity.
Is there anything you ever regret in your life? Why? Do you want to change it?
Nothing I can think of at the present moment. If anything, it would be more like "I wish I had done laundry during the week."
Is there any moment that completely changed your life?
Yes, every time I move to another city or country, which happens often. Starting all over again forces me to reassess myself and set new priorities. I also find hidden gems (places and people) along the way. It is all exciting, frightening and sometimes draining.
Any goals/plans you want to achieve in the next 3-5 years?
I want to participate in as many people-oriented, climate change and innovative initiatives as possible. The world needs more lasting, positive impact and I want to contribute to creating it.