Interview With Author Gaelle Devins
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi, I am Gaelle Devins, but you can call me GD!
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to people—their stories, their struggles, their potential. It’s more than just a passion; it’s a deep-seated belief that when people feel valued and connected, amazing things happen.
That belief has shaped every part of my life, from my career to my everyday interactions. Leadership, for me, has never been about status or authority. It’s about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work. It’s about unlocking potential—not just in individuals but in entire teams and organizations.
I grew up in Switzerland, but my curiosity for the world led me to an exchange year in Indiana as a teenager, followed by a master’s in marketing and communications in San Francisco. These experiences opened my eyes to different perspectives and cultures, reinforcing my passion for bringing people together. Over the past 23 years, I’ve worked across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC in industries ranging from luxury to advertising to FMCG. What I’ve learned along the way is that, regardless of industry or geography, one thing remains true: businesses thrive when people thrive.
Today, I serve as the Chief Customer Officer at Breitling and sit on the Advisory Board of ICG Crimson Galleries LLC. I also founded FlowFusion Sarl, a company focused on helping leaders build workplaces that balance performance with purpose and well-being. My work is driven by the idea that success isn’t just measured in results—it’s measured in how people feel along the way.
At home, life is beautifully full. I share it with my husband, our energetic twin children, and Milka, our dog, who brings equal amounts of love and mischief into our daily routine. Switzerland remains my home base, but my heart is always open to new adventures and new connections.
At the core of everything I do is a simple idea: when we care—genuinely, deeply, and consistently—we create environments where people can do more than just succeed. They can truly flourish. And isn’t that what life is all about?
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I never really set out to write a book. Sure, I’ve always loved words, and I’ve been scribbling in journals for as long as I can remember—random thoughts, big dreams… But an actual book? One that people might actually read? That was a whole different level of commitment.
Then, four years ago, life handed me the perfect challenge: Why not try writing a book while growing two tiny humans inside me? Because, you know, pregnancy with twins wasn’t quite challenging enough. Bedriiden I had the perfect reason to pour my heart out on those pages…oh and Covid hit so no more excuses. I had at last time to make it happen.
So, there I was at 41, fueled by hormones, midnight snacks, and an unshakable need to put my thoughts on paper. I don’t know if it was the pregnancy brain or a stroke of brilliance, but I decided this was the moment to finally put structure to the ideas that had been living in my head (and journals) for years. 🙂
Between baby kicks, swollen feet, and an ever-growing to-do list that included “figure out how to be a parent,” I started writing. And, of course, in true first-time author fashion, I imagined it would take me, oh, maybe a year? Spoiler alert: It did not. Life, work, and two tiny tornadoes (otherwise known as my twins) had other plans.
But here’s the thing—I never let go of the idea. I wrote in stolen moments, in between diaper changes and board meetings, and through the chaos of learning how to juggle life, leadership, and late-night feedings. The words came slowly, but they came. And now, after years of chipping away at it, this book—this passion project—is finally real.
So, yeah, I may be a wannabe first-time author, but I’m here, and I’m doing it. And if my journey proves anything, it’s that sometimes, the best things take time (and a whole lot of coffee).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book Flow Leadership is finally here (official release on July 3rd) and now open for pre-orders.
At the heart of this book is the philosophy behind FLOW@WORK – a framework creating the conditions for people to feel at their best, be at their best, and produce their best work. When leaders get this right, performance soars, people thrive, and purpose becomes the driving force behind success. The model is built on the 3Ps – People, Purpose and Performance – the foundation of Flow Leadership. All of this is backed up by academic research and completed with a Flow Leadership Assessment.
This book is also about something bigger. If its message spreads, I see opportunities to give back at scale. This is why some profits from will go directly to CANSEARCH (https://cansearch.ch/en/), a Swiss foundation dedicated to advancing research and improving treatments for children battling cancer. A cause dear to my heart, not only because I understand, in a small way, the fear that comes with a diagnosis, but because I’ve seen how much greater the fight can be for others. This is why I choose to give back – to support the children and families facing challenges far beyond what I ever had to endure.
Next I will be partnering up with the Twins & Multiples Foundation to help parents of multiples who are in need.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I never really set out to write a book. Sure, I’ve always loved words, and I’ve been scribbling in journals for as long as I can remember—random thoughts, big dreams, the occasional overdramatic life epiphany. But an actual book? One that people might actually read? That was a whole different level of commitment.
Then, four years ago, life handed me the perfect challenge: Why not try writing a book while growing two tiny humans inside me? Because, you know, pregnancy with twins wasn’t quite challenging enough.
So, there I was at 41, waddling around Switzerland, fueled by hormones, midnight snacks, and an unshakable need to put my thoughts on paper. I don’t know if it was the pregnancy brain or a stroke of brilliance, but I decided this was the moment to finally put structure to the ideas that had been living in my head (and journals) for years.
Between baby kicks, swollen feet, and an ever-growing to-do list that included “figure out how to be a parent,” I started writing. And, of course, in true first-time author fashion, I imagined it would take me, oh, maybe a year? Spoiler alert: It did not. Life, work, and two tiny tornadoes (otherwise known as my twins) had other plans.
But here’s the thing—I never let go of the idea. I wrote in stolen moments, in between diaper changes and board meetings, and through the chaos of learning how to juggle life, leadership, and late-night feedings. The words came slowly, but they came. And now, after years of chipping away at it, this book—this passion project—is finally real.
So, yeah, I may be a wannabe first-time author, but I’m here, and I’m doing it. And if my journey proves anything, it’s that sometimes, the best things take time (and a whole lot of coffee).
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve always been drawn to books that expand the mind, uplift the spirit, and make you think. Whether it’s leadership, mindfulness, personal growth, or storytelling that carries deep life lessons, I gravitate toward words that truly matter. That’s why I find so much inspiration in people like Arianna Huffington, who redefines success beyond just achievement; Deepak Chopra, who bridges science and spirituality in a way that makes you rethink what’s possible; and Paulo Coelho, who has this magical ability to turn life’s biggest truths into simple, unforgettable stories.
Then there’s Joe Dispenza, whose work on the mind-body connection and the power of thought completely fascinates me. He proves that we are capable of rewiring our reality when we shift our mindset—something I’ve always believed in. And Jay Shetty, who makes ancient wisdom accessible in a way that feels fresh, modern, and actually applicable to our lives. These are the kinds of people who remind me that real transformation isn’t just an idea—it’s something we can create, step by step, choice by choice
What are you working on now?
Getting ready for my book launch on July 3rd and my job at Breitling as Chief Customer Officer.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaelle-devins/
and my website https://www.gaelledevins.com/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
To the First-Time Authors: Keep Going, Keep Dreaming, Keep Writing
To all the first-time authors out there, staring at a blank page, questioning if your words matter—let me tell you something: they do. Your story, your message, your voice—it all matters.
The journey of writing a book isn’t about knowing exactly how you’ll get there. It’s about trusting that if you show up for your dream, the path will unlock itself. The right people, the right opportunities, the right moments—they will find you. But first, you have to believe in your own story.
The How Doesn’t Matter—The Why Does
It’s easy to get caught up in how to write, how to publish, how to make it work. But the truth? The “how” unfolds when the “why” is strong enough. Focus on why this book needs to be written. Why it matters to you. That’s where the magic happens.
Put all the chances on your side—connect with people who inspire you, read books that energize you, surround yourself with those who uplift you. But also trust that when you visualize your success, the right people will naturally come your way. Energy attracts energy. Believe in what you are creating, and you’ll draw the right people into your world.
Create a Space That Invites Your Words to Flow
Writing isn’t just about discipline; it’s about setting the mood, creating a space where your thoughts feel welcome. For me, lighting is everything. The right ambiance, the right mood—it conditions my mind to be in the zone. A glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a warm latte on my side? Non-negotiable. A candle? One of my thing, so if it is your, light it. Whatever signals to your brain that this is writing time—do it.
And once you’re there, let it all spill onto the page. Don’t filter, don’t judge, don’t overthink. Trust the flow. Writing isn’t about getting it perfect on the first try—it’s about allowing your thoughts to take shape. The clarity comes later.
Edit Like a Surgeon—Cold, Precise, Unforgiving
The first draft is for you. The next ones? Those are for the reader. After the flow, comes the craft. Edit with a sharp mind. Cut what doesn’t serve the message. Be ruthless. Shape and stitch your words like a surgeon—mechanical, cold-minded, eager to refine. The magic is in the reworking.
Share It with the Right People—Forget the Rest
Not everyone will care. Not everyone will support you. And that’s okay. Share your work with the people who lift you up, challenge you, and want to see you win. Forget the ones who don’t. Protect your dream by surrounding yourself with those who believe in it too.
Keep Showing Up for Your Story
If you feel called to write, it’s because someone out there needs to hear what you have to say. You may not know who they are yet. You may not even know how you’ll reach them. But if you stay committed, keep believing, and trust the journey, your book will find the people it’s meant for.
So keep going. Keep writing. Keep dreaming. Because the world needs your voice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To trust the process and release control to something bigger.
What are you reading now?
My board presentation 🙂
What’s next for you as a writer?
Launch my book on July 3rd with Wiley
And work on my second and third book – manuscripts in the process.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Let’s be honest—if I were ever stranded on a desert island, I’d probably have my 4-year-old twins with me (because when do parents ever get stranded alone?). So my survival kit wouldn’t be complete without our bedtime story essentials.
I’d pack:
T’choupi – because no day is complete without a little dose of this curious little guy.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – for its comforting rhythm and the magical way it turns snack time into a life lesson.
And of course, a train book for my son—anything with tracks, wheels, and the word “locomotive,” and we’re set.
Bedtime stories are sacred in our house. No matter the location—hotel room, plane, or yes, even a desert island—the ritual stays. A story, a cuddle, and maybe a thousand follow-up questions before sleep. Pure magic.
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