In this episode of Inside Personal Growth, Greg Voisen sits down with Raphael Poirot, an engineer-turned-coach whose 25-year career has spanned the globe—from managing billion-dollar corporate portfolios to helping individuals unlock their deepest potential. Drawing from his unique French background and high-level expertise in change management, Raphael has crafted a framework that is as elegant as it is practical. His new book, Be Ooh La La: Achieve Your Goals and Transform Into Your Best Self, serves as a flight manual for anyone standing at the edge of a major life transition, offering a structured roadmap to navigate the uncertainty of growth.
The “Ooh La La” Philosophy: More Than Just a Phrase
The title of Raphael’s work often elicits a smile, but as he explains to Greg, the phrase “Ooh La La” became a mark of excellence during his time working in American corporations. To his colleagues, it represented a job well done. However, Raphael Poirot saw a deeper metaphor within the words. He realized that every transformation follows a specific emotional and tactical arc:
-
The “Ooh” Phase: This is the state of dissatisfaction. It is the moment you realize something must change, but you feel the weight of mistakes or the “stuckness” of your current reality.
-
The “La” Phase: This is the messy middle. You are taking action, you are in transition, but you haven’t yet seen the results. You are still figuring things out, and your confidence might waver.
-
The “Ooh La La” Phase: This is the breakthrough. You are operating at your full potential, momentum is building, and you are finally thriving in a state of “flow.”
By categorizing these phases, Raphael Poirot helps his clients understand that the “messy middle” isn’t a sign of failure—it is a required stage of the journey. To learn more about this philosophy, visit his official website at raphaelpoirot.com.
The Architect’s Blueprint: Awareness, Readiness, and Adoption
One of the core segments of the podcast focuses on why so many people fail to reach their goals. According to Raphael Poirot, it usually stems from skipping one of three vital phases: Awareness, Readiness, or Adoption.
1. Awareness (The Foundation): Many people jump straight into action without understanding their “Why.” Raphael stresses that if your goals aren’t aligned with your core values, you are simply climbing the wrong ladder of success. Awareness involves clearing the “noise” of external validation—the likes, the social media approval, and the expectations of others—to find your true inner signal. Raphael often shares insights on this mindset via his Instagram.
2. Readiness (Equipping the Rocket): Using a vivid astronaut analogy, Raphael Poirot describes Readiness as the phase where you equip your rocket ship. This involves the “boring” but essential work of planning. Who is on your Mission Control? What skills do you need to upgrade before launch? If you skip readiness, you are essentially launching a ship without a navigation system.
3. Adoption (The Launch): Adoption is the execution phase. However, Raphael warns against “analysis paralysis.” Many people stay in the Readiness phase forever, waiting for a “perfect” moment that never arrives. True adoption requires the courage to launch while still being “imperfectly ready.”
The ABC Model: Navigating Reality
Greg and Raphael Poirot dive deep into the ABC Model, a tool Poirot uses to create instant clarity for his coaching clients.
-
Point A (Current Reality): A brutally honest assessment of where you stand today.
-
Point B (The Vision): A precise, detailed picture of where you want to go.
-
Point C (The Constraints): The obstacles in your path.
Raphael makes a fascinating point: Point C should not be viewed as a list of problems, but as an invitation for creativity. When you know exactly what stands in your way, you can design your plan around those constraints rather than being blindsided by them.
Managing Energy Over Time: The Space Suit Analogy
One of the most practical takeaways for listeners is Raphael’s approach to energy management. In his “Slipper to Space Suit” model, he categorizes tasks by the energy they require and the value they provide. Raphael’s advice is simple: protect your “Space Suit” time at all costs. For more daily motivation on managing your energy, follow his updates on LinkedIn.
The Myth of the Perfect Launch
As the episode draws to a close, Greg asks Raphael Poirot what he would say to someone waiting for the “perfect day” to start their business or write their book. Raphael’s response is a powerful reminder of the nature of progress: The answers find you mid-flight.
He reflects on his own journey writing Be Ooh La La, noting that he didn’t have all the answers when he started. The clarity came because he started. A spaceship is nearly impossible to steer while it is sitting on the launchpad; it is only once it is in motion that Mission Control can make the necessary course corrections.
Final Thoughts
This conversation is a masterclass in blending the logical with the aspirational. Whether you are a corporate executive looking to lead your team through change or an individual seeking a more fulfilling personal life, Raphael Poirot’s roadmap offers the structure needed to turn “Ooh” into “Ooh La La.” It is a call to stop seeking approval, start managing your energy, and trust that you are the architect of your own transformation.
Connect with Raphael
Book: Be Ooh La La: Achieve Your Goals and Transform Into Your Best Self
Website: raphaelpoirot.com
LinkedIn: Raphael Poirot
Instagram: @oohlala.writer
You may also refer to the transcripts below for the full transcription (not edited) of the interview.
[fusebox_transcript]
Leave a Reply