Davina Bessat Daoud on Culture, Community, Vision

Speaker A: From France to Lebanon and now Cyprus, Davina Daoud's journey has been shaped by culture, resilience and a deep connection to community. As co founder of bioenergy and candidate in the election of representatives of French citizens living abroad, she shares what inspired her journey into public service and her vision for stronger representation abroad. Welcome to the episode 10 of the Farah Shamas podcast.

Speaker B: Davina Daoud, I'm so happy you're here finally.

Speaker C: Yeah. Thank you for having me today.

Speaker B: It's my pleasure. And thank you. And of course, we've had Cesar, uh, your husband, talking about bioenergy and holistic health and medicine and everything else. You're both members of Forest Club, and it's just a pleasure to go on, on this journey with you. And I can't believe where your journey is unfolding now. Into politics.

Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. Unexpectedly, I didn't know I would be there today, but I'm so happy. And, uh, actually we share something in common. The community, uh, Faras community is inspir sharing what you have done and how you brought people together. And I have kind of did similar for the French in Cyprus. So here I am.

Speaker B: I love that. Well, let's start off by saying how

Speaker C: many French are there in Cyprus, also legally, like, registered? It's 1500, but there are many, many more and they are not registered, so we cannot count them, you know, but it's surprising anyway to say how many people are there.

Speaker B: Yeah, because there's a lot of. And of course, we have a lot of tourists as well. But only 1,500 are registered, like, living here.

Speaker C: And it's increasing every year.

Speaker B: And I'm sure the majority are in Nicosia with the French school.

Speaker C: Well, yeah, probably, but it's a bit everywhere, actually. Nicosia, Paphos, Larnaca, Limassol as well, you know, with the. We have a French school here in Limassol as well. So I heard. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's been two, three years now. Three years. Maybe a little more, maybe. Yeah. So we're getting more and more French, and every year, the number of families or people we want to join, it's absolutely outstanding. And we have a lot of students as well from France coming in the university.

Speaker B: Yeah, I know. I recently spoke at the University of Nicosia and I was just blown away. I was so impressed with it. Uh, the lecture halls, the space. And then when I came out, and of course, it's sunshine and there's the palm trees. And I thought, well, imagine if you're coming from. I don't Know, anywhere in Europe and it's cold and raining, and then you come to Cyprus to study. It's like paradise.

Speaker C: And you're in your. In Europe.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker C: You know, it's like, much easier for parents. It's easier on all levels. As a French living in Cyprus, the way you can integrate the life, it's much easier for.

Speaker B: Definitely. Yeah. Well, before we jump into, you know, the main bulk of the questions that I have for you, let's talk a little bit about you. French, married to Lebanese, having lived in Lebanon, I take my hat off to you speaking Arabic now. You're amazing.

Speaker C: Thank you.

Speaker B: And then moving to Cyprus. So I've summed it up, but let's say in your own words, how did that happen? What's going on?

Speaker C: Oh, God. It was a long time ago, actually. I was so in France studying, and I was looking at myself not speaking a word in English, and I was like, okay, what I'm studying right now, we are like millions doing that. I need to find a way to differentiate myself from others. And I started looking for America. I'm like, okay, let's go for the American dream. But it didn't work out, obviously. And looking at the map, I'm like, okay, I need to find a way to learn English without knowing a word and learn from commerce or business, you know, And Lebanon was there. My father used to go for work for many years and he used to tell me stories, stories about Lebanon, you know, I tried to go to Dubai first, but there were the economical situation and it was really unstable back then. So here I go to Lebanon, get an opportunity for work. I moved in. It was.

Speaker B: And this is like over 20 years ago.

Speaker C: Yeah, I was 22 actually, so it was crazy. And I didn't know anyone and I didn't know Lebanon other than. Yeah, other than what I've seen about Lebanon.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker C: You know, and social media.

Speaker B: But Lebanon, I mean, back then it was stable.

Speaker C: Yeah, well, I. I reached there. It was 2007. It was a year after the war.

Speaker B: Imagine when we say 22 years ago, my head immediately goes to like, you know, 2000 and we're 20, 26.

Speaker C: I didn't realize it was still like that. And I came in August.

Speaker B: We had the problems that.

Speaker C: But I came in August and they were an explosion in, uh, or a bombing in. In, uh, September. So welcome to Lebanon, you know.

Speaker B: There you go.

Speaker C: Yeah, other than the culture, it was really tough. I didn't understand anything. It was really complicated for me, the way of living and so on.

Speaker B: But Lebanon, for Me is a beautiful chaos. Yeah.

Speaker C: But it was also moderated for me because everybody speaks French. So it was a chance for me. And they say they are the best in business. So, you know, I was driven by that purpose. And then I met Cesar there in Lebanon a few months after. I wish earlier.

Speaker B: Where did you meet Cesar?

Speaker C: Uh, so we used to work in for a company in Lebanon. Uh, it was working with the CEO and I was working in the head office. So, yeah, this is how we met. Yeah. But when I met him, Lebanon was clearer for me. Like, it wasn't explaining to me how does it work and how everything. Everything was so different for me. The way we eat, the way we drive, the way we live, everything, you know, it was. It was really chaotic for me. But I never, ever thought of, let's go back to France. I was there. I don't know, it was like a calling. And when Cesar came in my life, it was obvious that this is for that purpose. I'm, um, here.

Speaker B: Oh, that's so cute. That makes me quite amazing.

Speaker C: But I also fell in love with Lebanon in so many aspects. And the way they teach you how to live and not to survive and to be alive, not just to live, like to enjoy every moment, to be so mindful, to be grateful for what life gives you because they enjoy every single minute. Single minute, you know, So I have,

Speaker B: I have to be Lebanese, definitely. I was talking to someone the other day, um, who made me laugh. She said, if there's such a thing as reincarnation and I come back again, I pray to God I'm going to come back with a confidence of a Lebanese. And I was like, do you mean that literally or you just mean that we're arrogant? And she's like, no, no, no, I really mean it. She goes, you guys are amazing. It's just like, so, like, we're here, we're gonna move the rest of it where, you know.

Speaker C: Absolutely. Actually, yes. It's so true. It's not easy to, to get to, to work with that environment. And I was feeling not confident when I came because obviously, even though they speak French, every meeting was in English and then they were starting Arabic very soon. So they benefit from the fact that I didn't go, I didn't understand the word, and so on. Um, but yeah, the Lebanese has a lot to, to teach everyone.

Speaker B: And so you guys got married, had two children, and then moved to Cyprus. Is it six years ago now?

Speaker C: Yeah. Two weeks before the explosion, we came to Cyprus. And this is where I actually realized what was the meaning of being French. Because the years before, I never understood that. It was just a passport to me when the revolution started, October 19th. That night I met with some friends and they told me, for you, it's okay, you're French. And I didn't get it. I didn't get, what do you mean? What's the meaning of that? And then slowly, the revolution and then Covid. And then we decided to leave everything behind because we had a health, uh, center there, uh, the very first integrative, uh, health center in Beirut and so on. And that's when I really realized, like, oh, God, okay, this is being French. It's being supported by government. It's being, uh, having advantages that you don't have, you know. And I learned that all the process from the moment we left until we moved to Cyprus. And here, as a French citizen, literally, you feel home. It's so easy for you to come, to open a bank account, to get an apartment, to start. The kids in the school, you know, it's so different than being a Lebanese or a third national country. And slowly, slowly, with that time, I realized, oh, okay, the French embassy is there, they are supporting you. We knock at the door, they answer you. There is something, you know, Lebanese government unfortunately didn't do much for us when we were either in the revolution or the COVID And this is where I felt like, okay, you know, that you can value whatever is happening. You need administrative document in a click, online, worldwide. As a French, you get whatever you need. If I want to get something for the kids in Lebanon, you need to go back to where they were born. And the process is kind of different. So when we moved to Cyprus, I was like, okay, now I know I'm lucky.

Speaker B: Yeah, definitely. That's for sure. I mean, to have a European passport is amazing. So what was the click then, the aha moment that made you say, okay, this is my new calling? Uh, I need to get into politics. I need to run and for this and protect my community or be that bridge.

Speaker C: There were two steps. First, politics came way, way after. And I'm really discovering this right now. The first step was when we came, actually, we knew no one in Cyprus, so we had to move on and find a way. And we needed really to get into it. So I knock at the door at the French embassy, and I told them, I'm French. I'm here. How can you help me? And they gave me options. And they told me, we can do this for you. We can do that. The kids were accepted directly in The French system, they were no difference between in Lebanon and there. For them it was a very transitional, uh, smooth transition. Uh, so then slowly, slowly I started to help families coming from Lebanon to move in Cyprus. And I went into the system and I understood the difference between the French and the Lebanese and how does it work. And then I was into helping also French who wanted to move in Cyprus and open a company for the tax friendly things we know about Cyprus. And uh, I got a call one day telling me there's an association that is affiliated by the French government, represented worldwide, uh, and it works with the Ministry of Foreign Affair and it's a, uh, link between the embassy and, and the French community. And I was like, I don't want to do that. You know, it's crazy. It's like, what, what do I need to do with that? I don't know nothing about association. And, and it took me three months. That day I met someone that was an amazing French person and he told me, you're the one. You need to help us bring back the community together. Let's do it. It was, it was maybe 70 years old and he was like. And I was calling him to tell him I'm not going to do it. And he was like, I'm so excited and I'm so looking forward. And I was, I was literally calling him to tell him I'm out. It's. It will take so much time and efforts and I cannot. Anyway, eventually I relaunched it and I decided that I need to give to my country what the country gave me when I needed to leave from Lebanon so easily and when my kids went. Accepted to a French school and went into the same system they were before, it was so smooth for them, you know, and having all our documents and everything. It was. I realized I'm like, okay, I want to give that to my country. I relaunched the association. I got elected four years in a row and we did a lot of community projects together. I launched many projects with the community, actually, just because I really wanted my kids to feel the connection with friends,

Speaker B: having never lived there.

Speaker C: Exactly. We always say they were born in Lebanon, they feel Lebanese, but they are also French. M. You know, so that was my way for me to tell them, this is your country as well. We don't live there. You never been there other than for holidays. But they care and they care for you and they care for who you are even though you are abroad. So let's do things together. So it was really much with no intention other than giving back to my country.

Speaker B: That's so beautiful. So tell us a bit about what that means. So now you're running for the consular elections. So you'll be the go between between the actual consulate. Consulate, yeah. And, um, the community. So how does, how does this work? Tell us.

Speaker C: So this is where I started to decide to run for that election.

Speaker B: And why does there need to be someone in between? Because surely the consulate is there for the people.

Speaker C: Yeah, so I didn't know that much back then that it was a political, uh, election. I really thought it was an election for the French in Cyprus and the French abroad. You know, now that I'm into that, I realize that I stepped in, uh, political side of it. So actually the thing is exactly like the association that I relaunched few years ago. The embassy is always affiliated to that association to organize events and, um, community gatherings and so on, you know. So this is the role of that association everywhere in the world. M. But this elected person is literally the link between the consulate and the community. Because there are actually lots of meaning

Speaker B: when they can't say that there might

Speaker C: change, obviously every years. But it is also really like, I think, and I have understood that from the association, people want to talk to you as a person who is actually really knowing what you go through every day, that you are actually community, you know. So I discovered part of that role that I'm now running for.50% of it from, uh, being a president of the association before you are a voice for them, you actually gather and hear things that you would probably not say to an official. So people build trust in you and they tell you things. And I'm going to give you an example. One day a woman called me. She was crying. She was a member of the association. My husband died last night. I am lost. I don't know what to do. I don't know what needs to be done. Administratively talking. She called me. She didn't call the embassy. And she was in touch with the embassy for official reasons that we all know. But she was lost and she needed just someone she, uh, trusts. Exactly. And that's the beauty of that position, is being there as a human, but yet reflecting the information. And. And for the past four years, when I was as a president without me asking, people were already calling me. And I got a call one day from a woman.

Speaker B: So you were the president of this association, but now there's an official position that's. So you'll still be the president of the association?

Speaker C: No. Then someone else, uh, I had to resign.

Speaker B: So someone else is now or will Become.

Speaker C: Yes. I have been working with the team for the past four years and it was already planned. And I will move out from that position because I don't belong.

Speaker B: It's not. Someone else will.

Speaker C: So I delegated to a team that are taking over and I'm grateful to have them, otherwise I would not be able to.

Speaker B: And then, and then. And then you'll take this official position?

Speaker C: Exactly. And the Elections are on May 22nd. Um, until May 30th.

Speaker B: Okay. Sorry I interrupted. You said there was someone else.

Speaker C: No, but someday a mom called me from France and she told me my daughter was in Ayanapa and she had the jet accident and she's in the hospital. I'm not able to talk to anyone. I need just to know that my daughter is okay, you know, And I'm like, you know, it's like amazing to see that people who need to talk to someone that would feel what you would feel. That case. There are also lots of beautiful moments and we share lots of beautiful. But I think this connection when you. When you trust someone and they know that you have the same values, I think it's really much important on the highest level. We also represent. If I get elected, we also represent the French abroad, worldwide. So we work with the senators, with the deputy, uh, and so on and so on. So the Ministry of Foreign affairs is like delegating tasks so we can be more on the field, understand better what's really happening and not just from the embassy side.

Speaker B: And you're based in the embassy or out?

Speaker C: No, no, no. Yeah, I'm not in the embassy, actually. Just. It's just a way for the embassy to get all the tools to make sure that they can run, have the projects exactly in a way that is adapted. That the. The community is being hurt. The French, uh, they want to be hurt, you know, and that trust link that you get with the community is. This is where I said, like, maybe I should run for the election because I am really getting into a lot lately in the past years. And you can help on the educational level.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker C: I'm also elected member of the French Committee, uh, at the French school. So I'm helping the French school as well, you know, so there are so many aspects where you can really feel like, okay, I'm doing something good for my country and for the community.

Speaker B: It's quite a big commitment. And you, um, you told me about it last time we met up, that when you're a mother of to married, supporting your husband in running businesses, running his business, and the uh, and the, uh, well, your joint business and doing the marketing and you've got your own entrepreneurial other consultancy businesses as well. And your kids are also there. You know, being a mom of any age group is difficult, but you've got two teenagers and you said that you sat down and you decided this as a family because it's quite a lot of work. And you also involved some traveling, I think.

Speaker C: Not really much, but at least twice a. Twice a year.

Speaker B: Twice a year. Twice a year.

Speaker C: And it needs logistic when you're away.

Speaker B: Yes, of course. You know, and you decided as family. Yes. You know, this is what we're going for. Um, so tell us a bit about that. And like balancing, you know, that aspect, your own personal life, your own family life with giving back to a community. Um, and also the shock that you've had now because, you know, politics is dirty. And I think you've already had that shocker, um, with people writing about you online, with digging up not even truthful things, but just crazy.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker B: And also, I mean, I asked you earlier, I said, I bet you it's mainly women. And it has been.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker B: So that's three things now I've just thrown at you to this.

Speaker C: Yeah. So I think you cannot do all of that if you're not being supported by your own family. And it starts with your husband. I mean, we are both very active and when he needs to be supported, I'm, um, there. But I also in that case need them to support me. The engagement is, is. Yes, it takes a lot. And the four past years, even though I didn't have this official role, I was already doing it a lot. So they already have an idea, a taste of what's gonna, what's gonna be next. But it was very important for me to make sure that it's family decision that you guys agree with that. You know, I think we reach a point in our life sometimes we as a woman where we gave a lot to our kids and then like, okay, kids are going to grown up and I work from home basically. So what about me and what about my life as well? And this gratefulness I have for friends that I understood so late, it's like it deserves. I mean, we are so individualist in the way we live lately. The community aspect has been lost and everything is just so easier when you're surrounded by people who have wants to help and support each other and so on. So that was where I felt like I can really make a difference, but I need you guys to allow me to do it and it's a long process and I was really not going for that. And I said no for many, many months, saying I'm not going to run for that election because I knew it will be a, uh, commitment. I didn't expect it to be so political, but I was not ready. I was like, it's not for me. But then I realized it's actually.

Speaker B: Let's talk about the politics side.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker B: What shocked you the most?

Speaker C: Yeah. So I was sure that election is more for the French in Cyprus. I didn't understood the political side of it. And I have discovered two part of that. The first one which is where people really want to commute and, and work together everywhere in the world. For the French abroad, they give you a hand and they tell you let's continue together, let's bring better things for the French abroad. And there is the other side where actually we defend a candidate just because he belongs to a political party and not because, uh, um, I don't know, maybe I could have known those people for many years and supported them and all of a sudden they support the candidate opposing me just because they belongs to a political party. And this is where from the beginning I have made a choice that I'm not going to be representing any political party. And that independence cost me much more work and much more um, efforts and much more communication and much more. On all level I need to do double the trouble efforts. My efforts for the past four years was actually not enough. And I thought it would be. I thought what I have been doing and the time on yourself exactly would be enough. But no, it's not enough. You still need to go. And yes, political are amazing. We do need them. I have to say that it's really. Now I realize that it's really hard. It's definitely complicated and the democracy needs to have those people. But it can be also very like affecting. And I have been really touched because I'm human and hypersensible as well. And I love people, you know, I just love people. And I was, was so surprised by what I have seen on social media or what people were saying about me. You know, I'm like, what where in the world and which moment I could have given this impression of being like this or like that. But then I realized that those people, they just have black blackness and sadness inside them.

Speaker B: The reflection on them, not on you

Speaker C: exactly, but it took me a while to understand this is not personal. They are not targeting you, they are targeting their own self. And it's okay if they want to be against you. Just keep going despite it all. But I was not ready. I didn't know, I didn't expect that it will be like that. I'm learning and I'm getting stronger and I will stay and keep, uh, having in mind that the independence to that election is, for me, the best way. And I will not just surround there saying, okay, let's get into a political party. So it will make it easier for me. I'm not going to do it. I am here to represent the French in Cyprus, and I'm here to represent their needs. I am not here yet to represent the political party. I don't know where it will take me in the years, but unfortunately for

Speaker B: me, um, it's about the people, not about a political agenda.

Speaker C: Yeah, um, but I mean, let's go back. What's the purpose of that position? What is the purpose of that position? It's to be there for the French citizen abroad and to make sure they hear your voices and that people hear their voices.

Speaker B: You don't want to be.

Speaker C: Absolutely. What will it change now, currently, if I represent a political party or no? You know, so some of them, they told me, bravo and keep going, and we will support you and be on your side whatsoever. But they are also always a minority, let's say it. That is a bit vocal, and we can hear them louder than the others. But the biggest part is being done where no one sees it. It's being calls, it's being meetings, it's receiving tons of messages supporting me. And when they try to reach me, actually in a neg way, you know what I get back, it's more love and support. And I'm like, stop focusing on, um, that negative part of it. Remember that you get a lot of support because of what they are doing without even creating it, you know, And I keep going.

Speaker B: But, um, yeah. And many, many people, they are jealous or when they see someone succeed, that makes them feel uneasy because it reflects. And especially women, many times it's awful to see, say, but I think, um, women and, you know, we've been fighting for, you know, centuries and decades and years, you know, for women's rights and to move forward and have the same safe space in the world as men do. But a lot of the time it's not the men against us, it's, you know, sometimes women. Um, absolutely.

Speaker C: But, you know that there is a problem. This stereotype saying, as a mom, you cannot do it. You won't have time. You cannot. You need to be with your kids. Well, I can Be with my kids and lead by example. I want my daughter every day to wake up tomorrow and saying, I want to be, uh, a better world. I want to live in a better world. I want to be a better person. I can be a mom and I can still go for work. I can still do, uh, things that I'm really happy about.

Speaker B: Uh, I mean, I can still contribute.

Speaker C: Yes, exactly.

Speaker B: And I can still be myself, my independent self. Absolutely. Regardless of my job title or whether I'm a mother or not, or that

Speaker C: I had the day that kids goes, then what would you become? Because you know, so so.

Speaker B: And then so many women, they fall into depression and they. Oh my goodness. And I, and I have full respect for women who choose. Yes, choose not a forced to, but choose to be full time, stay at home, mothers, housewives, whatever. Have a. They want to term it absolutely, full respect.

Speaker C: Absolutely.

Speaker B: Bringing up the next generation is not a joke. Supporting your spouse, creating a beautiful home, all of these things are wonderful. But it's not for everyone. And it's not then for however you choose to be in your life, to judge negatively other people with their support.

Speaker C: But also I think the political situation in France for the past years is showing a negative aspect of what's happening. And I know that it's not perfect. I know we can always make it better. But people, they don't realize how lucky we are as a French. And when we are abroad, we do realize better than the French in France. I do realize that even though the political situation currently is not amazing, but still we have a president who cares for his people, uh, still he's trying to protect us. And he was the first one sending us some, uh, boats, uh, military boats. When the situation currently abroad was not good politically or no, we like him or no, whatever the role of a president is to take care of his citizens. When we were in Lebanon the past years, before the explosion and the revolution, I didn't see a government taking care of us. Lebanon is an amazing country. I love Lebanon and I love Lebanese. But the government is not there. The system is not working. Us as a French, we have a huge advantage. Everything, administration, process, everything online and being a European tomorrow. My daughter, she wants to study. She can go anywhere in the world. And I want my kids to always remember that, that you got lucky. Why did I was born in France, why not someone else? And when we left Lebanon and left so many people behind us because they could not leave, then you say, okay, it's not perfect. There are tons of things that need to be Improved the governments. Yes, whatever. What's happening the past years. But at least I have that. This is gold.

Speaker B: The glass is definitely half full.

Speaker C: Yeah, this is gold. I mean, you start your life with having huge advantage compared to others. You don't need a visa to go anywhere. My daughter was sent for a competition to represent the school in European, uh, competition in Roma. She was, she was okay. She was selected because she's good, obviously, but she has a French passport. The trip was two weeks. The, the, you know, the deadline was very short. She had a French passport. Without it, she would have stayed in Cyprus, you know, so for me, this is where I am. I'm here saying that nothing is perfect. We always need to improve their.

Speaker B: But be positive. Uh, but yeah, be positive and look on the bright side.

Speaker C: Yeah, exactly.

Speaker B: Actually, I have that as one of my first questions. I mean, having lived in France, Lebanon and Cyprus, you know, you've had this amazing and beautiful opportunity to see three quite different cultures and landscapes and people. Um, and how has that, ah, shaped your identity and seeing the world?

Speaker C: Oh, wow. Many ways.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker C: Actually, Lebanon was the biggest lesson of my life on all levels. The family aspect, how they engaged, uh, to be always together and support each other. But also this instability, like in a second, you don't know what's going to happen. We've lost almost everything in a few days. 14 years of work just erased, uh, like that, as if I'm cleaning a board, you know. And then here again, I realized then during COVID my family were not really in trouble. Like the government was taking care of them. During COVID there were no one in Lebanon taking care of the citizens. Everybody was trying to help each other. And then France has a lot of advantages, but as an entrepreneur also, it's not easy, you know, it's a different way of working. So you have from each country a bit of everything. And Cyprus is for me the mini Lebanon. It's the chaos of Lebanon, but yet the stability of Europe. You know, it's a good midway. Other than the quality of life and how we feel here, we can do more. Because in Lebanon, I don't think I could have done so much. I think time was, uh, difference in many ways, you know. So here we have that chance to do it and every country has something to get. And I am learning from all of them. Um, and I'm trying to, to focus on those three amazing. And when there is something that is not really, it could be improved, like in the health, for example. I know that Cesar, ah, can do many, many More because we are a bit far away from what it should. Should be in Europe. Then it's an opportunity let's build on. Let's do something about that, you know, so those three countries literally got me, uh, got me to be who I am, um, in so many ways.

Speaker B: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I have a similar story and got the English side, the British side, uh, Lebanese, Cyprus. And I've always been so grateful to Cyprus because it's kind of summed up who I am. It's meeting halfway. And it's, you know, the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, just beautiful chaos, but then a bit more structure like the European. It's the stability, and there's so much to learn. And it's to take the best from all three.

Speaker C: Exactly. You know, Cyprus, it's a country where people likes people, like, they care for each other. When we live in a north of Europe, the aspect is different.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker C: I cannot, I think, live in the country where there is this kind of distance between. I love people, I love to meet people, I love to hear their story. And here you have that chance because still, Cyprus is small, but you have international exposure. You're at the door of the Middle east. And yet in Europe, you know, so I found it very rich in many ways. And you or many others knows better than anyone that there are so many opportunities here to hear stories of people from everywhere in the world.

Speaker B: Amazing stories. Yeah, yeah, absolutely. I couldn't agree more. Um. Oh, so many questions here. Let me see. Mary, you have to cut this bit out as I read. One minute. Because normally I cross out. Wait, Okay, I'll ask those to now. Okay, so, um, I have another question here for you. Just have to read through my notes. So have you ever faced doubt, which I think we all have, because of the resistance on this journey, or disappointment from seeing how other people have acted and in general in life? I mean, moving to Lebanon from France, you know, when you've had to doubt yourself. And how have you pushed through that in your personal journey?

Speaker C: Oh, well, when we left Lebanon, I have to say I was numb for six months. And the guilt feeling was horrible.

Speaker B: Like the survivor syndrome.

Speaker C: Yeah. I was like, okay, I left. I saved myself and my kids and my husband, obviously. What about the others behind, like, you know. And you know what? Not so long ago, when everything happened in Lebanon, a few weeks ago, I realized that when I married my husband, I didn't just marry him and his family. I also married the history of Lebanon and forever. I will always be touched, and I will always feel like a part of me is falling when they are bombing or when something is happening. You know, you get so much into it, and m. You're like, this is unfair. But since I'm out and since I got that chance, then let's make a better chance and enjoy it. Double on all the way. Now I'm m Definitely another person from the day we left until today. I definitely believe in me much more. That's for sure. And I think if all of us, we try to change a little bit, even a step at a time. I mean, I never, never built this community thinking, one day I will run for the election. You don't know what small things will take you to.

Speaker B: And we don't know the future.

Speaker C: Uh, exactly. So you get to.

Speaker B: How boring would it be if we knew?

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker B: That's the whole beauty of life. That we get to grow, that we get to do little things and we get to change our minds.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker B: But even if it's still. Yeah.

Speaker C: We think like, it's nothing. Actually, it is.

Speaker B: It can be huge.

Speaker C: Because one after one snowball effect. Exactly. And I was thinking that I was not doing so much. And when I realized that the political side and the candidate facing me, supported by a political party, I decided, let's fight. Okay. I want to win. I want to win because I deserve it. Because I know a lot of what's coming, and I know I can make it happen. And I was looking at my past and I was checking, oh, God, I've done this, and, oh, wow, I have. And then I was suddenly realizing, you did a lot of small, little things. That was maybe at the end. Yeah. But maybe it was not being seen, but all of it together became something, uh, you know, and. And I'm sure that the experience of Lebanon and the fact that I was born and raised in and surrounded by an amazing family that also appreciate the fact that I didn't come back to France. When we left Lebanon, they were okay for me to go and move to Cyprus, where they were like, you should

Speaker B: go to another country.

Speaker C: Yes, exactly. So when you're feeling loved and you have this community, your own community, and then you want to give something little as it is, one day, one event, one gathering, one message, one, I don't know, whatever, then you feel like, okay, then I'm doing something good. And this is what I. I want to be. I want to be someone who says, we can do everything as a mom. We can work, we can be good moms. We can take care of the kids, feed them with the proper food, and. And not junk food and whatever, but we also give time to others because they give you a lot. You know, what's the best reward of being a community leader is really their smile and their love and their messages. I have never received so much love other than my. My husband and kids, but so much love than when I started that community. When you work and you're getting paid for it, I don't, I don't think you get this human link. And you know, when people thank you so much for what you have done, you feel like, okay, I can do something.

Speaker B: I made a difference. I made a difference to them today.

Speaker C: Absolutely. And we need that specifically nowadays with all the instability everywhere, where everybody is leaving. Individualists. No, we have to live together. We have to support each other and help each other. Same for the kids at school. I want them to support each other. I mean, within. When someone new is coming, leaving Lebanon, I want them to tell them, hey, my friend, let's do it together. Or if they have tests and they're not really like feeling comfortable, I want them to help each other. I don't know anything. This is how we should be and live all together. And the community. For example, Faras club was amazing for us to meet people like we would have probably never met otherwise than in that moment where we, okay, you are the reason why we gather, obviously, but

Speaker B: it's about the community.

Speaker C: Exactly. And when you say, okay, I'm a forest club, honestly, whenever I meet someone, like, I'm at first club and like, oh, wow, so we already friends. And the same for the association. If you tell them that they belong to that association, there is something that keeps you, you know. So for me, the three countries has definitely something to. To teach me and, and to let me be the person I. I want to be or I am.

Speaker B: If there was one thing that you could change m. Maybe in the political system or maybe just in how things are run here for the expats, what would it be? What would be better?

Speaker C: Well, I don't think I'm yet too much into politics to be able to change anything in the political aspect. But I think when you are expat and you come from a different world where everything works differently, and then you reach here where it has its own rules and way of doing. I would really find a way to gather any kind of platform or information somewhere. It would be just easier. Like, okay, I want an insurance. I want to.

Speaker B: You mean like frequently asked questions? Or like, is there a website or.

Speaker C: No, no.

Speaker B: Uh, yeah.

Speaker C: No. Well, the French embassy website Is really well done. But guess what, people, they don't read. There are lots of information in there. But I think we have to. Even though if I will be elected, I'll be the person, we have to work all together. I mean, the students needs to have a representative, the retired people, the families and so on. I think we really need to work on together and try to gather the information. I very often hear there is nothing to do in Cyprus. That pissed me off.

Speaker B: I know.

Speaker C: Uh, uh, yes. That's crazy because. Because we actually have double event every day. We need to pick.

Speaker B: It used to be the case, I have to say. I mean, I always found things to do, but, uh, you know, if you're a busy access person. But when I'm talking like 20, 30 years ago.

Speaker C: Yeah.

Speaker B: You know, now you literally are here and you're like, okay, uh, calm down, everyone.

Speaker C: Yes, exactly.

Speaker B: There are things like, not just every day, like five things a day. I mean, may. Oh, my goodness. So many conferences, seminars, things.

Speaker C: Absolutely.

Speaker B: Famous people coming from abroad, places to visit, historical places to visit, performances, ballets, um, you know, shows, school events. I mean, it just is crazy. Museums, the list goes up.

Speaker C: For me, this is very important too.

Speaker B: Yes.

Speaker C: To remind people that there are many things but we don't get the information. Maybe the nicest, ah, way. From a survey I have sent to the community. The two biggest problems they face is being alone. M. And the community is the answer. The community is the answer. We need to be more together. We need to support those people. I love people. It's easy for me to go to people, but for the others, we need to support each other. Two days ago, an old lady that I love, she's being so loyal to me from the day I relaunched the association. And we were talking together and she's like, my TV is not working. I don't get it. I told her, don't worry about it, we'll find a plan. I caught someone from the community and I was like, okay, we need to find someone who knows how to fix tv. And all together we manage in two days to send someone and fix it, you know, and this is how it, uh, should be.

Speaker B: You know, that's how it should be. And then everybody feels like they've given back and they've done something good and they feel.

Speaker C: Exactly. So the cultural aspect and what to do in Cyprus is important for me. I really want people to see that. There are a lot of things you should choose, actually.

Speaker B: Yeah.

Speaker C: And the fact that we are not alone. We're not alone. Even the French government, even the French embassy, they tell you we cannot reach. You need an appointment. If you knock at the door, they won't let you in. Yes, obviously the current situation is complicated, but there are many other actors that works in silence. From the association. I'm talking the volunteer. I started alone. We were 25 when I resigned. To whoever people our local institute and so on. Everybody is trying to make a difference, but you just need to find a way to see it first and appreciate it not being there always to criticize also. But yeah, Cyprus has a lot to offer as a French on all levels. And we need to put this and highlight it. And you're not alone. We're all there for each one. And others, you know.

Speaker B: Absolutely. Okay, final question before I go to, uh, the Instagram question. So for women listening who might want to step into either leadership positions or start their own business or get into politics, what would you say to them?

Speaker C: I would say a lot. Uh, but the first thing is don't believe what people tell about you. Believe what you think. And if you're sure that deep inside what you're doing is right and you can sleep well at night feeling like I am true to myself, just do it. You know, I met the Minister of Education a few days ago. She's a, uh, lady and she has kids. And every time we see each other, I talk to her and we talk about how it is hard to be a woman, whatever, if you're an entrepreneur or in politics or whatever. And they will try always to take you down. Even though I don't get it, why I'm not understanding why they should, you know, but whoever, just believe in yourself. Listen to the reason. Why do you want to do it? What's the story behind it? If you have a real reason and you've driven really by a purpose, don't, don't. Don't look at what's happening around. Don't try to. Okay, it's easy. Said I was affected by whatever was happening, but now I'm back on track.

Speaker B: Yeah, of course you're human.

Speaker C: M. But just, just do it. And a step at a time, like launching a business. I have been coaching, um, people worldwide who follows, uh, they follow their spouse everywhere in the world, so diplomats and so on every three to four years. And their work never followed them. And I found that absolutely not. Okay. I mean, you should not follow and not being able to continue what you are doing. And I have developed a program back then where it's still running, but now I'm into the Election where I'm encouraging women and men, who wants to really start, even though it's with the minimum, start a business that will come, travel with them, that will follow them, and that is aligned with their way of living and not the other way around. There is always a way. You don't need a big capital, you don't need people, you don't need anything. You can do it on your own if you think you can really make a difference.

Speaker B: Also, if you're not fulfilled as an individual, you're never going to be in a relationship fulfilled, you know, because you have to fill your own cup.

Speaker C: Absolutely.

Speaker B: And then, and then you can balance and give back to that family, that community.

Speaker C: I mean, you, you're going to learn the woman you are, the man you are throughout the experience, you know, because again, like for example, this election, I didn't know what I was going through. I thought, I know, but it's okay. I mean, okay, you get it and then move on and you will fail. Again with entrepreneurship, um, it's not easy. Entrepreneur is really hard. You feel lonely. It has a lot of, you know, aspect. And you have to keep going. You cannot, you cannot give up. But it's the same if I say, okay, being a mother, a mother is not easy.

Speaker B: It's not easy. But you can't give up.

Speaker C: But you can't give up. You have to keep going and you have to believe in yourself a step, one step at a time. So, uh, whatever is the challenge facing you and whatever, if you don't know where you're going, it's not clear. The path is not really clear. Just do it. If you feel like you have to go m. Just do it.

Speaker B: Yeah, right. So I'll go on to Insta. Now we always ask a question to our followers at the beginning. Let me see. Let's go here. Okay, so I asked, anyone can ask anything to, um, Davina. Okay, so we have one from a Christiana. Um, so Lebanon has a way of transforming people, especially those who weren't born there, um, but choose to love it anyway. What did living in Lebanon give you that France never could? Well, we kind of touched on that. But yeah, dream, uh, dream.

Speaker C: I was not allowing myself to dream when I was in France. I thought that you have to kind go within the system. You know, you got, you have to study and then you get a job and then you get promoted and then, and so on. I'm not criticizing that aspect in France, but I thought that was it. When I went to Lebanon, I dreamt and I Was like, everything is possible.

Speaker B: Everything is possible.

Speaker C: Okay. At some points, being a mom and dreaming is kind of challenging. It's very hard to do both in Lebanon. But still you dream of being with the person you want to be, despite everything. Well, I'm French, he's Lebanese. You know, you dream of building a business. You dream of you can do everything. Lebanon has no limit, you know, so definitely.

Speaker B: I love that Lebanon has no limit. So true. So true. Okay, a final one from someone called Omar. Um, if it works out and you win and serve, what's the one thing that you want to have changed or said that you've changed to be proud of?

Speaker C: I would definitely rebuild connection between the community, uh, and that role, that person. And I will rebuild trust because I'm very grateful for the work that has been done the past years from the person who was elected. But I think the connection with persons and the link we should have with them and the trust, and this is the priority for me. It will start from there. There are so many other aspects that needs to be improved. I will definitely continue my mission with the French school. That school needs to. To be sustainable. That school needs to keep on going. My kids are the happiest because of that school. And I'm so grateful because otherwise I think I would be crying with them instead of doing what I do today. So I will continue my mission, but the community needs to be all together. We need to continue, and we need to keep having trust between, uh, each other. I want them to call me when they need it. I want them to. To be able to tell me I'm into this situation, what are the options? You know, I will continue exactly like I did for the association. Um, there are other much bigger aspect, and that is involving worldwide, because we do represent the French abroad. Uh, but that's the priority.

Speaker B: M. Definitely giving back.

Speaker C: Yeah, I love that.

Speaker B: Um, Davina, thank you so much. M, it's been a pleasure.

Speaker C: Uh, thanks, my dear. Thank you. Um, you know, I'm happy I'm here today because we often see each other for so many reason.

Speaker B: Uh, no social events, but very. But never one on one. Yeah.

Speaker C: And, you know, I think it's very important to give a voice to everyone, and that is a good opportunity for me to remind why I'm running for that election and why I gave so much time and energy because it's real investment and why I'm convinced that I should win. Because, I mean, we forget all, uh, the way, you know, it's a long process and sometimes we have to remember every time that it's all worth it. Everything will be fine. And, yeah, we should, uh, keep on going, even the ups and the down.

Speaker B: I wish you all the best of luck.

Speaker C: Thank you so much. Always. Thank you so much. Keep shining.