New York City, in the spring of 2008

A coffee shop at University Street, Dean and Deluca, close to Union Square was the place where it all started. The year was 2008 and spring in New York was just beginning.

It was a place where all types of ambitious people were working to get ahead. Aspiring students were sitting for hours with stacks of books and memory cards, preparing for their next exam, while business people, some only a few years removed from the studying students and some a few decades, worked together on presentations and proposals. Professors sat grading their students' latest assignments with silent concentration and, in stark contrast, the surrounding people excitedly discussed the future, modern trends, and the latest news. All these people were proactively claiming their stake on the future, while at the same time admiring the newly warm weather. The air in the café was palpable with aspiration.

It was in this buzzing environment that the foundations for Excellentia were laid. Therése realized that the individuals around her, all aiming at success and recognition, already understood the importance of inspiration, ambition and hard work. However, she saw something else - that a little bit of guidance would make all the difference between "reaching" and "surpassing" their dreams. Could students go beyond their goals and expectations with a better understanding of time management? Could business people be taught more effective communication skills and become even more successful? And what could these leaders of today and tomorrow learn in order to better motivate and understand their followers, and make a bigger impact?

At the end of that day her thoughts had been condensed into 4 words: success, excellence, learning, and freedom, or SELF. Successful companies and individuals should be supported through the process of going from success to excellence. She looked outside the window, at the people walking in the night, and knew that she was equipped with the ambition and understanding to turn her vision into reality.

Therése is founder and CEO of Excellentia - supported by an excellent team of industry experts and education professionals that help to move the Excellentia idea forward.