In this episode of When Art Meets Leadership, I welcome Catherine Lebrun, founder and curator of Gallery Subtile in Luxembourg.

After 18 years in finance and fintech, including working as a CFO, Catherine began questioning what she wanted from the next chapter of her life. During the pandemic, she created a visual map combining everything she loved: art, vintage furniture, contemporary design, events, and human connection. That map eventually became Subtile.

Our conversation explores what it takes to leave a secure career and build a creative business from the ground up. Catherine speaks openly about financial uncertainty, evolving an initial idea, developing multiple revenue streams, and making the choices required to pursue more meaningful work.

We also discuss why Subtile is more than a traditional gallery. It is a space where art, design, craftsmanship, events, and community come together, inviting people not only to observe creativity but to participate in it.

What We Cover

• Catherine’s journey from finance and fintech to the art world
• Turning a visual map into a real business
• Why creative concepts must evolve after they meet the market
• Building a gallery around art, objects, connection, and impact
• Balancing creative purpose with financial sustainability
• Developing multiple revenue streams within a creative business
• What art can teach companies about innovation and client experience
• Creating trust through personal service and long-term relationships
• Leading through projects rather than a traditional team structure
• The trade-offs involved in leaving a secure corporate career
• Resilience, patience, and accepting that meaningful growth takes time
• Why human connection remains central in an increasingly digital world
• Catherine’s plans to take Subtile beyond Luxembourg
• The relationship between art, craftsmanship, the mind, and the hand

Relevant Links

• Learn more about Gallery Subtile: subtile.style
• Follow Gallery Subtile on Instagram: @subtile.style
• Connect with Catherine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-lebrun/
• Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alinaignatieva/
• Follow the podcast for upcoming episodes: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2517937.rss

Author and host: Alina Ignatieva
Videographer and Editor: Veta Vlasova
Post-Production and Publishing: Biljana Sandic