Photos: Matt Wilson

Name: Romain Valère (@lastrolab)
Profession: Attorney

I’m originally from…
Marseille, the second city of France (don’t ask people from Lyon). In the south east of the country, it’s a city by the Mediterranean Sea, blessed by the sun, cursed by the wind allegedly driving people mad.

I’m currently learning how to…
box ! After two failed attempts in the past 6 years, I seriously took up boxing 6 months ago. I’m still very bad at it, but at least i can show off my black eyes at the office and pretend I’m a badass (I’m not)

My favorite meal is…
I can’t say no to good pasta. That’s a problem.

I love to collect…
anything, from cameras to fountain pens, but I think my most extensive “collection” must be vintage Brooks Brothers button down shirts. I probably have 80 of them…

The last thing I read was…
“Le Côté Obscur de la Reine” by Marie Nimier. In a pissing contest with myself, I decided to read more this year. I’m at 18 novels so far. Of course, I mostly performative read in my local coffee shop.

Recently, I’ve been listening to…
Nino Ferrer, especially “La Rua Madureira.” 

The best way to unwind is…
getting beat up in a boxing gym for an hour and half.

The last piece of advice given to me was…
I have trouble organizing, both at work and at home. I’ve been told about the “quick wins” theory. It consists of immediately completing little tasks that take less than 5 minutes. It’s an efficient way to unclutter my mind, and to boost motivation by getting to cross stuff off my to do list. It’s not very fun, but you get the advice you deserve…

One place I would love to visit is…
the Dolomites. I love Italy, it’s not very original but I could spend every vacation there.

In 20 years I hope to be…
learning new stuff. And buff, like a fit grandpa.