The Power of a Solo Corporate Retreat: A Leader's Journey to Clarity and Renewal

Last week, I embarked on a unique adventure - a "corporate retreat for one" in the breathtaking Cairngorms in Scotland. This wasn't just a getaway; it was a deliberate pause to reflect, plan, and reconnect with my goals. Combining structured brainstorming sessions with long walks in nature, I found myself inspired by the cyclical rhythms of the natural world - a reminder of both the significance and humility of our human endeavours.

The Perfect Setting: The Fife Arms

My retreat was anchored at The Fife Arms in Braemar - my favourite hotel in Europe and an extraordinary haven in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Owned by art world powerhouses Manuela and Iwan Wirth of the Hauser & Wirth gallery group, this hotel is a testament to the transformative power of creativity and authenticity.

What sets The Fife Arms apart is its unparalleled collection of over 16,000 artworks, artifacts, and antiques, providing unlimited inspiration at every turn. This artistic immersion perfectly complemented my reflective activities, enhancing my ability to think creatively about my goals and plans.

The hotel's deep connection to the local community resonated strongly with my retreat's purpose. Designed in collaboration with local architect Ben Addy of Moxon Architects, as well as the renowned Russell Sage Studio, the Fife Arms seamlessly blends Scottish heritage with contemporary art. Gideon Summerfield's portraits of local residents adorning the walls serve as a constant reminder of the importance of community and authenticity in leadership.

A Week of Reflection and Decision-Making

The retreat was a blend of productivity and rejuvenation. I spent hours thinking, planning, whiteboarding, listing priorities, and weighing pros and cons of key decisions. The result? A clear roadmap for my work, projects, and personal growth for the next two years, alongside a broader vision for the next five.

The Cairngorms National Park, with its vast landscapes and serene beauty, played a pivotal role in this process. The environment offered a mental and physical disconnect from daily pressures, allowing me to step back and gain perspective. It was a reminder that sometimes, if indeed not always, the best way to move forward is to pause and recalibrate.

**Balmoral Castle**

An incredible shot of the heart of Royal Deeside, with Balmoral Castle tucked away in the foreground.
*—Martin Bennie*

Expanding Horizons: Conversations and Collaborations

During my stay, I had the pleasure of discussing the importance of retreats with the hotel's General Manager, Rachael Henley. We agreed that one of the crucial roles of luxury hospitality is to provide a space for reflection and renewal.

My time in the Cairngorms also included time at Balmoral Castle, where I explored potential collaborations with the King's Foundation. Our discussions focused on bringing leadership development and sustainable productisation principles to future leaders across diverse fields, including education, farming, traditional arts, health and wellbeing, and architecture. This aligns with my belief in the importance of sharing lived experiences, especially crucial in today's uncertain world.

Culinary Inspiration and Chance Encounters

My culinary adventures led me back to Fish Shop in Ballater, part of the Artfarm group alongside The Fife Arms. There, I caught up with co-founder Jas Sherry, congratulating her on her recent Michelin Service Award. Jas embodies exceptional service and customer understanding - with a unique knack for knowing exactly what her customers want - which provided invaluable inspiration for my own thinking.

One of the stories I like to share is that Jas’ husband, co-founder and executive chef Marcus Sherry, used to be executive chef at The Fife Arms. A few years ago, before he and Jas opened Fish Shop, he teased a lobster tagliarini special on Instagram. I was due to be staying at the Fife in a handful of weeks’ time and commented - without thinking much about it - that I hoped said special might re-appear when I was there. And magically re-appear, it did. Marcus had noted that and made it happen - such an incredible example of attention to detail, customer experience, and everything that makes a great ‘product’; my obsession for the last decade.

Interestingly, the Cairngorms, despite its vast 4,500 km² expanse, felt surprisingly intimate and I bumped into a number of people several times during the week - including James Watt and Georgia Toffolo who were celebrating their honeymoon. Our conversations revealed James' own commitment to personal development through his "Think Weeks," reinforcing the value of dedicated reflection time for leaders. (To further illustrate how small the world is at times, doqit founder Catherine Ann Reid, whose Board I sit on as a NED, had chatted about a similar thing with James a couple of weeks before, in London).

**Fish Shop, Ballater**

This place is winning awards, accolades, and fans left, right, and centre. It’s easy to see why.

Literary Inspiration

My retreat also involved extensive reading. I delved into Sarah Wynn-Williams' new book, "Careless People," an exposé of Meta that's stirring up controversy for arguably the right reasons. Additionally, I read "Working Assumptions" by Julia Hobsbawm, a gift from friend and colleague Emma Gervasio, which provided an excellent framework for envisioning the next five years. Both had the same narrative, despite being greatly different stories, of people being at the heart of change - something I tried to weave into my planning.

The Ripple Effect of Leadership Renewal

This retreat wasn't just about me; it was about the people around me - my team, industry partners, clients, the funds I work with, as well as my friends and family. Leaders often juggle multiple layers of responsibility, and taking time to focus on each one individually felt both healthy and necessary. Investing one week out of the year to drive clarity and focus for the other 51 is a trade-off I'd recommend to any leader.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Retreat

For those considering a similar journey, timing and location are key. I chose March - a natural transition point between calendar, financial, and tax years - but the quietest time for your schedule may differ. The location should feel "away" in order to make the break / find the intentionality you seek. I’ve previously opted for India, Sri Lanka, Stockholm, and the South of France. It doesn’t really matter - as long as it meets the goal of creating a mental and physical disconnect that fosters clarity and renewal. A repeat guest at the Fife, though, I’d definitely point towards its Braemar setting as being the perfect reset destination.

A Call to Action for Leaders

This experience was transformative, and I believe every leader can benefit from a solo retreat. It's an investment in focus, clarity, and long-term planning that pays dividends in both personal and professional growth. The unique blend of art, nature, community, and inspiring encounters not only facilitated my planning process but also reinforced the significance of investing time in oneself as a leader. I’ve been back for a week and have already noticed a huge difference.

So, step away, breathe deeply, and let the mountains - or wherever you choose - guide you toward your next chapter. Remember, the power of human creativity, authenticity, and connection can inspire us to reach new heights in our personal and professional lives. In today's uncertain world, taking the time to reflect, reset, and renew is more important than ever.

The Power of a Solo 'Corporate Retreat': A Leader's Journey to Clarity and Renewal