I was recently fortunate enough to attend a leadership retreat hosted by The Alchemist and Adventurer, and I wanted to share why it meant so much to me.
People often speak about things happening at the perfect time, or ‘the universe’ sending something their way. For those who know me, you'll be aware this is not generally the way I speak! But this was truly that moment in my life. I have been battling chronic undiagnosed health issues which have completely floored me. Life has been an endless blur of specialists, scans and tests, layered in between waves of chronic fatigue more debilitating than I could have ever imagined - especially as someone who’s always been fit, healthy and running full steam ahead.
I had just left yet another underwhelming specialist appointment when an email popped up from Keith, one of the founders of The Alchemist and Adventurer - a high level coaching consultancy hosting leadership retreats around the world. We'd been introduced by a mutual contact and had chatted late last year about their first ever Australian retreat to be held in Byron Bay, but being deep in health admin I had completely forgotten about it. Keith was now reaching out on the off chance I could make a last minute dash down to join the group at Soma.
I was at the point where something major had to shift for me, and I honestly had nothing to lose. The short notice was perfect as it didn't give me time to overthink or talk myself out of it - two days later I was driving to Byron with an open mind, but not entirely sure I had the physical capacity for what lay ahead.
What followed was more transformative than I could have imagined. I was welcomed by the tranquility of Soma and the absolute legends Margi and Keith, the founders of The Alchemist and Adventurer. We connected instantly, and I couldn't have asked for two better people to lead the retreat and guide what I can only describe as a genuine journey of self-discovery - words I don't think I've ever used in my life. To call this a leadership retreat actually undersells it. The personal work we did alongside the professional coaching went much deeper than that. Seeing a group of ambitious, successful business leaders openly share deeply personal experiences was humbling, and the shift that happened across the week was undeniable. It was so powerful to strip everything back and look at how old patterns, habits and beliefs hold us back - and what a different approach might look like. To say this week changed my life would be an understatement. While on a video call towards the end of the retreat Cat couldn't believe the shift in me, both physically and energetically. She told me I looked like myself again.....which was probably the best thing anyone could say to me right now.
Digging deep on yourself isn’t something we stop and do very often, especially with the demands of high pressure leadership positions, not to mention the complexities of life outside of work. If this illness hadn’t stopped me in my tracks, I imagine it’s not something I would have prioritised either. But it has completely revitalised my outlook, personally and professionally. Following the retreat I felt physically better than I had in months, and went on to have some of the most productive and exciting meetings of my career. I know the health answers will come in time, and it's genuinely comforting to feel more energised and clearer than ever - while also being more aware of the balance I need to strike between my ambition and what truly matters in life.
I'm fully aware not everyone has the opportunity or resources to attend something like this, and I'm incredibly grateful that I was able to. But the key theme I took away is simple: you have to go inward first. You must be comfortable and confident in yourself before you can expect to successfully lead a team, business or family.
We covered so much in that week, but one thing that really stopped me in my tracks was this question: "What is it like to be on the receiving end of my energy?" As someone who's always thinking about what's next and how to go bigger, I know my energy can be intense - and that question made me think differently about how I show up in meetings, with clients, and at home. The real measure of an experience like this isn't how you feel on the drive home - it's what you actually do differently. My habits have already changed and I'm seeing the benefits across every area of my life.
If you're ever in a position to join a retreat or work with Keith and Margi in any capacity, jump on it. They are such beautiful people and exceptional at what they do. Stepping away from big careers to help people become not just better leaders, but better humans, takes an incredible amount of courage. This really resonated with me, especially having stepped away from a huge role myself. I’m forever grateful to Keith and Margi for creating these opportunities and for their ongoing support.
Maybe the universe was onto something after all.
~ Zeb
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