#302 Hilary Rowland – Retreats

Retreats with Hilary Rowland Have you ever been on a retreat? Hilary Rowland provides residential retreats. Did you see her recent LinkedIn post? She states, "Are You Contemplating a Strategy Away Day? Don't!". These away days are awful. They are crammed full of PowerPoint presentations. Then someone tries desperately to herd people in one direction. A written plan is then agreed upon. Which, of course, no one looks at again. What Was That Moment When The Penny Dropped About Retreats? http://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Hilary-Rowland-CEO-Reaction.mp4 Hilary ran CEO retreats over a number of years. She thought they need to put more 'content' or value into the first afternoon, rather than allowing FREE time. The CEOs resented it. Because they knew they were going to have that time to think. How often is that available for people? Previous to her current business, Next Chapter Retreats Hilary was a Chair of Vistage. As part of the package, executives got from Vistage, there was a 2-day annual retreat. Retreat Secret Sauce? Graham asked whether there was a secret sauce to retreats? Hilary said yes, people learn much more in small groups. http://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Hilary-Rowland-Retreat-Secret-Sauce.mp4 Hilary's philosophy is to give attendees as much time as they need. They do offer structured activities. These activities get people to reflect. Or, people are asked questions that they haven't thought about for a long time. They use the Japanese concept of "ikigai", which means "a reason for being". This helps people connect to their PURPOSE. What they are good at, what they love and what matters to them. Who Attends Retreats? http://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Hilary-Rowland-Whos-Attending.mp4 At Vistage, it was nearly all men. But, with Next Chapter Retreats, Hilary finds there is no difference one way or another. Why Do People Attend? http://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Hilary-Rowland-Why-Do-People-Attend.mp4 How Should Graham's Charity Spend Time on Their Away Day? So much is lost when you only talk to each other on a screen. Company culture is destroyed bit by bit. Retreats offer space and time. If the CEO management team are not connected, how can they motivate their staff? http://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Hilary-Rowland-Exercise.mp4   Hilary Discourages Emails and Phone Calls on Her Retreats It is part of the contract she has with people. Attendees are delighted and relieved not to have to take calls and emails. It is possible to do this. Graham referenced the podcast with Marcey Rader, Episode 301. Marcey talks about doing away with notifications. That's because your precious time is hijacked by someone else's agenda. Hilary has experienced religious retreats. She says the whole idea about purpose is religious. Hilary goes to the Scottish Island of Iona, which is a deeply spiritual place. Not surprisingly, Hilary gets plenty of very positive testimonials, like these that were featured on her website: It's fun at the Retreat! Meantime, at Hilary's retreats, there is loads of good food and red wine. The social side of going away is very important. Amongst other things, they play games. Like, 2 truths one lie. Here's one for Graham Firstly, Graham once lost 5 stones in weight in 5 months. Secondly, he played the drums in a bar on Bourbon Street, New Orleans. Thirdly, Graham once scored against a team of ex Leeds United footballers. One of those is a lie. Two are truths. You decide!! Hilary gives The Next 100 Days Podcast a Testimonial http://thenext100days.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Hilary-Rowland-Testimonial.mp4   Get in touch with The Next 100 Days hosts… Graham Arrowsmith Finely Fettled helps out financial advisers, investment brokers and care homes to market to affluent and high net worth customers.