THE ENLIGHTENED LEADER
Executive Leadership Experience for Women
Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland, Northumberland | When: Tuesday 3rd - 5th February 2026
SPACE TO THINK. STRENGTH TO LEAD.
A 2.5-day residential experience designed for women in senior or emerging executive roles who want to lead with greater impact, authenticity and resilience, without burning out. This isn’t a conference or a traditional training course. It is a deliberate pause from day-to-day demands, giving you the space to think clearly, reconnect with your purpose and refine how you lead.
Across the programme, you will explore how you make decisions, how you show up in key conversations, and how you sustain your energy and effectiveness over the long term. The experience blends deep reflective work with practical tools you can use immediately, supported by high-quality coaching and psychometrics. It is designed to stretch your thinking, strengthen your leadership presence and build confidence in your own approach.
Set in a beautiful, restorative environment, the programme also includes guided holistic practices such as meditation, nature-based reflective activities and structured space between sessions so insights can land. This is not about adding more to your to-do list. It is about creating the conditions for honest reflection, meaningful development and sustainable change in how you lead.
WHAT THIS RETREAT GIVES TO YOU.
Through this experience, you will have the space to:
Know yourself as a leader.
Clear insight into your strengths, motivators and leadership style – and how to use them intentionally.
Lead more authentically.
Confidence to lead in a way that fits your values and personality, rather than what you think leadership “should” look like.
Build sustainable resilience.
Practical ways to manage pressure, protect your energy and avoid burnout in a high-performance culture.
Navigate brave conversations.
Tools and language for difficult or high-stakes conversations – from setting boundaries to negotiating or giving feedback.
Tackle inner barriers.
Space and support to explore imposter feelings, self-doubt and perfectionism – and move forward with more courage.
Connect with a trusted network.
A small, supportive group of women leaders who “get it” and can remain a sounding board long after the retreat.
Leave reset and re-energised.
Time away from the noise to think, breathe and return with renewed focus and clarity on your next chapter.
Every learner leaves with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead - and a toolkit they can apply immediately in their role.
IS THIS RETREAT FOR YOU?
The Enlightened Leader is designed for women who are in, or moving into, senior and executive roles and want the space to pause, think and lead with greater confidence. It’s for those navigating demanding, high-expectation environments, often while balancing the competing pressures of career, life and family. If you’re ready to lead more bravely and authentically, rather than simply “keep going” - this retreat provides the conditions to step back and reset.
You may recognise yourself if you want to increase your impact without compromising your wellbeing, or if you feel constantly “on” with little room for clear thinking. Many participants arrive having experienced imposter feelings, self-doubt or perfectionism, and are ready to step into the next stage of their leadership on their own terms. This retreat gives you the space, support and perspective to do exactly that.
BENEFITS TO SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS
The Enlightened Leader is a deeply personal experience with clear business value.
“This is not a ‘nice away day’. It’s targeted development for the women you can’t afford to lose.”
Retained and engaged female talent
High-potential women who feel seen, invested in and equipped to thrive – not just cope.
Stronger, emotionally intelligent leaders
Leaders who understand themselves, lead with emotional intelligence and create psychologically safe environments.
Better decisions under pressure
Leaders who can hold complexity and pace while staying grounded in values and strategy.
Healthier culture and role modelling
Women who model sustainable, authentic leadership – proving success doesn’t have to cost wellbeing.
Stronger pipeline of women leaders
A visible signal that women’s leadership is actively supported, strengthening attraction, retention and reputation.
THE VENUE
-
The retreat takes place at the Lord Crewe Arms in Blanchland, a historic sanctuary set in a picturesque village and known for its warmth, character and calm. With accolades including AA 5 Gold Star Restaurant with Rooms, it offers the ideal environment for reflection, connection and renewal. The setting is intentionally chosen to support clear thinking and deep rest.
DATES & FORMAT
-
When: 3rd - 5th February 2026
Format: 2.5 days residential retreat
Group size: Maximum 12 women leaders -
The small cohort ensures depth, space and meaningful connection throughout the experience.
WHATS INCLUDED
-
Two nights’ accommodation at the Lord Crewe Arms
-
All meals and refreshments from arrival to departure
-
Pre-retreat Facet5 personality assessment
-
A two-hour 1:1 coaching session before the retreat to explore your Facet5 profile
-
An additional conversation-focused psychometric to support insight
-
All workshops, materials and wellbeing sessions during the retreat
-
Post-retreat resources and reflection tools to help insights translate into daily practice
-
Together, these elements create an immersive environment that supports reflection, clarity and sustainable personal growth.
THE DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE
Across the 2.5 days, you’ll take part in masterclasses, coaching, reflection and wellbeing practices.
Topics include:
MEET THE PROGRAMME COACH
MADDY RYDER
Leadership Coach and HR Consultant
Maddy is an experienced and dynamic HR leader with over 15 years’ success building and leading best-practice HR functions across multiple industries.
In 2020, she founded her own consultancy specialising in HR, training, and coaching. A Fellow of the CIPD and an accredited coach, Maddy is passionate about helping individuals and organisations thrive.
She focuses on leadership development and people-manager training, with particular expertise in building high-performing teams, boosting employee engagement, and designing learning programmes for emerging leaders.
Maddy is certified in DISC and Facet5 profiling, which she uses to drive meaningful self-awareness and team effectiveness.
