Our 11th Cohort:
Values In Motion: Leading with Wisdom Retreat
October 21-23, 2026
Middleburg, VA
I am pleased to invite you to our 11th cohort: “Values in Motion” Executive Retreat. Why did we design this executive retreat?
The main reason is what we are witnessing…
Unprecedented rates of change and uncertainty.
Leaders fighting exhaustion and stifling their creativity.
Yet the current business climate is not catastrophic. Some market leaders facing big transitions are thriving. They leverage wisdom. They are guided by their core values. They are willing to make time and space to imagine a different future.
What separates the worriers from the wise? In our experience, wise leaders apply different mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets. They routinely share insights from hard-won lessons to advance the greater good. When the going gets tough, their values guide them. That describes whom you will meet at this cohort.
And–if wisdom gets short shrift in your daily life, or your values seldom have a voice in growth conversations, this gathering will be worth your energy.
You will benefit if you:
- Recently accepted a new role or promotion
- Serve on boards or strategy teams
- Face a big professional or personal crossroads
- Feel called to move from making money to making meaning
- Are concerned about retaining great talent due to “change fatigue”
- Need time away from digital distractions to reignite imagination
During this 2-night gathering, you will:
- Strengthen your inner compass — your values
- Discover the eight qualities of wise organizations
- Apply a rapid-fire accountability process
- Build action plans to scale wisdom across stakeholders and generations
- Practice contemplative techniques to fuel imagination and awe
- Create your personalized journey map to navigate big transitions with greater confidence
You will be joined by senior leaders from CoStar Group, First Heritage, Interra, The Top, and others. Clients describe these gatherings as “the most meaningful leadership investment I’ve made in years.” Peer connection, honest dialogue, and boundless nature combine to unlock clarity and imagination.
About me, your Guide
I’m Lisa Nirell — adviser, author, and keynote speaker. Since 2001, I have helped tens of thousands of executives through high-stakes transitions across 170+ organizations, including AARP, Google, Hilton, and Schneider Electric.
Some of my proudest moments? Co-leading retreats in nature-filled settings such as Santa Fe’s Modern Elder Academy, Sweden (for IBM), and Northern Virginia’s leafy green foothills.
In addition to my Harvard Business Review contributions, I have written and edited six books, including The Mindful Marketer. I am also a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches community and was named one of the Top 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership.
What our clients say
“I recommend that anyone anticipating a significant life transition invest in this experience.”
— Carla Worthey, Ph.D., former Amazon Stores Head of Talent Management
“Lisa invites you to get close to yourself and, with others doing the same, strengthen your growth mindset.”
— Eric McCarthey, 6-Time Board Director and former Coca-Cola Officer
“Lisa’s programs create breakthrough thinking. She has helped me leverage wisdom to chart my next chapter. It’s truly a mindset shift!”
— Andy Yost, seasoned CMO (Viacom, USA TODAY, and HomeServe USA)
“This experience has given me practical tools, a supportive community, and a new outlook that’s positively impacting my professional life.”
— Carly Khanna, EVP of Brand, AE Works
“If you want someone to provoke your audience and shape new ways of thinking, hire Lisa.”
— Greg Kihlstrom, Advisor, Author & Speaker, The Agile Brand
Why Meadowkirk?
We selected Meadowkirk at Delta Farm — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — for its spacious, 360-acre farm nestled in the serene foothills of Middleburg, Virginia. Built in the 19th century, the property rests on land that Native Americans once used as warm winter shelter.
The farm includes 10 miles of well-groomed hiking trails, stargazing, fireside chats (real ones — outdoors!), farm-to-table community meals, and optional guided meditation. We chose these dates to fully savor the colorful foliage — and the spaciousness that nature offers us. Just 40 minutes from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), it’s the ideal setting to build community, reflect, and plan for the future.
Your Registration Includes:
- All-inclusive 2-night stay with single-occupancy overnight rooms
- Three chef-prepared meals per day
- All course materials
- Access to 360 acres of meadows, hills, and amenities
- 10 miles of hiking trails
- Campfire chats and stargazing guide and nature activities (weather permitting)
- Guided meditation (optional)
- Post-retreat virtual integration meeting
Cohort members cover their own travel and transfers. A portion of each registration supports several nonprofits, including Children’s National Health System, Jill’s House, and Virginia Collegiate Recovery Network.
| Early Bird — Through July 2 | Standard — After July 2 | |
| Marketing Growth Leaders™ Members | $1,875 | $2,475 |
| Non-Members | $2,375 | $2,875 |
| Limited to 15 leaders.
Your early bird pricing closes July 2. |
||
| Click here to register and pay securely →Questions? lisa@energizegrowth.com | ||
This post was completely written by me — a human. I did not use generative AI.
© 2026, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved. lisanirell.com.