move your own mountain
Live to Lead
A 'survival programme' for women in leadership
With their towering heights, challenging terrain, unpredictable weather and awe-inspiring views, moving in mountain environments both requires and teaches resilience, self-motivation, effective communication, collaboration, humility and patience. Skills for leadership and skills for life.
Beth Kennedy, Founder, Women Move Mountains
Leadership is demanding. The responsibility, the decisions, the expectations and the constant need to show up for others can leave little space to step back and ask 'How am I leading?', 'What do I need to develop?', 'What kind of leader do I want to be?', and perhaps most importantly, 'How am I?'
Live to Lead is a unique leadership development experience created for women in positions of responsibility who want to invest in themselves and develop their leadership capability in a different kind of way. A series of online workshops prepares you for the centrepiece of the programme: an immersive four-night retreat in the heart of the Lake District. Away from the distractions of everyday life, surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, you’ll spend time in the mountains exploring leadership, confidence, resilience and personal growth through a combination of guided adventure, coaching, reflection and meaningful conversation. This is leadership development beyond the boardroom and conference centre.
Through guided daily excursions and facilitated conversations each evening, we'll explore the challenges you face in leadership and in life and the actions you can take to be in the strongest and healthiest position to meet those challenges. Using our MOUNTAIN leadership framework we’ll draw powerful parallels between the skills and tools needed to navigate the mountains safely and effectively, and those required to lead with confidence and clarity in your professional life.
But we call it a retreat for a reason.
Yes, there will be adventure. You’ll walk in the mountains, explore new terrain, have powerful conversations and challenge yourself, but this is also a chance to step away from the constant demands of leadership and create space for yourself. For a few days, you don’t have to be the person making all the decisions, solving all the problems or looking after everyone else. We’ll take care of the details so you can focus on yourself and your development.
All meals will be prepared for you with healthy, nutritious and generous food designed to fuel your adventures and help you feel well looked after throughout your stay. There will be time to rest, reflect or simply enjoy being in the landscape whether that’s sharing conversation with others or taking some quiet time alone.
This is an opportunity for you to step aside from your busy schedule to take a breath and focus on your self, reduce stress, develop a new perspective on leadership and create a healthier work-life balance while having an amazing adventure and experiencing the beauty of the Lake District.
What you'll experience:
Over the course of the programme you will:
-
Spend four unforgettable nights in the Lake District, with time and space away from the demands of everyday life.
-
Take part in guided mountain adventures designed to challenge, inspire and build confidence.
-
Reflect on your leadership style, strengths and ambitions.
-
Develop strategies to manage energy, build resilience and sustain your wellbeing.
-
Explore how to make clearer decisions and lead through uncertainty.
-
Connect with a small group of women leaders in an environment built on trust and authenticity.
This programme is for you if:
-
You hold significant responsibility.
-
You want to develop your leadership skills in a real, supported environment.
-
You are keen to find a space outside of the boardroom where you can speak openly and authentically about your experiences as a leader.
-
You want to connect meaningfully with other women leaders instead of just 'networking'.
-
You have a sense that you could make changes in your life for the better but are unsure where to start or haven't found yourself able to.
How it works
1. Apply to register your interest
Submit your details and tell us which of the dates you would prefer to hold your place and let us know you’re keen to join the next cohort.
2. We hold your place
We’ll keep your spot reserved while we gather others for the retreat. Nothing happens until the minimum group is reached.
3. Confirmation
Once we have a minimum of six committed women you pay a deposit to secure your place.
4. Retreat preparation begins
We set up our online sessions to help you plan, prepare and connect with your fellow participants.
What's Included
Pre-Retreat Planning & Preparation
-
1 x online one-to-one introductory meeting
-
3 x online group planning & preparation sessions
-
Access to bespoke resources including training plans and how to guides
Lake District Retreat
-
4 night accommodation in a twin or triple room with daily breakfast
-
4 x 3-course plant based dinner with wine
-
4 x afternoon tea/coffee with cake
-
3 x daily excursions with qualified mountain leader
-
Packed lunches on each day
-
Facilitated group reflection/discussion sessions each afternoon
-
3 x daily yoga class with qualified instructor
Post-Retreat Follow-up & Support
-
1 x online group follow-up session
-
Exclusive access to future adventures and events
-
121 online coaching sessions post-retreat (*additional cost)
Before, during and after
Before
Planning and preparation
In the weeks before your retreat we’ll host a series of online sessions designed to prepare you both mentally and physically for the retreat. These sessions will guide you through everything you need to know before arriving in the Lake District.
As part of this preparation, we'll begin to explore any leadership challenges you’re currently facing. We’ll start thinking about how the lessons you’ll learn in the mountains (resilience, decision-making, overcoming obstacles) apply directly to your leadership journey. This sets the stage for deep reflection and growth during the retreat itself. You’ll have access to a range of resources, including training plans and how-to guides. We’re setting you up to walk into the retreat feeling confident and ready to tackle both the mountains and your leadership goals.
During
Adventure Retreat
Each day begins with a gentle (optional) guided yoga session followed by a day of exploration and skills development with a qualified Mountain Leader.
At the end of each expedition, after some time to reflect and recharge on your own, we’ll gather for facilitated reflection, discussion, and planning sessions. These sessions are designed to help you draw meaningful parallels between the experience of moving in the mountains and your experiences of leadership, exploring how the lessons learned on the trails can be applied. While we’ll be pushing ourselves physically and mentally, this is also a retreat. At the end of each adventurous day, you’ll return to a warm house, enjoy delicious meals, and sleep in comfortable beds, allowing you to fully recharge before the next day’s challenges.
After
Coaching and community
Following the retreat, you’ll have the option to continue your journey with one-on-one coaching. These sessions are designed to help you integrate the powerful lessons learned in the mountains into your everyday life, whether it’s building resilience, tackling leadership challenges, or pursuing new personal goals. We’ll work together to ensure that the inspiration and growth you experienced on the retreat translate into lasting changes and continued progress.
In addition, you’ll join a supportive community of women who have completed the Live to Lead programme. This network offers a space for ongoing support, shared experiences and inspiration. You'll also have exclusive access to future adventures and opportunities to continue your personal and leadership growth.
"I had enormous fun and I learnt so much!
Emma, Maidenhead