Members of Vistage recently enjoyed their Annual Retreat with chair for the North East and Northumberland, Andrew Marsh. Including two intensive, personal focused days, the cohorts enjoyed two speakers, a dinner and an overnight stay at Solberge Hall.
Following on from Andrew’s recent article on how to make the most of away days, here Northern Insight readers get a frank insight into how Andrew runs his own events.
Day one saw the attendees focusing on their health, as Dorian Dugmore focused on Younger Next Year. Dr Dugmore holds a PhD in cardiovascular medicine and is internationally recognised for his work in the field.
As the director of corporate wellbeing at the FA and director of Beyond the Barriers, Dr Dugmore’s programs have won global and European awards for best practice in corporate health and wellness, and for improving the quality of life within the community. Dedicated to bringing the best speakers to the events he hosts for his members, Andrew said: “It was fascinating to see the reaction of the members, when they realised that often how they work and being under stress damages the heart and shortens life. Throughout the day more and more we started to connect with him and what he was saying, giving us all lots to think about. We concluded the day by crafting our own wellbeing commitment statements, which will have such a positive impact on us all individually.
“As chair I committed to bringing speakers that not only looks after the members businesses and their performance, but also the wellbeing of everyone in the cohorts. To be an effective leader your wellbeing must be in good shape, so Dorian’s topic was well received. The fact that Dorian was recently honoured with a Vistage Speakers Award, which recognised his 10 years of delivering value to Chief Executives, meant I could have confidence that he would be good.
“In future members days sessions, we will revisit our wellbeing commitments, holding each other accountable to the promises we made.”
Alison Dunn, who is CEO of Citizens Advice Gateshead, attended the retreat and her feedback on the day led by Dorian was: “At first, I wondered why a man who is obviously very educated in heart health was at our business retreat. As the day went on, much of what he had to say sank in deeper and deeper. As leaders we often put our needs last, but if we start to fail in health that is no good for our team, our organisation or the people we love. Thank you, Dorian for making us all stop and think about how to work better.”
Following an evening dinner and a good night’s rest at the North Yorkshire based hotel, the cohort started their second day which this time was speaker, Louis Parsons.
Louis Parsons is the world’s only soulscape artist. His work is collected worldwide, and his artwork has touched the lives of thousands of people. He brings an entirely unique blend of professionally created inspiration artwork, finely honed facilitation skills and years of experience in the corporate sector to create a very powerful workshop known as soul expression.
The members entered a room set up with a number of pieces of Louis’ work, splash sheets, paints and painting tools. After a welcome from Louis, and an inspection of his work where they each shared how it made them feel and how they interpreted it, it was time to paint. Bearing in mind our own plans and visions statements, Louis helped everyone to bring those out in painting form.
Through the day everyone painted two of their own creations, based on where they wanted to see themselves in the future, and what feeling they had when they thought of a happy time or place. Ben Tansey, MD of Re:heat, said: “I was so sceptical on whether I could paint or even wanted to, but when Louis took us on a journey into our own future, I found myself totally absorbed. It was great escapism whilst at the same time honing our minds into making changes. A great day, where everyone learnt something new about themselves.”
Each person took their artwork home with them and will bring them to the next Vistage members day, to discuss in further detail with their colleagues. Andrew said: “With Louis’ accreditations, reputation and natural coaching skills, I knew he was the perfect fit for these particular two cohorts. It was fun to see the hesitation we all had, turn into enthusiasm and some of us discovered a skill for painting. A picture can tell a thousand words and Louis really helped me achieve the purpose of the retreat, which was for the members to work on themselves, rather than their business.”
In each session Andrew, who is a skilled peer group facilitator, focuses on how each member can get the best out of themselves, coaches new skills and encourages a safe environment where challenges can be processed with like minded individuals. As well as those sessions and the annual retreat, each member receives a monthly one to one, and Andrew also organises social events, so the cohorts can build long lasting, trusting relationships with each other – the true success of any peer group.
There is the perfect opportunity for corporate and CEO operatives, for small business owners and even for emerging leaders who want to invest in themselves or their company wants to invest in their future. Following the successful completion of a recent cohort of emerging leaders, who get exactly the same level information as the CEO or business owner, a new peer group is starting soon. Organisations with talent they want to hone, can find out more by contacting Andrew to discuss.
More information on becoming a Vistage member or signing up their young talent, can contact Andrew on andrew@ marshbusinesstransformation.co.uk