Winter Residency
We are gathering at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre, which occupies the ancestral lands of the Hatiwendaronk, the Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We are grateful for their stewardship of this land since time immemorial. As we work together here, we recognize the deep connections and enduring contributions of these communities, and commit to fostering a space of learning and respect.
If you are not already aware, please consider learning whose traditional and treaty terroritory you live on today:
https://native-land.ca/
Why are we acknowledging the land?
Please consider the following resources:
https://youtu.be/JeZzZCXX84w?si=3JYg0rG3KN5ipYil
https://youtu.be/wC_-xHrqUjQ?si=8MrcV8_GNiMlris_&t=102
Please take a few minutes to share your Leading Women experience.
(The questionnaire will be live Thursday afternoon. In-Session time will be provided to complete it.)
By December 19:
Please let Heather know if your dietary preferences/needs have changed since the first residency (heather@heatherclaytonconsulting.com). If we don’t hear from you, we’ll stick with the guidelines (if any) you provided for October.
Before the Residency:
Please prepare to get the most out of our final residency by completing the pre-work outlined on the Readings tab.
Our Location
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B2J0. Please see the FAQs at crieffhills.com for the answers to many facility questions.
Tuesday, January 13 Accommodations
There are many reasonably priced hotels approximately 15 minutes away from our residency venue in Cambridge and Guelph.
Wendy has arranged a group rate at a hotel in Guelph - please see the WhatsApp for updates or reach out to Wendy directly.
Jen Davis is organizing a group dinner the night of January 13 for those who are in the area. If you haven't already, please let her know if you plan to attend. Details were shared by email the week of December 8.
Travel
The venue has free parking and is located 45 minutes southwest of Toronto Airport.
Accommodations
For the winter residency, we will have single rooms in the same three adjacent buildings. You'll receive your room and building information at sign-in. The room allocations will be different than for the Foundation Residency - we like to shake things up!
We encourage you to bring extra pillows and blankets for your comfort.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available, though Crieff Hills is in a rural area and the speed might not be what you're used to. We do invite you to step away from your devices as much as possible to fully participate in the program, with time to connect with yourself and others.
Food and Beverage Policy
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. We will enjoy meals that have been beautifully prepared by the Crieff Hills Centre chef, with many ingredients sourced from their own gardens. The kitchen is very adept at accommodating allergies and intolerances, but we must receive advance notification if there are any changes to the allergies or food preferences you shared with us before the first residency.
Snacks and coffee, tea, and water will be provided.
Alcohol is not served nor sold on site. Participants should bring their own alcoholic beverages if desired.
Tobacco, ritual herbs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs including medical cannabis are permitted on site and may be consumed by guests in a safe and responsible manner. Smoking, incense or diffusers are permitted in the designated outdoor area(s) only. Smoking, incense or diffusers are never permitted inside any building on the property.
Noise Considerations: There will be other guests at the Crieff Hills Retreat Centre during our Fall Residency. Many people come to this serene and beautiful venue for silent retreat or peaceful respite. Please keep this in mind, especially outdoors. If you and other Leading Women participants find yourselves in the frame of mind for more raucous relaxation, please take it inside the lodge which we have reserved in entirety for our group's use.
For complete facility details, please review the Crieff Hills site.
Dress code: Casual and Comfy
Considerations:
- Comfort: Prioritize comfortable, warm clothing and shoes for relaxation and participation in activities like hiking, walking, yoga, fire pit conversations, and star gazing.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast closer to the retreat date to fine-tune your packing list.
- Your own pillow and extra blanket (highly recommended)
Packing List
Clothing:
- Layers: A variety of layers for cold weather. Think thermals, base layers, fleece jackets, good boots and a warm winter coat.
- Comfortable Pants: Comfortable hiking pants or leggings for outdoor activities and lounging.
- Long-sleeved Shirts: A mix of long-sleeved shirts for layering and warmth.
- Sweatshirt or Sweater: A cozy sweatshirt or sweater for evenings by the fire pit.
- Relaxation Clothes: Comfortable clothes for lounging and sleeping in the various residences.
- Pajamas: Don't forget warm, comfortable pajamas for a restful sleep.
- Hat and Mittens
- Comfortable Shoes: Please bring a pair of comfortable shoes specifically for use indoors so that we do not track snow or mud inside.
Toiletries:
- Essential toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any medications you require.
- Sunscreen (optional)
Other Essentials:
-
- Extra pillow and blankets
- Hair dryer if needed
- Reusable water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Book: Pack a good book for your free time.
- Sunglasses
- Cash or credit card: While meals are included, there may be incidentals you wish to purchase.
- Phone and charger: Don't forget your phone and charger to stay connected (although we encourage unplugging to enjoy the retreat!)
- Optional: A small backpack for carrying essentials during hikes
Remember: This is a general list. Adapt it based on your individual needs and preferences for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at Crieff Hills. Crieff Hills is an intentionally minimalist environment, not a hotel. Be sure to bring any comforts of home that will make you happy and ready to do our work together.
Foundation Residency
Thank you for sharing your perspectives.
Residency 1 Feedback Questionnaire - Anonymized Results
Thank you in advance for sharing your insights!
As you'll have seen in our recent email, there are a few to-dos for you to prepare for the residency.
- Help us with tailoring the programming to your priorities
- "Get your head in the game" with some reflection on your intentions for the program
- Familiarize yourself with--and be ready to discuss--some of the core concepts we'll be using during our time together
Before the Residency begins:
- Read and consider: "Leader as Coach" (30-50minutes). As you read, consider: What do you agree with in this article? What aspects do you aspire to?
- Complete the "Core Values" exercise. (20-30 minutes)
- Choose an "artifact" to bring, as described in the Core Values worksheets.
These readings and exercises are also available in the Readings tab of this portal.
We'll be diving right in on our first day together based on these materials. Please come prepared so that you and your fellow participants can get the most out of the program.
If you have any questions about the to-dos, readings, or activities, please contact heather@heatherclaytonconsulting.com.
We are gathering at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre, which occupies the ancestral lands of the Hatiwendaronk, the Anishinaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples and the treaty lands and territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit. We are grateful for their stewardship of this land since time immemorial. As we work together here, we recognize the deep connections and enduring contributions of these communities, and commit to fostering a space of learning and respect.
If you are not already aware, please consider learning whose traditional and treaty terroritory you live on today:
Why are we acknowledging the land?
The schedule is included in your Residency 1 Workbook and will also be posted for easy reference.
| Tuesday, October 28, 2025 | |
| 9:30 – 10:30am | Arrive and check in at the Main Building *not the office*
Pick up “Welcome Package” at Conference Hall. Join us In the Conference Hall to meet your colleagues. |
| 10:30am - 12:00pm | Welcome Session (Conference Hall)
Join us as we set up the ‘container’ for our work together over this residency and into the fall, including: · Introductions (to each other, those giving leadership, and to the program) · People Bingo – “Find Someone Who” · Creation of Group Agreements · Reflection – Hopes, Fears, Success · Introduction to Leadership Presence
|
| 12:30 – 1:15pm | Lunch (Maclean Hall) |
| 1:15 – 2:45pm | Session: Self Awareness through Type Coach Preferences
(Conference Hall) · Bring and dig into your Type Coach report to better understand both your communication and leadership styles. · Learn some strategies to identify others type and to support the work you do with your teams. |
| 2:45 – 3:15pm | Break - Free Time
Check out the area, snacks, mingle with your colleagues. |
| 3:15 - 4:15pm | Session: Anchoring our Leadership – Exploring Core Values through Story (Conference Hall)
· Discover the transformative power of self-leadership and presence through the lens of clear values and powerful narratives. |
| 4:15 – 5:25pm | Free Time, settle into your rooms, explore |
| 5:30 – 6:30pm | Dinner (Maclean Hall) |
| 7:00 - 8:00pm | Evening Activities - Night Hike
|
| 8:30 pm | Campfire – Luke or outside |
| Wednesday October 29, 2025 | |
| 7:00am – 7:30am | Optional Pre-Breakfast Activities - Practicing mindful presence:
7:00 am - 30-minute Morning Stretch (yoga) with Zayna (Conference Hall) or 7:30 am - 30-minute Morning Walk with Rachel or Self-Guided: Forest Walk (Trails), Rest, Journal, Other |
| 8:00 – 8:40am | Breakfast (Maclean Hall) |
| 8:45 – 9:00am | Check-in/ Overnight Mail (Conference Hall)
· What insights or questions do you have at this point? · What is resonating? Tricky?
|
| 9:00 – 10:30am | Session: Powerful leadership Skills: Levels of Listening – Effective Questions/Coaching Questions (Conference Hall)
· Learn the art of truly listening and asking powerful questions. · This workshop will equip you with tools to develop deeper connections, to improve your listening and questioning, and to better understand and affirm your strengths.
|
| 10:30 – 10:45am | Morning Break & Afternoon Session Sign-Up (Conference Hall)
Choose 1 of 3 (max 10/session). |
| 10:45am – 12:15pm | Networking and Challenges/Solutions
· In a world that often gives advice, bring a current challenge and see how the power of questions opens opportunities for you to move toward solutions. |
| 12:30 – 1:15pm | Lunch (Maclean Hall) |
| 1:15 – 2:25pm | Free Time
Forest Hike/Rest/Other |
| 2:30 – 3:30pm | Afternoon Session (A, or B or in Morning Break) |
| Session A: Walking the Labyrinth for Decision Making (Labyrinth)
Discover the ancient wisdom of the labyrinth as a powerful tool for modern leadership. For centuries, labyrinths have been used as meditative spaces for contemplation and problem-solving. This workshop explores the connection between the labyrinth's winding path and the complex challenges faced by today's leaders. Bring a specific challenge you are working through and learn how to harness the labyrinth's power to enhance strategic thinking and decision-making. |
|
| Session B: Impostor Syndrome: Don’t Let it Hold You Back (Conference Hall)
As high-achieving female leaders, we can secretly doubt our own abilities. Imposter syndrome and our Inner Critic can hold us back from reaching our full potential. We will: · Shed light on the common signs of imposter syndrome · Explore the impact it has on your career and personal life · Provide practical strategies to overcome these self-doubts |
|
| Your Foundation Residency workbook contains materials for both sessions, so you will have the resources regardless of which you choose. | |
| 3:30 – 3:45pm | Afternoon Break |
| 3:45 – 4:00pm | Teach-Back (Conference Hall) |
| 4:00 – 5:30pm | Session: Discover, Understand & Apply the GROW Model for Effective Coaching (Conference Hall)
· Unlock the power of coaching with the GROW model! · Learn how to guide individuals towards achieving their goals through structured, effective coaching. · In this session, you will understand the elements of the GROW model, apply the model to real-life coaching scenarios, and build coaching relationships that will be strengthened through the Leaders Coaching Circles. |
| 5:30 – 6:30pm | Dinner (Maclean Hall) |
| 7:00 – 8:30pm | Evening Activities (TBD) |
| Thursday October 30, 2025 | |
| 7:00 - 7:30am | Optional Pre-Breakfast Activities - Practicing mindful presence:
7:00 am - 30-minute Stretch (yoga) with Zayna (Conference Hall) or 7:30 am - 30-minute Walk with Rachel or Self-Guided: Forest Walk (Trails), Rest, Journal, Other |
| 8:00 – 8:40am | Breakfast (Maclean Hall) |
| 8:45 – 9:00am | Check-In/ Overnight Mail (Conference Hall)
· What insights or questions do you have at this point? · What is resonating? Tricky? |
| 9:00 – 10:15am | Session: Type and Stress (Conference Hall)
· Better understand what happens for your ‘Type’ under stress. · Gain strategies and insights that will help to moderate your responses and give you greater choices in tricky moments.
|
| 10:15 – 10:45am | Morning Break
Move out of your rooms: load cars or bring all personal items to Conference Hall |
| 10:45am – 12:15pm | Session: Completing the Stress Cycle
Stress is part of leadership—but it doesn’t have to stay in your body. Drawing on the work of Drs. Emily and Amelia Nagoski, this interactive session explores practical ways to release built-up tension and restore calm. You will: · Understand the difference between dealing with stress and its stressors · Explore evidence-based methods to complete the stress cycle · Practice techniques that leave you feeling grounded, clear, and recharged
|
| 12:30 – 1:15pm | Lunch (Maclean Hall) |
| 1:30 – 2:00pm | Session: Setting Up Our Next Steps (Conference Hall)
We will share upcoming information and set up our Leaders Coaching Circle groups as we transition to return home. |
| 2:00 – 3:00pm | Final Session: Consolidation and Celebration (Conference Hall) |
| 3:00pm | Departure |
Our Location
Crieff Hills Retreat Centre 7098 Concession 1, Puslinch, ON N0B2J0. Please see the FAQs at crieffhills.com for the answers to many facility questions.
Travel
The venue has free parking and is located 45 minutes southwest of Toronto Airport. Please plan your travel to arrive between 9:30-10:30 on Monday, January 27, 2024.
Should you need to arrive the night before, there are many well-priced hotels approxiately 10 minutes away (by car) in nearby Cambridge. We have heard that some participants will be staying at Staybridge in Guelph, also very nearby.
Dress code: Casual and Comfy
Considerations:
- Comfort: Prioritize comfortable clothing and shoes that will provide relaxation and comfort during our workshops and support participation in outdoor activities like hiking, walking, labryinth, running, yoga, fire pit conversations, and star gazing.
- Weather Check: Late October is unpredictable! Check the weather forecast closer to the retreat date to fine-tune your packing list.
Packing List
- Remember your Core Values artifact!
- We have had feedback from previous participants that they found the bedding a bit sparse. Please consider bringing an extra pillow and blanket.
Clothing:
- Layers: A variety of layers for fluctuating weather. Think thermals, base layers, fleece jackets, and a warm and waterproof outer shell.
- Comfortable Pants: Comfortable hiking pants or leggings for outdoor activities and lounging.
- Long-sleeved Shirts: A mix of long-sleeved shirts for layering and warmth.
- Sweatshirt or Sweater: A cozy sweatshirt or sweater for evenings by the fire pit.
- Relaxation Clothes: Comfortable clothes for lounging and sleeping in the various residences.
- Pajamas: Don't forget warm and comfortable pajamas for a restful sleep.
- Hat and Mittens: Bring a warm hat and mittens for outdoor activities.
- Comfortable Outdoor Shoes: Sturdy hiking boots for exploring the trails and comfortable shoes for indoor activities. Consider bringing an extra pair of shoes in case one gets wet.
- Indoor shoes/slippers
Toiletries:
- Essential toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any medications you require.
- Sunscreen (optional)
Other Essentials:
-
- Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout your retreat.
- Flashlight or headlamp: Handy for a shared room at night or evening walks.
- Book: Pack a good book for your free time.
- Sunglasses
- Cash or credit card: While meals are included, there may be incidentals you wish to purchase.
- Phone and charger: Don't forget your phone and charger to stay connected (although we encourage unplugging to enjoy the retreat!)
- Optional: A small backpack for carrying essentials during hikes
Remember: This is a general list. Adapt it based on your individual needs and preferences for a comfortable and enjoyable experience at Crieff Hills. Crieff Hills is an intentionally minimalist environment. Be sure to bring any comforts of home that will make you happy and ready to do our work together.
Accommodations
At Crieff Hills, there are a number of different accommodations, from a comfortable modern lodge to historic houses on the property. Our cohort will have single rooms near each other in adjacent buildings. The buildings have a cozy lounge areas where coffee and tea will be available.
You'll receive your room and building information at sign-in when you arrive.
Crieff Hills is an intentionally minimalist environment in a beautifual natural setting. It's a choice of venue that supports distraction-free deep work and removes us from our everyday habits and assumptions. We do want to give you the heads up not to expect a typical hotel experience!
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available, though Crieff Hills is in a rural area and the speed might not be what you're used to. We do invite you to step away from your devices as much as possible to fully participate in the program, with time to connect with yourself and others.
Food and Beverage Policy
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily. We will enjoy meals that have been beautifully prepared by the Crieff Hills Centre chef, with many ingredients sourced from their own gardens. The kitchen is very adept at accommodating allergies and intolerances, but we must receive notification by 2 weeks before the residency.
Snacks and coffee, tea, and water will be provided. We'd welcome your help setting up for the coffee/snack breaks!
Alcohol is not served nor sold on site. Participants should bring their own alcoholic beverages if desired.
Tobacco, ritual herbs, prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs including medical cannabis are permitted on site and may be consumed by guests in a safe and responsible manner. Smoking, incense or diffusers are permitted in the designated outdoor area(s) only. Smoking, incense or diffusers are never permitted inside any building on the property.
Noise Considerations: There will be other guests at the Crieff Hills Retreat Centre during our stay. Many people come to this serene and beautiful venue for silent retreat or peaceful respite. Please keep this in mind, especially outdoors. If you and other Leading Women participants find yourselves in the frame of mind for more raucous relaxation, please take it inside the lodge which we have reserved in entirety for our group's use.
For complete facility details, please review the Crieff Hills site.