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
Arrival by 10:30am, Wednesday, January 22, 2025
There will be a morning session together before lunch.
Departure at 4:00pm, Thursday, January 23, 2025
A detailed schedule will be posted in early January.
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 by 10:30 on Wednesday, January 22.
Crystal Dodds, a participant in this cohort, is generously coordinating rides and drivers from (and back to) Toronto.
Please get in touch with Crystal at your earliest convenience to request a ride or offer to drive others:
Email: Crystal.Dodds@haltonpolice.ca Cell – 905 808 6784
Accommodations
For the winter residency, we will all have single rooms in 3 adjacent buildings. You'll receive your room and building information at sign-in on January 22.
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 notification by January 10 if there are any changes to the allergies or food preferences you shared with us in the fall.
Snacks and coffee, tea, and water will be provided by the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) and Heather Clayton Consulting.
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.
Packing List
Clothing:
- Layers: A variety of layers for winter weather. Think thermals, base layers, fleece jackets, and a good 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
- 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.
Fall Foundation 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
Tuesday October 8 |
1:00-2:45 – Arrival* and sign-in, explore the property
Pick up your Welcome Package at Maclean Hall (Main Office and Dining Room), check out the grounds and join us In the Conference Hall to meet your colleagues. * If you need to arrive before 1:00, please let us know so that we can make arrangements. Please note that room check-in starts at 4:45pm. Please leave your personal belongings in your vehicles until this time. |
3:00-4:45 – Welcome Session (Conference Hall)
Join us to set up the ‘container’ for our work together over this residency and into the fall. This time will include:
|
4:45-5:30 – Settle in to your rooms & enjoy free time
Check out the area, continue to settle in, mingle with your colleagues |
5:30-6:30 – Dinner (Maclean Hall) |
7:00-8:30 – 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. Please bring your Core Values artifact to this session. |
Evening Activity – Welcome wine and nibbles (s’mores!) around the campfire |
Wednesday, October 9 |
Pre-Breakfast Activities: Practicing Mindful Presence (Optional)
Yoga (7:00-7:30, location tbc) or self-guided activities (forest walk on the trails, rest, journal, other) |
8:00-8:30 Breakfast (Maclean Hall) |
8:45-9:00 – Check-in/ Overnight mail (Conference Hall)
What insights or questions do you have at this point? What is resonating? Tricky? |
9:00-10:30 – Session: Self Awareness through Type Coach Preferences (Conference Hall)
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. *NEW*: We will provide a print-out of your personal Verifier Report at this workshop. |
10:30-10:45 – Morning Break + Afternoon Session Sign-up
Refer to the descriptions below to be prepared to sign up for your first or second choice of session. (Max 9/session.) We will announce the sign-up location before the break. |
10:45-12:15 – 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. |
12:30-1:15 – Lunch (Maclean Hall) |
1:30-2:30 – Choose One of the Following Sessions
Sign up for your chosen session during morning break. (There is a maxium of 9/session. Please have a second choice of session in mind in case your first choice is full.) A. Walking the Labyrinth for Decision Making (Labyrinth) For centuries, labyrinths have been used as meditative spaces for contemplation and problem-solving. Discover the ancient wisdom of the labyrinth as a powerful tool for modern leadership. Bring a specific challenge you are working through, and learn how to harness the labyrinth's power to enhance strategic thinking and decision-making. This workshop provides an opportunity to practice embodied leadership so that you can feel greater clarity and confidence as you lead. B. The Experience Cube: Unlocking Clarity and Connection (Location TBD) Get clear; get connected. We'll use the Experience Cube to help you see your experience from different angles and identify strategies to communicate it with others. It's like putting on a pair of leadership super-glasses! Bring a recent scenario/reaction to explore through this powerful framework. C. The Art of Team and Individual Feedback (Location TBD) Want to provide feedback that truly makes a difference? Learn models for both individuals and teams that support effective communication. Explore the SBI method – Situation, Behaviour, Impact – as well as a team-based approach for meaningful interactions. You’ll gain tools to deliver clear, specific, and impactful insights. Leave this workshop confident in your ability to offer feedback that is both helpful and motivating. * Materials are provided in your workbook for all 3 workshops, so you will have the resources regardless of what you choose. |
2:30-2:45 Afternoon Break |
2:45-4:00 – Session
“Teach back” to share learning (5 – 10 minutes) 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 learn 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. |
4:00-5:30 – Free Time/Self-Guided Forest Hike/Rest/Other |
5:30-6:30 – Dinner (Maclean Hall) |
7:00-8:30 – Session: Networking and How to Meet Challenges with Questions
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. |
Evening Activity – (Self-Guided) Campfire/ Indoor fire/ Night hike/ Other |
Thursday, October 10 |
Pre-Breakfast Activities – Practicing Mindful Presence (Optional)
Yoga (7:00-7:30, location tbc), self-guided forest walk, rest, journal, other |
8:00-8:45 Breakfast (Maclean Hall) |
8:45-9:00 – Check-in/ Overnight mail (Conference Hall)
What insights or questions do you have at this point? What is resonating? Tricky? |
9:00-10:15 – 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. |
10:15-10:45 – Morning Break
Move out of your rooms: Load personal belongings into your cars, or bring them to the Conference Hall |
10:45-12:15 – Impostor Syndrome: Don’t Let it Hold You Back (Conference Hall)
As high-achieving female leaders, we can secretly doubt our own abilities. Impostor syndrome and our Inner Critic can hold us back from reaching our full potential. We will shed light on the common signs of impostor syndrome, explore the impact it has on your career and personal life and provide practical strategies to overcome these self-doubts--all in the context of this incredible network of supportive women. |
12:30-1:15 – Lunch (Maclean Hall) |
1:30- 2:00 – 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. |
2:00-3:00 – Final Session: Consolidation and Celebration |
3:00 - Depart |
There will be time allocated to sharing your feedback on Thursday afternoon.
Please access the questionnaire here.
Thank you for sharing your insights!
Pre-readings and activities for the Fall Foundation Residency:
- 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.
We'll be diving right in on our first evening together based on these materials. Please come prepared so that you and your fellow participants can get the most out of the program.
Thank you for completing your TypeCoach and questionnaires! We have printed your TypeCoach reports and will provide them to you at our first TypeCoach session.
If you have any questions about the to-dos, readings, or activities, please contact heather@heatherclaytonconsulting.com.
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 1pm and 2:45pm on October 8.
Crystal Dodds, a participant in this cohort, is generously coordinating rides and drivers from (and back to) Toronto.
Please get in touch with Crystal at your earliest convenience to request a ride or offer to drive others:
Email: Crystal.Dodds@haltonpolice.ca Cell – 905 808 6784
Accommodations
At Crieff Hills Accommodations are in a few different buildings: a comfortable modern lodge, as well as a couple of historic houses on the property. The lodge includes single and double-occupancy rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom. The building has a cozy lounge area with coffee and tea available. The other houses include single rooms, kitchen and common living area with shared bathrooms.
You'll receive your room and building information at sign-in on October 8 (and a reminder of your roommate, if applicable).
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 September 20 (via your Residency Questionnaire).
Snacks and coffee, tea, and water will be provided by the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) and Heather Clayton Consulting.
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 clothing and shoes for relaxation and participation in activities like hiking, walking, running, yoga, fire pit conversations, and star gazing.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast closer to the retreat date to fine-tune your packing list.
Packing List
- Remember your Core Values artifact!
Clothing:
- Layers: A variety of layers for fluctuating fall weather. Think thermals, base layers, fleece jackets, and a 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 comfortable pajamas for a restful sleep.
- Hat and Mittens: The weather can get chilly in October: bring a warm hat and mittens for outdoor activities.
- Comfortable 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.
Toiletries:
- Essential toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any medications you require.
- Sunscreen (optional)
- Insect Repellent (optional): Consider bringing insect repellent if you're prone to bites, especially during morning or evening hikes.
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 and hat
- 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.