Chaos & Crisis Retreat: Château de Tharoul Put to the Test

On June 27, the LEAD team transformed the stunning Château de Tharoul into a dynamic rehearsal space for our upcoming Chaos & Crisis Retreat. This full-scale dress rehearsal was more than just a logistical dry run—it was an immersive experience designed to bring every element of the 3-day retreat to life.

From Strategy to Spatulas: A Test Like No Other

For one day, laptops were swapped for spatulas as our team took over not only the castle, but also its kitchen. The collaborative spirit thrived in an unexpected setting, as team members prepared meals together—an exercise that revealed the surprising parallels between navigating crises and coordinating in a kitchen.

Previewing the Retreat Journey

The day’s program offered a hands-on preview of key retreat components:

• 🗺️ The 7 Islands Map: We explored this guiding framework together, using it to navigate the complex terrain of uncertainty and systems thinking.

• 🐎 Equine Insights: Thanks to the support of ChevalEssence – Sophie Maka, with Gaëlle Kerjean and Isabelle, we engaged in the much-anticipated horse exercise—a reflective and powerful component that continues to deliver deep personal and team insights.

More Than a Test—A Celebration of Team Spirit

What stood out most was not just the planning and testing, but the camaraderie. Over chopping boards and shared meals, the team solved challenges, tested ideas, and found joy in working side by side. It was a reminder of the incredible creativity and generosity that powers everything we do at LEAD.

With systems tested, the castle warmed up, and team energy running high, we’re ready to welcome participants for three extraordinary days of learning, growth, and a few culinary surprises.

📸 Photos: Moments from our behind-the-scenes prep—map in hand, kitchen in motion, and lots of laughter in between.

👉 Want to discover more about the Chaos & Crisis Retreat? Read more here