I’m honoured to return this summer co-leading The Art of Leadership — a 5.5-day immersive retreat at Hollyhock, on the beautiful coast of British Columbia, with my long-time colleague Michael Bell. In a time of rising pressure, polarization, and complexity, leadership that is grounded, collaborative, and purpose-driven is more essential than ever.
The Art of Leadership has supported leaders from around the world since the early 2000s. From premiers and mayors to nonprofit executives, public servants, and mission-driven entrepreneurs, participants develop the inner and outer capacities needed to lead with greater clarity, courage, and impact. Originally developed and led by our mentor and friend Robert Gass, this transformative training has been held at Hollyhock and beyond for over two decades, with just a brief pause during the pandemic.
This year’s program runs August 17–22, 2025. Our multiracial leadership team and participant cohort represents a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Leaders join us from government, nonprofit, business, philanthropy, and social change sectors, creating a rich learning environment where different perspectives strengthen our collective wisdom.
“I’m a BIPOC woman working to address the climate crisis within a large institution. The Art of Leadership provided me the connection, self-reflection and tools to address burnout in myself and my team, and foundational strategies to continue the collective hard work we need to do to address the complex multi-layered problems we face.”
The training blends rich group dialogue, individual reflection, and immediately applicable tools.
Modules include:
- Purpose: Reconnecting to what fuels and guides you
- Vision: Articulating a compelling vision that aligns and inspires
- Partnership: Feedback, courageous conversations, and collaborative problem-solving across differences
- Personal ecology: Long-term energy management and burnout prevention
- Resilience: Emotional self-regulation in high-stakes leadership
Participants also receive a confidential 360-degree feedback process from peers, supervisors, and direct reports — a powerful mirror to guide leadership growth.
“The Art of Leadership challenged me to rethink my approach to leadership and provided the tools and insights I needed to grow personally, in order to grow professionally. The course inspired me to lead with greater intention, empathy, and vision, and it empowered me to make meaningful changes in my work and life.” — Participant, 2024
Rooted in decades of practice, The Art of Leadership offers a rare space to reflect, reconnect, and return to your work with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
“Finally, a leadership course that acknowledges, recognizes and even celebrates feelings. This was the most human training I have ever completed – and I loved every second, even the hard bits.” — Participant, 2024
If you’re looking for a reset — time to reflect, learn, and recharge alongside fellow change-makers — we’d love to have you join us.
Learn more or apply here
August 17–22, 2025 | Cortes Island, BC
Hosted by Suzanne Hawkes and Michael Bell
Feel free to share with someone you think would benefit — it tends to fill early. Some scholarships are available.
Suzanne Hawkes 