The Global Chairs retreats were held across three months of June, July and August 2024, in small cohorts. They were held at the Fort Barwara Six Senses, a spacious sanctuary, royal retreat, and an epic sustainable vision, providing an exceptional opportunity for exchanging ideas and thoughts on advancing G100’s global mission in solidarity, friendship and inspiration. 

As we immersed in the serene environs, protected by the power of the mighty fort, a tranquil ambiance pervaded our spirit, enveloping us in its lap of luxury and love, taking our breath away – and in the process, giving our breath back to ourselves. Retreating to nourish the core of our being became a precious opportunity to look within and see further. Breaking from the rhythm of daily lives, we took the opportunity to reflect and relax, enjoying the company of nature, ourselves, and one another, replete with a vision of what our world can be when we decide to dedicate ourselves to a vision of wellness and wellbeing, in every sense possible. 

During the three retreats, we were joined by almost 100 members, including global chairs, denim club members, along with their families and friends in solidarity. Together, we strengthened our commitment to creating an equitable world, building on common grounds and shared interests. Each retreat became an enriching occasion to better connect with our global chairs and their families. Each one offered incredible inspiration, offering many learnings and takeaways, especially regards envisioning the future toward building our network and strengthening the agenda of diversity, inclusion, and representation. 

The retreat didn’t have an agenda by design; the agenda being to unwind and connect to oneself and others, with the fullness of our presence and positivity. We were particularly moved by the wisdom and philosophy shared from different cultures and continents, which will stay with us as we strive to be better and do better for society. We explored new business opportunities and made new plans, for our personal growth as also the growth of the collective, the two being intertwined. 

The connections made during the retreat were truly special, and the feeling of being connected in global solidarity was palpable and powerful. The extensive network of wonderful individuals seemed like an endless ocean of love, learning and kindness. In our microcosm of meaningful connections, with generosity and receptivity, no challenge seemed overwhelming and everything seemed possible; such was the reservoir of energy and upliftment that we were able to tap into, just by retreating. 

We realised that ‘retreating’ should also become more woven into our lifestyles. Just as we talk nowadays about work-life balance, we need to also grow awareness, through experiences such as this, around the important of retreating, which helps awaken a certain deeper quality of listening, connecting, sharing. Just as we dig deeper to find water within the earth, likewise the waters of sustenance are within us, and we can bring them up by diving deep in self-discovery, in serenity and soulfulness, as enabled in a retreat. Retreating takes us back to our self, back to the basics, and back to the beginnings. We can take better perspective and be able to declutter our minds and unburden our hearts in powerful ways, thereby coming up with easy and innovative solutions to intransigent issues of our times. Retreating, we can win the wars in our own hearts, and thus be able to find ways to peace in newfound ways. 

All appreciated the opportunity to connect with one another, in a relaxed vacation like setting. The spa and the safari provided added energy and enthusiasm. We laughed, learned and lifted one another in our shared commitment to making a better world, keen to collaborate on projects across wings to create meaningful impacts. In addition to the wellness and healing programs at the resort such as spa and yoga, we also experienced an inner empowerment and commitment to wellness in other senses and from other sources, such as the the robust expression of continuity, heritage, culture, innate in the external designs and principles animating the space of the retreat. Reverberating with a sense of respect for community, environment, energy, conservation and restoration, we could feel the pulse of sustainability everywhere. 

We had an immersive experience on how all can can coexist, and how we can blend and balance all kinds of imperatives, when we are able to access intention and inspiration, knowing that we are never alone and can find communities of support and strength. In these communities of solidarity, we can also harness a treasure trove of talents and abilities, which are in readiness for growth in mutual enrichment, powered by the purpose of the collective. When the collective grows, we all grow automatically, as we are part of it. When we grow individually, the collective is energised as well, as each and everyone can contribute to the collective through one’s own knowledge, initiatives, networks and actions. We are all connected and the currents of transformation can easily move through us all, enabling us to bridge all kinds of dualities and divides. Together we can drive impact within our communities and thereby many such communities can drive change worldwide. 

Toward the close of the retreats, one could feel the renewed sense of energy and passion toward one’s future tasks. Learning and listening created new spaces for improved ideation and intentional actions. We delved into strategies for taking the wings forward with gusto and guidelines, ensuring the vital participation of members and proactive leadership of chairs. Our discussions focused on how to accelerate our actions and enlighten our imagination to ensure that G100 remains a persevering and visionary organization, passing the test of time, with its strong foundations in enduring values of inclusion and connection. 

We were delighted to see ever greater participation from the Denim Club in the successive retreats. Our brothers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting women empowerment, equity, and inclusiveness on a global scale, engaging in dialogue with influential leaders, and making headway to engage with the highest levels of leadership across institutions. With a million gender champions activated, as is the blueprint of the G100, our ambitious goal becomes accessible: to effect change now, and not to wait another 100 years. 

Indeed, we also recognised that the task ahead is challenging, especially in a male-dominated world. However, with passion, determination, and a willingness to achieve against all odds, we can come closer and closer to our aims. Just as women leaders of the past century persevered and gifted us the times of today, we too had to continue to do our part, embracing the challenges en route, and surmounting them with our collective strength and intelligence. Amidst us, we have all kinds of capabilities and endless opportunities. As we say at the network, together we can, and together we will. Every step we take brings us closer to our ultimate goal. 

By the end of the 21st century, in a few years from now, we envision G100 as an organisation of immense power and influence, with a voice that cannot be ignored by any government or people. We aim to have our message reverberate through the corridors of power, compelling those in charge to implement meaningful changes.

One of the key highlights of the retreat was the development of ideas for the coming years, such as on increasing our global outreach, enhancing our advocacy efforts, and building strategic partnerships with like-minded organisation. We need to persevere on our path to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more inclusive society. 

The respective retreats concluded with good news of women leaders being elected to lead their countries, such as in Iceland and Mexico. And perhaps, the US might also elect its first female President. These developments serve as a powerful reminder of the impact that empowered women can have on global governance and policy-making, as also promoting peace. 

However, in order to support women to lead longer and stronger, we need to underscore the importance of creating robust support structures for women leaders, in order to reduce burnout and ensure their leadership remains resilient, overcoming the challenges en route. We have examples of many women leaders who had to quit prematurely, either due to the ‘glass cliff’ phenomenon, or because of it being lonely at the top, with scant support and inordinate pressure and personal attacks. 

To stay strong and upbeat and on the upward curve is an uphill task. All the more reason that retreating needs to become part of our lives, especially for all leaders in high octane environments, in order to reclaim our own soul through solitude and solidarity, embracing the inner reservoir of happiness, optimism, inspiration and solidarity. 

Overall, the G100 global chairs retreats were a resounding success, laying a solid foundation for our future endeavours. The retreats will continue through the rest of the year as well, with the various country clubs across wings. The G100 CEOs retreats would also be engaged in furtherance of these objectives. 

To conclude, the retreats created a most fulfilling experience of self-discovery and self-sustenance through solitude, soulfulness and the strength of sisterhood, uplifted by a vision of sustainability. We became more inspired and more united than ever, ready to face the challenges ahead and make a lasting impact on the world.  Together we can. 

 

Convenors & Hosts: 

Founder & President, G100 Club, Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai

Founder & President, Denim Club, Vinay Rai