NATURE INSPIRED, HUMAN-POWERED LEARNING
Join a small group of industry professionals on a seven-day leadership development expedition in beautiful Belize. The remote waters, sand beaches, and jungle canopy will become our living leadership lab. You'll give and receive feedback on team performance, learn and test new leadership styles and techniques, receive coaching from instructors, and enjoy the company of your peers.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
Immerse in the quiet of nature for a week with a complete disconnect from technology, work, and the stress of daily routines back home. Although this disconnect can be uncomfortable at first, you may grow to appreciate the opportunity to slow down, be present, and reset intentions.
PRESENT MOMENT LEADERSHIP
This expedition's foundation is built on the Present Moment Leadership framework, developed by faculty at the Johns Hopkins Center for Innovative Leadership, which emphasizes that leaders must deploy the right amount of empathy, competence, and agility to influence positive change and innovate solutions. Out on the water, you'll juggle all three, practicing the same split-second judgment you need at load-in, showtime, and load-out.
Questions? Contact derrick.bransby@gmail.com
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Current and aspiring production and tour managers, technical and creative directors, crew chiefs, vendor account leads and project managers, and roadies who want to develop their leadership skills.
This is a physically demanding program. However, no technical outdoor skill or prior kayaking experience is required. Participants should be in moderate to strong physical condition and comfortable swimming or floating in open water. We will teach you the rest!
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1. Upon arriving at BZE, connect for a scenic 20-minute flight to Dangriga. Spend the night at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Enjoy a group dinner and relaxing night on the mainland before heading out to the water tomorrow.
DAY 2. After breakfast, travel to Sandfly Caye by motor boat where guides will outfit our team with kayaks and provide professional instruction. Paddle 5 miles to Tobacco Caye and check in to your furnished tent cabana and enjoy the dinner prepared for us.
DAY 3. Paddle the turquoise clear waters of the Southern Barrier Reef. Enjoy a picnic lunch and snorkel on route. Return to Tobacco Caye for dinner and discussion, then snorkel the pristine reef.
DAY 4-5. Paddle, sail, and snorkel on route to the Southwater Caye Marine Reserve. For two days, we'll explore the Atoll by sea kayak with time for one-on-one coaching and group discussion.
DAY 6. Paddle sail to Billy Hawk Caye and explore the Blue Ground Range. Say goodbye to your kayak and return to Southwater Caye by motor boat. Enjoy a celebratory dinner - you earned it!
DAY 7. In the morning, return to Dangriga, where the trip finishes in time to make domestic or international flight connections.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Individual coaching sessions with goal setting before, during, and after program*
Daily routine of kayaking, camping, cooking meals
3-4 hours of paddling per day (may include swimming and snorkeling)
Double kayaks for all participants
Participants will work in teams to manage navigation, cooking and camp setup
Opportunities to lead a group for a day
Share your talents and gifts as a leader
Experiment with new and different leadership approaches
Receive direct and specific feedback from peers and instructors
Evening team debrief and discussion
Assess individual and team performance and make necessary adjustments for next day
Connect leadership lessons learned on expedition to work and life at home
INSTRUCTORS
This course is led by two instructors. They blend industry knowledge with field-tested coaching to keep the trip safe, impactful, and focused. Our local guides will provide logistical support in country.
Derrick Bransby is a researcher at Harvard Business School. He studies teams and leadership in the live event industry.
Mike Doyle is an experienced expedition leader and leadership coach. He has led adventure-based courses throughout the U.S., Norway, Italy, Belize, and Fiji.
