Think Resilience
leadership Retreats
Corporate retreats for leaders who understand that employee health and wellbeing is a top priority.
Leadership Retreats That Make Work Better
Welcome to Think Resilience.
We design high-impact leadership retreats for up to 15 participants, combining psychological insight, inclusive physical challenge, and time to reflect and recharge.
Our one-day retreats are held at Whitekirk Hill in East Lothian and are crafted specifically for organisations who want to build healthier, more connected, and more compassionate leadership teams.
From the moment you arrive, you will feel a sense of calm, ready to soak up psychological insights into leadership, and exhilarating outdoor adventure experiences in the beautiful surrounding countryside. We are passionate about creating a safe and inspiring learning environment. We understand that people may arrive feeling anxious, or they may be experiencing external stressors. Life happens, and we are there to support your experience, no matter what.
Consider yourself in safe hands.
In a world where 76% of the workforce experiences moderate to high levels of stress at work (Champion Health), the need for innovative corporate away days has never been greater.
This is the core of Think Resilience’s mission – to transform the traditional away day into an extraordinary experience that rejuvenates mind, body, and spirit.
“Good health IS good business.” (Paul Dreschler)
Dr Elaine Smith’s Leader Wellbeing Sessions:
There are two workshop options to choose from: Leadership Know To Grow (K2G) and Banish Business Burnout.
There is a strong evidence base for compassionate leadership, leader well-being and psychological safety:
The K2G 90 minute workshop encompasses a range of thought provoking exercises and activities to inspire and foster compassionate leadership.
No clock watching and no ‘death by PowerPoint’. We have all been there.
Option 1:
How does Leadership Know To Grow benefit your organisation?
Looking after leader wellbeing is the key to any mentally healthy workplace
Improved employee engagement and overall wellbeing
Improved employee retention / reduced absenteeism
Productivity increases
Boosts business performance
Improved learning and creativity
Option 2:
For those seeking total relaxation and recharge, Banish Business Burnout offers leaders the opportunity to:
Understand the science behind stress
Learn to soothe your nervous system
Practise relaxation exercises in a safe space
Learn visualisation techniques
The retreat itself also offers a safe space to enhance working relationships, and develop fresh perspectives.
Dr Elaine Smith is an HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist, specialising in creating compassionate workplaces. She designs immersive courses for real life impact.
Unlocking Team Potential: The Outdoor Assault Course Experience
Led by Scott Smith, our inclusive assault course is more than just a physical activity — it’s a hands-on, memorable experience designed to strengthen communication, collaboration, and trust within your team.
This isn’t about athleticism or competition. It’s about shared experience, encouragement, and stepping outside comfort zones together. Every element is designed to be accessible and supportive, creating a level playing field where every participant can contribute and feel part of something bigger.
What makes it different?
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Inclusive by design – built so all participants can take part, regardless of fitness level or confidence
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No pressure, only encouragement – participants choose their pace and how they engage
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Real-time team problem solving – natural opportunities arise for teams to support one another and adapt to challenges
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Confidence through challenge – many participants surprise themselves with what they can do
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A shared story – these are the moments teams remember and refer back to long after the retreat ends
This activity is the perfect environment for building trust, boosting morale, and helping leaders reconnect with their team in a real and grounded way.
“I can’t do that… no way.”
“I can’t believe I did that.”
We hear this time and again. And it’s exactly the kind of shift we aim to create.
Morale Boost: Completing challenges elevates team confidence and belief in collective success.
Resilience: Physical challenges uncover personal strength and endurance.
Communication: Sharpens crucial workplace teamwork skills.
Leadership Development: Offers chances to lead, showcasing varied team strengths.
Our Day Together
Walk
On arrival, we will take a stroll in the grounds, to get ourselves moving and optimise our brains for learning. An excellent way for us to get to know you a little, and bask in nature all at once. There are gorgeous views (weather dependent!), and stunning landscapes to enjoy.
Tea/Coffee Break
When we return, refreshed from outside, we will enjoy a hot drink (or cold if you prefer), and beautiful homemade scones from the Whitekirk Orangery. We really believe in a nurturing environment and we have designed the day with this is mind. Relaxed and ready to learn is a fantastic way to begin.
Dr Elaine Smith –Leadership Know To Grow or Banish Business Burnout
In the snug, Elaine will lead either, the Know to Grow or Banish Business Burnout session depending on what option you choose for your team. Comprising the three main topics of leader wellbeing, compassionate leadership and psychological safety at work. She is mindful that new information can feel overwhelming, so she encourages frequent movement and short breaks to ensure everyone can remain engaged in the material. The best learning experiences often come from conversations, which Elaine actively encourages. Participants will be provided with workbooks, which will support their action planning, and follow-up journey.
Scott Smith – Wild Cairns
In the afternoon the focus is on physical engagement. Scott leads the group around an obstacle course designed to foster teamwork, communication, and resilience. This engaging activity not only cements the morning’s session, but also strengthens team bonds.
Our experience has taught us that obstacle courses may not appeal to everyone and for those who prefer not to tackle the obstacles directly, we encourage them to play a vital role by offering advice, strategies, and encouragement to their teammates. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone contributes to the team’s successes, experiences and challenges in the way that suits them best.
Spa
After the outdoor adventure experience, participants can visit the luxurious spa to reflect, relax and unwind in the Sauna, Jacuzzi, Steam room and Swimming Pool.
Scott and Elaine are both huge advocates of the mind-body connection, and are delighted participants will have this opportunity at the end of the retreat day. New surroundings can inspire and energise us, and we leave with a new perspective and a spring in our step.
Scott Smith
For the last seven years, Scott has co-owned an outdoor activity centre, home to an assault course that encapsulates his dedication to Team Building, Management of People, and Health & Safety. His involvement in the conception, design, and construction of the assault course, along with his hands-on approach when leading participants, highlights his commitment to creating engaging, safe, and effective team-building experiences.
Scott’s contributions to youth development were recognised with a certificate at the start of 2024 from the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, underscoring his impact in fostering teamwork and communication skills among young individuals.
An experienced OCR coach who has participated in over 80 obstacle course races throughout the UK, Scott ensures that teams are guided with expertise, safety, and encouragement, making every experience both challenging and rewarding.
Dr Elaine Smith
Dr Elaine Smith is a Clinical Psychologist with a passion for workplace wellbeing. She set up her own private practice in 2018, realising that the organisational stress was impacting on her own wellbeing.
Elaine has thrived in private practice, and now focuses on corporate wellbeing. She brings her vast professional and personal experiences to offer a fresh approach. She has experienced the highs and lows of leadership like everyone else, and understands the impact that leaders can have on us. Elaine has experienced inspirational and compassionate leadership, but she has also suffered sleepless nights and high anxiety under poor leadership. She understands this is a real life problem, and that when we are stressed, we can behave less compassionately, which can impact employee wellbeing.
Elaine loves to work with leaders. She believes that compassionate leadership can transform the culture and fortunes of any organisation.
Retreat Roundup
Whitekirk Hill is set in East Lothian, surrounded by stunning greenery, and beautiful sea views. It boasts 5 star lodges, the Whitekirk Orangery for gorgeous food, a spa, gym and children’s soft play. It also hosts a park run on a Saturday, so is quite the destination, with growing demand.
We offer luxury transport options, from the airport, train station, workplace or any meeting point. It is important to offer a seamless, relaxing day for those who wish to attend our retreat. Transport will not be a barrier.
For those travelling further afield, we can support requests for accommodation through Whitekirk Hill. Our retreat appeals to international clients, and we can offer additional services and arrange activities outwith our retreat, at an additional cost.
Contact us now to book your transformative retreat.
Testimonials
“From start to finish the day was awesome. Made to feel welcome and safe, and allowed to express ourselves — from the classroom to the mud.”
— Alex McClintock, Andy’s Man Club
An extremely powerful day in great surroundings. Elaine’s presentation around leadership was insightful and very helpful.”
— Kenny Armour, Area Lead, Andy’s Man Club
Lots of answers to questions and questions to answers… bringing our team closer together.”
— Neil Chaney