People like us

In theory, it shouldn't work. 

A group of people from different professions, different walks of life and different cultures came together last week for a trip none of us will forget.

Founders and business leaders with decades of experience and wisdom, travelling from different parts of the globe to spend a week with people they've never met.

To a place many of them have never been to.

To find inspiration, clarity and connection.

Not by trying, but by not trying.

This is what flow feels like.

Over the course of 7 days we saw how:

• people got unstuck

• folks that were strangers just days ago became friends

• new ideas and collaborations were born

Alptitude is the best teacher I know.

These mountains, and the people that gravitate to them, have a unique power.

Each year we run this retreat/unconference/summit, I try and capture what I learnt.

So below are 10 things Alptitude taught, or reminded, me this year.

PS. We've just opened up registrations for 2027 so if you feel called, join the waitlist.

1. Trust is the greatest currency there is

People came from as far afield as Bali, Canada and the US to be with us. It never ceases to amaze me how much trust people place in us.

I've realised that mine and Carlos's friendship is the thing that helps to build that trust, and this community. That and showing up consistently, week on week, year on year.

Whenever I hear someone being scared about being more visible, I say this – there's someone out there that you haven't met yet that will be thankful you did.

And they might just become an important person in your life.

2. We attract a special kind of person – with zero ego

I hear it again and again at our gatherings. “How would you describe the people here?” I struggle every time to be honest.

Some things I do know about them.

They are open-minded, curious, smart, 'why not' people. Doers, big thinkers and fun-loving.

Outwardly successful but also humble and down to earth. They tend to hate influencers, love British humour and party tunes.

My kind of people.

3. Dawn hikes are always worth it

It can feel brutal to wake people up at 4am on the second day of a retreat that promises space and rest. And yet we know that the magical moments happen when we least expect them.

Watching the sun rise over Mont Blanc with new friends isn't an experience you get every day.

I've yet to meet anyone who regrets that early morning alarm call.

4. Everyone needs a buddy group

We split the group into smaller buddy groups of 5-6 people, meeting daily to check-in with one another, get a temperature check and ensure everyone gets what they need from the week.

Sometimes it's just a case of feeling heard, no fixing required. Think of it as your personal advisory board.

5. Sometimes nature stops you in your tracks

The waterfalls at this time of year are off the charts. This one in particular was a welcome treat after the heat that day.

Each of us took time to embrace the raw power of nature. And I wasn't going to miss out.

6. Your inner child is waiting to come out

The week is peppered with fun experiences to get us out of our heads and into our bodies. And none more so than whitewater rafting.

We rafted through ancient gorges, with unparalleled views of the mountains all around us. But we also got to splash around and get wet too.

Seeing people's faces light up as they played made me feel like a kid again, and I know I wasn't the only one. 

7. When the needs are clear the right tool appears

We intentionally don't plan sessions before the week. We let it emerge based on what comes up in the first couple of days. Some need to work through a challenge, some have conversations they'd like to have, and others are happy to just be there.

Emergent strategy in action.

8. High-stakes decisions need different perspectives

Over the week we embraced the wisdom of the crowd.

We encourage those at a transition point, or facing a big challenge, to pose their question to the group and again and again we saw how opening up in this way built deep clarity and connection.

Big decisions need a wider perspective than just advice.

Sometimes you come away with a better question.

9. Grief comes in many forms

Some were navigating losses in their personal lives. Sometimes transitions are forced upon us when we least expect it.

Life can be cruel sometimes.

We also heard stories of people grieving past businesses and old identities.

The beauty is nature can be a healer.

10. Our hands have more wisdom than we realise

Our superstar colleague Claire Knill helps to make the week run smoothly but is also an artist, and led a session on the final day to help us all reflect on the week.

Not in words, but through painting and feeling.

She got us to lose the fear and have fun with a creative process that was more than just what appeared on the page.

Thanks to everyone that came, as well as our support team of Sally-Anne, Simon, Jess, Arno, Karen and Fran.

Maybe see you in 2027?

Alptitude returns in June 2027

The week that dreams are made of

“I just got back from a week-long retreat in the Alps and it was insanely good. The most incredible people with zero ego. Deep conversations. Adventure. Mountains. Nature. I told my husband we were moving there lol.”

– Gemma Gilbert, business coach