The Power of Leadership Development: Behind the Scenes of Think Resilience’s First Retreat
- Dr Elaine Smith
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Do you ever find it funny how things work out?
We knew we wanted our first retreat to be special. We knew we wanted to launch with a bang. We just didn’t know exactly how we’d do it.
Scott had already spoken with Paul Maclennan MSP about his own business and knew he was supportive of local initiatives. Paul suggested connecting with Alex McClintock from Andy’s Man Club. When we met Alex, he was open, warm and easy to talk to, completely unsurprising given his role at Andy’s Man Club. We agreed to invite their Scottish paid staff and facilitators, as our retreat focus is on leadership. It all made perfect sense.
I’ve long admired Andy’s Man Club. I’ve followed their work for years and have often signposted clients to them. It was incredibly important to us that we collaborate with an organisation that completely aligns with our values.
Long story short... we set our first retreat for 16 April 2025. What a day it was.
How Think Resilience Was Born
For those of you unfamiliar with our Think Resilience Leadership Retreats, here’s a quick summary of our story.
I’m Dr Elaine Smith, Clinical Psychologist, specialising in compassionate leadership and mental health at work. There’s so much we can do to make work better for everyone. That is my mission.
Scott Smith is my business partner. He spent years in the scaffolding industry before setting up Wild Cairns, an outdoor adventure business based around assault courses and team-building. He’s an assault course veteran and all-round master motivator.
We met at the RBS/Natwest Accelerator in September 2023 and quickly realised we had a shared vision for a new kind of leadership retreat. Scott was in the process of moving his business to Whitekirk Hill in East Lothian. The the perfect venue for our plan. The stars aligned.
We wanted to offer a meaningful, modernised off-site/away day. Where leadership development meets Tough Mudder-lite.
It made perfect sense to combine our expertise to create a day that would have real and lasting impact.
And that lasting impact is key. What do people take away? That’s what really matters.
A Day in the Life of Our First Retreat
Arrival
We started with a 30-minute walk to a beautiful viewpoint at Whitekirk Hill. It’s the perfect place to connect - with nature and each other. Some in the group already knew one another, but not everyone. With hybrid working, many teams haven’t had much face to face time, if any. These small, human moments are golden.
We believe opportunity is missed when we don’t give space to foster these relationships. The impact of face-to-face connection is instant.
We returned to The Snug for fresh coffee, tea, scones, and fruit. The home baking at Whitekirk Hill is honestly divine.
These early moments are important. They warm people up (literally and metaphorically) and set the tone. I’ve facilitated many groups over the years, and I know that...
If you don’t give space for these conversations, two things can happen:
It’s a missed opportunity for people who rarely meet.
People may try to chat during the session, because they’re excited to be with their team.
Leader Know to Grow: The Experience
Led by Dr. Elaine Smith
Our morning session is designed to be experiential, not lecture-style. I believe in freedom to move, fidget, pause. The session increases self-awareness and wellbeing, while exploring aspects of compassionate leadership and psychological safety.
This isn’t about passive listening. It’s about powerful reflection and interaction.
“Very informative and engaging class. The assault course was a very inspiring group event which was balanced nicely by the spa to finish.”— Anonymous
We create a space for people to be real, even if that includes being unsure or uncomfortable. That’s where change happens.
“The workshop affirmed some of my beliefs that I had as a leader and certainly helped recognise that in myself and boosted my confidence.”— Alex McClintock, Head of Groups, Andy’s Man Club
I always hold in mind that people bring their whole selves - their stories, beliefs, and trauma - into leadership. That’s the entire point.
“The recognition that my empathetic nature can be a recognised and valuable tool for people management.”— Anonymous
Throughout the session, conversation flowed with people chatting, connecting, and learning at the same time. As one participant put it...
“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
Lunch
Lunch was served in the lounge area of The Snug. An hour to relax and connect further.
“Lots of answers to questions and questions to answers… bringing our team closer together and with lots of encouragement from yourselves.”— Neil Chaney
Outdoor Adventure
Led by Scott Smith
The afternoon took us outside again, in all weathers. This group braved the full assault course. (We do offer a Highland Games alternative too.)
The weather was wild, wet and windy, or as one participant said:“Our lovely Scottish weather made the experience on the assault course a totally new level.” - - Anonymous
Despite the conditions, the group thrived. As always, we heard:“I can’t do that, no way.”And then:“I can’t believe I did that.”
This kind of challenge rewrites old narratives. It builds confidence and camaraderie.
“Still buzzing after it the next day.”— Alex McClintock, Head of Groups, Andy’s Man Club
We watched people support and cheer each other through the mud, the ropes, the walls, the tunnels…
“All the support and encouragement from all involved — especially on some of the parts of the assault course.”— Neil Chaney
These are the moments people remember. This is real compassion in action. Leadership in action.
“From start to finish the day was awesome, made to feel welcome and safe and allowed to express ourselves across the day from the classroom to the mud.”— Alex McClintock, Head of Groups, Andy’s Man Club
Spa Experience
The retreat ended with something just as powerful. Time for pause and reflection.
Participants enjoyed full use of Whitekirk Hill’s luxury spa. Time to relax and recover.
“An incredible experience. Led by a great team teaching resilience, leadership and amazing relaxation.”— Anonymous
We reunited in The Snug before heading home, feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected.
“Nice mixture of academic, activity and relaxation sessions. Very inclusive… a very inspiring day for all.”— Anonymous
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
We are so thankful to Andy’s Man Club for trusting us with this collaboration.
We can’t wait to host more leadership teams from across the UK and beyond. If you’re travelling, there’s beautiful 5-star accommodation at Whitekirk Hill. Just mention our retreat for preferential rates.
We also offer extended retreats if your team wants more than a single day. Just email us to book a call.
“Thank you very much and hope to visit again in the future.”— Anonymous
“Thank you so much for a truly enjoyable day… keep up the great work and I hope you and your team grow even bigger.”— Neil Chaney
“Gratitude to all those who helped make this happen and best of luck for the future.”— Anonymous
If you’d like to be part of a retreat like this, we’d love to hear from you. It might just be the experience that shifts something for your team, and for you. You can book now, using this link https://forms.gle/Woqh1pyVuLvBsHVh9.
A huge thanks to our sponsors, Hargreaves Land & Blindwells Living. We are so grateful for you supporting our launch retreat.
Think Resilience Leadership Retreats
Compassion. Challenge. Connection.
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