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In my previous blog I mentioned that I was going back to Aldourie Castle for my third Leadership Retreat there. When I was a teacher, one of my colleagues used to say ‘you should never go back’, whether that was to a holiday venue or restaurant or anywhere where have had a great time! This was to protect from disappointment. Well I am very glad that I went back on this occasion!

I flew up to Aldourie with others in the S+ team on the Monday morning. As the Castle was full that evening we had booked into the brand new Balachladaich  B & B a few miles down the road.  ‘Balachladaich means Rocky Shore in Gaelic, which indicates exactly how close you are to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness’. It truly was stunning and had all the special touches that the television series “Four in a Bed”  would be proud of!

Everything from the view, decor, hospitality and tasty treats were excellent.  Our team and some of the delegates dined that evening in the Dores Inn again, a highly recommended venue that met expectations.

The main focus of the leadership retreat this year was based around the “Things you should do, could do and then often choose not to do with your people”.  This extends to the importance of customers, the importance of people and the importance of your vision. Clearly these first two venues have this approach spot on. One of the team from Aldourie came to pick us up next morning and so the delights continued.

Lavinia is the general manager at Aldourie estate. She certainly leads an amazing team. It was wonderful to be welcomed back to the splendour of the Castle by people who appeared genuinely pleased to have us back.  As one of the other returning delegates said ‘it’s like coming home’. I unpacked my bag and ran an iron over my clothes.

How’s this for a view?

By lunchtime the delegates had arrived, some new and others for a second or third time. We had a good mix of ‘leaders’ from small businesses to global companies. As the next three days and nights unfolded, we shared a journey of discovery into how we lead as influencers of others.

Part of the many activities and questions we had to consider was about the key decisions we have taken in our lives so far. By reflecting on mine, I realised that they all have been based around love and/or loss regarding opportunities and people.  My decision to follow my passion of speaking about postnatal illness was based on my vision to help others and also because I had lost the love of my teaching career (due to politics and paperwork).  Even my decision to write about my journey of PND was based on the loss of the ‘expected’ start to motherhood and the desire to offer others hope.

I realised that these big decisions all offered me excitement in some way and also risk – usually financial. I keep on surviving and am happy with my choices!

I enjoyed reflecting on how far I have come in two years and the excitement of wondering how far I can still go.

I have come away with my plan for the next year. This mainly involves being the best mother I can be; writing my next book on ‘Contemplating another Pregnancy after a postnatal illness’ and continuing to grow and develop my PA and business coaching with S+.

So what made my return trip back to Aldourie an even better time?

1. The excellent venues and customer service by all involved
2. The amazing group of people I was honoured to spend time with
3. The mental challenges and new knowledge delivered at the retreat
4. The knowledge that we already have all the places reserved for next year!

Thank you to those involved. Sometimes it IS the right thing to go back.

Elaine