Leadership Evolution with Retreats with Marsha Kucera

Alison welcomes her retreat client, Marsha Kucera, family physician in Calgary who also serves as a board chair for a not-for-profit organization, a site medical lead at her clinic, and director of informatics and quality improvement.

Marcia explains that she entered leadership without formal training and experienced periods of burnout. She tried therapy, coaching, exercise, yoga, mindfulness, nutrition, and became a certified coach herself. She says those approaches helped, but the biggest shift came during a physically challenging hike with a friend, where movement, reflection, and time away from work made a noticeable difference.

She contrasts that experience with traditional vacations, which she says didn't lead to lasting change. According to her, the combination of movement, breathlessness, exploration, and uninterrupted mental space allowed her to be present and notice what her mind could offer. She says ideas and solutions often come during movement and are more likely to stick afterward.

The discussion then turns to how she designs her retreats and why they are different from conferences or passive getaways. She emphasizes that different participants take away different things, and that the retreat is meant to meet people where they are rather than force a single outcome.

Marcia describes the retreat as a movement-based experience in Italy and the program includes hiking, walking, excursions, and a pesto class. She says it is designed for women leaders or women who want to become leaders and feel stuck or unsure about their next step.

As the discussion wraps up, Marsha advises listeners who feel stuck to consider that they are not the problem; they need to identify the real issue. Her suggested approach is to move the body in a challenging natural setting while being mindful and present.

HIGHLIGHTS:

1:14 From Burnout to Breakthrough

3:45 The Retreat Awakening

6:35 Movement Sparks Clarity

9:42 Why Vacations Don’t Stick

13:27 Keeping the Shift Alive

16:33 Italian Retreat Plans

19:18 Who This Retreat Serves

19:57 Stuck Means Not Broken

connect with Marsha

website: https://www.unchartdleadership.com

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