In a world where the demands on leaders are higher than ever, how often do they truly get the chance to disconnect and reflect on their purpose?
As corporate leaders race through meetings, deadlines, and decisions, leaders often find themselves overwhelmed, with little to no time to pause, reflect and recharge. Ekaanta offers a unique solution—a retreat that combines the serenity of the Ganga, with the science of mindfulness combined with the ancient wisdom of purposeful leadership.
In a recent exclusive interaction with People Matters and Shradha, the founder of Ekaanta shared her distinct approach as to how corporate retreats help leaders gain clarity, foster team bonding, and rejuvenate their minds and spirits. Unlike traditional corporate retreats that may leave participants feeling more drained than energised, Ekaanta provides an environment that refreshes both the body and the soul, setting the stage for transformative leadership experiences.
Edited Excerpts :
Corporate retreats can often be insightful but also exhausting. Can you share what makes Ekaanta’s retreats different from the traditional corporate retreats many are familiar with?
Shradha: Ekaanta’s retreats stand apart because we believe true transformation happens when individuals have the space to pause and reconnect with themselves. Traditional corporate retreats often focus on fast-paced, adrenaline-driven group activities that may create short-term excitement but fail to offer long-lasting benefits, often leaving participants more exhausted than refreshed.
At Ekaanta, we prioritise depth over the number of activities. Our retreats are carefully designed to balance introspection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. We create bespoke itineraries tailored to the specific goals and needs of the leadership team, with activities focused on mental clarity, emotional well-being, and mindful leadership—critical for long-term effectiveness in today’s high-pressure corporate world.
Unlike conventional retreats, Ekaanta is not just about unwinding; it’s about equipping leaders with tools (such as Super Brain Yog) that enable them to become more resilient and purpose-driven when they return to work.
What truly sets us apart is the blend of ancient Eastern practices with modern scientific approaches to well-being. At Ekaanta, leaders are not merely participants but learners. Each module provides deep insights, helping them recalibrate their personal and professional lives.
Our setting by the Ganges, combined with nature-based practices like Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing), offers holistic rejuvenation that can’t be replicated in traditional settings.
We also offer Cognitive Flow Workshops, integrating neuroscience with mindfulness to enhance decision-making, and Leadership Circles, where participants engage in meaningful discussions on leadership challenges and growth.
These curated activities, set in a peaceful environment,( as you watch the mighty Ganges Flow while you brainstorm) help leaders leave Ekaanta not just refreshed but with new perspectives and tools to navigate leadership with clarity, purpose, and balance.
How does the proximity to the Ganga influence the retreat experience, particularly in helping leaders gain clarity and a renewed sense of purpose?
Shradha: The Ganges holds a special place in Indian culture, symbolizing purification, renewal, and spiritual connection. The energy and serenity of the river create an atmosphere conducive to deep reflection and personal transformation, we believe this is particularly vital for corporate leaders who are often caught in the whirlwind of decision-making, high-stakes projects, and constant stress.
Leaders who come to Ekaanta often share that the proximity to the Ganga immediately instils a sense of calm and introspection. There’s something profound about sitting by the banks of this sacred river, away from the distractions of urban life.
Nature has a unique way of grounding us, and when leaders immerse themselves in the natural beauty surrounding Ekaanta, it has a direct impact on their ability to think clearly. Watching the river’s steady flow serves as a metaphor for leadership itself—reminding us to slow down, reflect, and navigate challenges with patience and clarity.
The solitude afforded by this natural setting enhances self-awareness, allowing participants to access insights that are often clouded by the noise and pace of daily corporate life.
In addition to the natural environment, our structured experiences—like Meditation on the Rocks or sound meditation in our amphitheatre led by renowned masters—help leaders deepen their connection to both the environment and their purpose. By quieting the mind and immersing oneself in the energy of the Ganga, many of our corporate guests leave with a renewed sense of focus and direction, which they can take back to their roles as leaders.
Yoga and mindfulness are central to Ekaanta’s offerings. How do these practices contribute to the overall effectiveness of the retreat, especially for senior leaders?
Shradha: Yoga and mindfulness are vital elements of our retreats, designed to ground leaders’ minds and bodies—essential for those in high-pressure environments. These practices cultivate calmness and clarity, enhancing resilience and emotional balance.
At Ekaanta, we address the physical tension that many leaders experience from long hours at their desks. Our Micro Yoga sessions focus on targeted stretches to relieve discomfort in the shoulders, neck, and spine, promoting mental clarity and productivity.
We also teach Tapping Yoga, a technique that involves tapping on specific pressure points to quickly alleviate stress, providing leaders with a practical tool for challenging situations.
Additionally, our Breathwork Meditation sessions guide participants in breathing techniques that calm the nervous system and sharpen focus, reducing stress and enhancing cognitive function.
By integrating these mindful practices, we help leaders leave Ekaanta rejuvenated and equipped with techniques that foster well-being, resilience, and clarity in their roles.
Many corporate retreats focus heavily on socialising, which can sometimes lead to a less productive experience. How does Ekaanta ensure that participants leave feeling rejuvenated rather than drained?
Shradha: We recognise that while socialising is a key part of corporate retreats, it often leads to superficial connections and exhaustion. At Ekaanta, we focus on fostering meaningful interactions that promote deep reflection and genuine connections—not just with others but also with oneself.
Our Tales by the Ganges session provides a space for leaders to share stories and connect over ancient mythology, reflecting on its timeless lessons for modern leadership. The Ganges, with its rich history and spiritual significance, serves as a powerful backdrop, reminding leaders of the importance of flexibility and resilience.
To avoid overstimulation, we ensure ample downtime for rest and reflection. Practices like Shinrin-Yoku (forest bathing) and Gratitude Ceremonies help participants reconnect with nature and themselves, fostering self-awareness and clarity.
One transformative practice is Yog Nidra, where participants meditate in our hall , guided by our Yogacharya. This combination of sound meditation and natural stillness facilitates deep introspection, with rejuvenation allowing leaders to reconnect with their inner calm.
These mindful practices, set in a tranquil environment, ensure participants leave Ekaanta not only refreshed but also with deeper insights into themselves, their teams, and their leadership approaches.
Team bonding is a critical element of leadership retreats. What unique team-building activities does Ekaanta offer, and how do they help strengthen team dynamics in a way that’s sustainable back at the office?
Shradha: At Ekaanta, we believe that team bonding goes beyond traditional exercises; it flourishes through shared experiences that foster trust and authentic connections. Our team-building activities engage participants with nature and each other, promoting deeper interpersonal bonds that extend into the workplace.
One highlight is the Sunrise Trek, a guided hike that encourages resilience and teamwork as participants support one another and embrace the beauty of dawn.
We also offer Nature Walks, where leaders immerse themselves in the local flora and fauna, fostering mindfulness and meaningful conversations in a relaxed setting.
Our Foraging for Food activity invites teams to explore the landscape for seasonal ingredients, promoting collaboration and resourcefulness.
We also have Birdwatching, which allows participants to quietly observe local species, cultivating stillness and focus—key qualities for effective leadership.
By integrating these nature-based activities with reflective practices like Tales by the Ganges and Gratitude Ceremonies, we create an environment that nurtures authentic bonding and sustainable team dynamics.
What feedback have you received from corporate clients about the impact of Ekaanta’s retreats on their leadership teams and overall business performance?
Shradha: Our corporate clients have consistently expressed how Ekaanta has been a transformative experience for their leadership teams. Many leaders have shared that the retreat allowed them to step back from their roles and gain a new perspective, not only on their professional responsibilities but also on their personal well-being. This shift in mindset often leads to more strategic thinking, greater emotional intelligence, and enhanced team collaboration.
One of our clients shared that the Gratitude Ceremony had a profound impact on how their leadership team communicated moving forward. Another noted that the mindfulness and yoga sessions helped their team better manage stress and improve focus, resulting in higher productivity and improved decision-making back at the office.
In your view, why is it essential for companies to invest in retreats that prioritise well-being and mindfulness, especially in today’s corporate landscape?
Shradha: In this highly evolving landscape, leaders are under more pressure than ever before. The constant demands of business, coupled with the need to innovate and lead effectively, can quickly lead to burnout.
This is why it’s essential for companies to invest in retreats that prioritise well-being and mindfulness. These retreats provide leaders with the space and tools to recharge, reflect, and realign with their purpose.
A well-designed retreat, like the ones we offer at Ekaanta, does more than just provide a temporary break from the office. It equips leaders with lasting strategies to manage stress, enhance focus, and maintain their emotional well-being.
When leaders are centred and balanced, they can make better decisions, lead with empathy, and inspire their teams to perform at their best. In a competitive corporate landscape, investing in the well-being of leadership teams is not just a wellness initiative—it’s a business strategy that pays dividends in terms of productivity, innovation, and retention.