Guiding Change: Soul and Spirit in Leadership
Southern Sierras, California
October 16–25, 2025
A Transformational Wilderness Retreat for Purpose-Driven Leaders
Join us in the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Southern Sierras for a 9-day immersive training designed for leaders, facilitators, and change-makers navigating transformation—both within and around them. Guiding Change: Soul and Spirit in Leadership invites you to step beyond the demands of daily life and into a landscape where rivers, ridgelines, and reflection become your greatest teachers.
Why This Retreat Matters
In times of rapid change, authentic leadership requires more than strategy—it requires soul. This training supports leaders in deepening self-awareness, aligning with purpose, and cultivating the resilience to guide others through transition with grace and integrity.
Our Approach
Through experiential learning, coaching, and nature-based practices, participants will:
  • Explore the natural cycles of change and how they mirror human transitions.
  • Strengthen their ability to guide groups moving through uncertainty.
  • Build personal insight through solo time in nature, shadow work, and deep reflection.
The retreat unfolds in two distinct phases:
Phase One focuses on self-inquiry and leadership development, including a guided exploration of the shadow self—those hidden aspects of our identity that often hold the keys to untapped strength.
Phase Two invites you into deeper communion with nature, culminating in a 24-hour solo fast in the wilderness—an ancient and time-tested rite of passage that reveals insight, clarity, and renewal.
Throughout the experience, seasoned guides and facilitators offer steady support, creating a container for growth, healing, and personal evolution.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
  • Clarity to lead with purpose and courage in uncertain times
  • Tools to navigate change—personally, interpersonally, and systemically
  • Confidence to guide others with integrity and presence
  • Resilience to face difficulty without losing your way
  • Momentum to sustain your leadership journey long after the retreat ends
Program Details
Dates: October 16–25, 2025
Location: Kern River, Southern Sierras, California
 (Closest airports: Burbank & LAX)
Tuition: $2,250
What’s Included:
  • 9-Day Transformational Retreat in the Southern Sierras
  • Two 1:1 Coaching Sessions with Open Circle’s senior coach (pre- and post-retreat)
  • Expert Facilitation by certified coaches and wilderness leaders
  • Online Curriculum with nature-based leadership teachings and community practices
  • 3-Month Physical Training Plan from MTNTOUGH Fitness to prepare your body and mind
  • Meals (breakfasts and dinners included)
  • Wilderness Camping (tent camping under the stars; gear list provided)
Optional: Non-camping accommodations are available nearby, but you’ll need to book those yourself if you don’t want to camp for the entire program.  Full travel and logistics information is provided upon registration.




Guiding Change: Soul and Spirit in Leadership
Southern Sierras, California
October 16–25, 2025
A Transformational Wilderness Retreat for Purpose-Driven Leaders
Join us in the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Southern Sierras for a 9-day immersive training designed for leaders, facilitators, and change-makers navigating transformation—both within and around them. Guiding Change: Soul and Spirit in Leadership invites you to step beyond the demands of daily life and into a landscape where rivers, ridgelines, and reflection become your greatest teachers.
Why This Retreat Matters
In times of rapid change, authentic leadership requires more than strategy—it requires soul. This training supports leaders in deepening self-awareness, aligning with purpose, and cultivating the resilience to guide others through transition with grace and integrity.
Our Approach
Through experiential learning, coaching, and nature-based practices, participants will:
  • Explore the natural cycles of change and how they mirror human transitions.
  • Strengthen their ability to guide groups moving through uncertainty.
  • Build personal insight through solo time in nature, shadow work, and deep reflection.
The retreat unfolds in two distinct phases:
Phase One focuses on self-inquiry and leadership development, including a guided exploration of the shadow self—those hidden aspects of our identity that often hold the keys to untapped strength.
Phase Two invites you into deeper communion with nature, culminating in a 24-hour solo fast in the wilderness—an ancient and time-tested rite of passage that reveals insight, clarity, and renewal.
Throughout the experience, seasoned guides and facilitators offer steady support, creating a container for growth, healing, and personal evolution.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
  • Clarity to lead with purpose and courage in uncertain times
  • Tools to navigate change—personally, interpersonally, and systemically
  • Confidence to guide others with integrity and presence
  • Resilience to face difficulty without losing your way
  • Momentum to sustain your leadership journey long after the retreat ends
Program Details
Dates: October 16–25, 2025
Location: Kern River, Southern Sierras, California
 (Closest airports: Burbank & LAX)
Tuition: $2,250
What’s Included:
  • 9-Day Transformational Retreat in the Southern Sierras
  • Two 1:1 Coaching Sessions with Open Circle’s senior coach (pre- and post-retreat)
  • Expert Facilitation by certified coaches and wilderness leaders
  • Online Curriculum with nature-based leadership teachings and community practices
  • 3-Month Physical Training Plan from MTNTOUGH Fitness to prepare your body and mind
  • Meals (breakfasts and dinners included)
  • Wilderness Camping (tent camping under the stars; gear list provided)
Optional: Non-camping accommodations are available nearby, but you’ll need to book those yourself if you don’t want to camp for the entire program.  Full travel and logistics information is provided upon registration.
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Guiding Change: Soul and Spirit in Leadership


Southern Sierras, California

October 16–25, 2025


A Transformational Wilderness Retreat for Purpose-Driven Leaders


Join us in the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Southern Sierras for a 9-day immersive training designed for leaders, facilitators, and change-makers navigating transformation—both within and around them. Guiding Change: Soul and Spirit in Leadership invites you to step beyond the demands of daily life and into a landscape where rivers, ridgelines, and reflection become your greatest teachers.


Why This Retreat Matters:

In times of rapid change, authentic leadership requires more than strategy—it requires soul. This training supports leaders in deepening self-awareness, aligning with purpose, and cultivating the resilience to guide others through transition with grace and integrity.


Our Approach


Through experiential learning, coaching, and nature-based practices, participants will:

  • Explore the natural cycles of change and how they mirror human transitions.
  • Strengthen their ability to guide groups moving through uncertainty.
  • Build personal insight through solo time in nature, shadow work, and deep reflection.


The retreat unfolds in two distinct phases:


 Phase One focuses on self-inquiry and leadership development, including a guided exploration of the shadow self—those hidden aspects of our identity that often hold the keys to untapped strength.


 Phase Two invites you into deeper communion with nature, culminating in a 24-hour solo fast in the wilderness—an ancient and time-tested rite of passage that reveals insight, clarity, and renewal.

Throughout the experience, seasoned guides and facilitators offer steady support, creating a container for growth, healing, and personal evolution.


What You’ll Walk Away With:

  •  Clarity to lead with purpose and courage in uncertain times
  •  Tools to navigate change—personally, interpersonally, and systemically
  •  Confidence to guide others with integrity and presence
  •  Resilience to face difficulty without losing your way
  •  Momentum to sustain your leadership journey long after the retreat ends


Program Details


Dates: October 16–25, 2025

Location: Kern River, Southern Sierras, California (Closest airports: Burbank & LAX)

Tuition: $2,250


What’s Included:

  •  9-Day Transformational Retreat in the Southern Sierras
  •  Two 1:1 Coaching Sessions with Open Circle’s senior coach (pre and post-retreat)
  •  Expert Facilitation by certified coaches and wilderness leaders
  •  Online Curriculum with nature-based leadership teachings and community practices
  •  3-Month Physical Training Plan from MTNTOUGH Fitness to prepare your body and mind
  •  Meals (breakfasts and dinners included)
  •  Wilderness Camping (tent camping under the stars; gear list provided)


Optional: Non-camping accommodations are available nearby, but you’ll need to book those yourself if you don’t want to camp for the entire program. Full travel and logistics information is provided upon registration.

What Do People Say About Soul and Spirit in Leadership?

“This sort of whole person learning is not theoretical. These land-based immersions have important transformative value for individuals of all ranges of development, particularly those feeling stuck or confused by the transition. In all this, the support of the land and surrounding resources provided a foundation for those who came to make the inner changes that were calling them.”

Ingrid Ammondson, PhD, Licensed Psychologist

“Going into this trip, I was hoping for a life-changing experience, but I didn't know the depths of that change and what would be required to elicit it. From the beginning of this program, I was faced with physical and mental challenges, but the guides "led without leading" and steered me up the mountain. I came out with a renewed belief in myself and my capabilities. This trip definitely changed my life, and I am now putting in the work to ensure others receive value from the work that was done up there.”

Antonio DeAscanis, Founder and CEO, BLKOPS Fitness

“This program's ability to transform was tremendous. It provided me with a closer and more authentic look into myself and how I approach groups, community, and society. This was far better personal growth for myself than the leadership training I received in the past, as it forced me out of my comfort zone, encouraging new growth and simultaneously solidifying my confidence in myself.”

John Egnatis, Co-Founder of Grenadier Homes

“I noticed as we sat together online after we got home that for each person, the experience led to them becoming unstuck and being able to clearly and easily move forward in their lives - finishing a book, moving forward with a choice in a career direction, letting go of what was no longer working.”

Tiffany Lopez, Entrepreneur, Author

Pay in full or save your spot with a deposit.

Program balance must be paid in full by October 15, 2025.

This Training Is for Professionals Who Are...

  • Considering a career change or a major change in your leadership/organization.

  • Looking for clarity over how to take a big forward step in life and work.

  • Navigating changes in your workplace, culture or profession.

  • Wanting to deepen your capacity to facilitate transformation in individuals or groups.

Course curriculum

    1. Orientation

    2. What you need to know to prepare

    3. Meet your guides and hear them talk about the trip

    4. Liability Waiver (Required for registration)

    5. Medical Questionnaire - please download and fill out and email to [email protected]

    1. Packing List

    1. Turning Conflict into Creativity workshop Notes

    2. Personal Mandorla Handout

    3. Mandorla Coaching handout

    4. Turning Conflict into Creativity Resource List

    1. The Four Shields of Human Wholeness handout

    2. Flowering Tree handout

    3. Map of Individual Change

    4. Map of Collective Change

    5. Mirroring

    6. Rite of Passage

    7. Rituals in Thresholds

    1. Podcasts

    2. The Way of Wilderness by Stephen Harper

    3. Optional additional reading

About this course

  • $2,250.00
  • 2 x 1:1 coaching sessions with Open Circle's senior coach (online)
  • 9-day guided wilderness adventure
  • 3 months of physical fitness training through our partner MTNTough.

Experiences of 2023 Soul and Spirit Participants..

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Cultivate the skills and insights needed to navigate change with clarity and purpose—both personally and professionally.

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Meet Your Guides

Miriam Jones

Open Circle Co-Founder

I am a facilitator and guide of transitions. I am a mother, an entrepreneur, a woman growing and expanding into myself in the world. I am committed to contributing my gifts and whatever wisdom I have gained from my experiences to supporting people, organizations and communities moving and growing through change in themselves and in the world. I am offering these retreats and trainings to serve people strengthening their inner compass and heart to be courageous in how they use their gifts and voice in the world. You can find my professional background here and more on Open Circle website here: https://www.weareopencircle.com/about/our-team

Adam Rumack

Open Circle Co-Founder and CEO

Adam brings a wealth of experience in driving organizational and individual transformation across diverse sectors, including corporations, large-scale non-profits, and the education and criminal justice systems. His profound passion for the outdoors serves as a catalyst, offering insights into the interconnectedness of humanity and the wild, shaping his approach to human-driven systems. In his pursuit of knowledge, Adam has delved into various disciplines, studying under spiritual and religious mentors and exploring the intricacies of economics, human behavior, and performance sciences. A practitioner of holistic stewardship, Adam applies his insights on his land in Coastal Oregon, USA, where he also oversees a nature-based preschool. His multifaceted background uniquely positions him to bridge the realms of organizational transformation, ecological mindfulness, and holistic education.

Included in Your Registration Fee

  • Online training curriculum including a curated collection of recommended articles, books, and podcasts, coupled with thought-provoking personal reflection exercises

  • Two 1-hour personal coaching sessions with an Open Circle senior coach, one conducted prior to the adventure to clarify goals and one post retreat to help you apply what you learned in life and work.

  • 9-day guided in-person training at Kern River, California which includes camping, a full kitchen, internet, bathroom, and shower. Breakfasts and dinners are included.

  • 90 days of physical fitness training and prep through our partner MTNTough Fitness.

  • A 6-month membership to the Circle Lab private community ($150 value).

  • $50 off your next training when you enroll within 30 days of completing this course.

Pay in full or save your spot with a deposit.

This 9-day journey will give you tools and perspectives that will last you a lifetime.