Time is money. A popular saying in the entrepreneurial culture that brought us to believe that speed is necessary for performance; sky-high stress level is normal and burn-outs are just part of life. Swimming against the stream, Deceler8. comes up with a business retreat for entrepreneurs to be better, slower, and stronger.
Coming from Switzerland, a country commonly known for its apology of slowness, Michel Bachmann and his team behind the new project Deceler8.me have noticed the obsession for haste, and consequent risk of distraction in the business world and decided to turn everything up-side-down. When most entrepreneurs think about joining an “accelerator” to get better results, Bachmann thinks the opposite: decelerate, immerse in yourself, listen to others, ask questions and get feedback, then maybe you’ll emerge with more clarity about what you want for your business.
The programme’s mission
From 27 to 31 October, a group of 12 to 16 entrepreneurs will gather on Gili Air, an island near Bali for a slow-down retreat. The five-day’s programme is still in the making but it will flow in three streams. First, participants should learn about themselves and think about what they want. Second, they will exchange with others in an honest an open manner, giving and getting P2P feedback. And third, the organisers envisage that the former should help participants articulate the new direction.
What’s the plan?
The formats planned correspond with these streams: no lectures, no pitching, but rather morning meditation practice, reflective walks, sharing with peers… Not your usual business development seminar, right? The organisers are aware that for a successful event, they need to choose the right people. The method of work clearly requires certain personality features. No matter if you’re a startup founder or an established businesswoman, no matter what your field of business, you can have even failed in business. But besides making money you should also like to make a difference, be ready to not just speak but listen. As the organisers put it: “Leave ego at home! “
What’s the application process?
As the group will be quite small, the organisers are looking for participants that would get along well together and match the program’s spirit, regardless of their nationality. Although a preference will be given to people with personal referral, participation is open also to applicants from CEE, as long as you got the right mind-set. Expect a Skype interview following your application if you’re a good fit. Apply here before the end of July to get a discounted price of 490 euros. Standard prices range from 650 to 790 euros and include an all-inclusive accommodation, the program and the transportation from Bali to Gili Air. Note that participants are responsible for getting to Bali on their own.
Sweet escapes
So, with Deceler8.me in Bali and Coworking Salzburg’s Coworking Camp in Egypt, it seems that swallows won’t be the only ones heading south this winter. Escaping the cold climate of good old Europe to talk business in the sun is the way to go.
