In the serene heart of Magaliesburg, where the melody of nature plays a soothing symphony, a groundbreaking event unfolded this past August. As part of Women’s Month celebrations, Think Tomorrow launched the inaugural Rise Retreat—an exclusive gathering designed to honour the power and resilience of women. Hosted at the tranquil Melody Hill Retreat, this two-day event was more than just a retreat; it was a revival, a recharge, and a reconnection for women who carry the world on their shoulders. Our team at Between 10and5 had the privilege of discovering this transformative experience, and we’re excited to give you an inside look at what made the Rise Retreat such a vital and refreshing escape.
A Haven for Women to Rise
The concept behind the Rise Retreat was born from a deeply personal journey. Madelaine Keyser, co-founder of Think Tomorrow, faced a life crisis in 2019 that left her feeling depleted. Despite being a strategist, she realized she lacked a personal life strategy—a gap she discovered was common among the powerful women in her circle. Out of this realization, the Rise Retreat was born, aiming to provide women with the tools to craft their own life strategies, rejuvenate their spirits, and reconnect with themselves and others.
A Curated Experience of Empowerment
The retreat was meticulously designed to offer a balanced mix of relaxation and empowerment. Attendees were treated to nine master classes, each tailored to help women build a comprehensive personal life strategy. These sessions were more than just lectures; they were interactive, insightful, and deeply personal, led by experts who are not only leaders in their fields but also women who understand the unique challenges faced by their peers.
Moderated by Madelaine Keyser herself, these sessions were a blend of wisdom, practical advice, and soul-searching, allowing each woman to walk away with actionable insights tailored to her personal journey.
“I believe the majority of the time we are coming up with solutions to solve our own problems and Rise Retreat is exactly that. It is creating a space for me and women we greatly value to just take a step back, breathe and rethink some critical areas of our lives. But doing it together.”-Madelaine Keyser
Here’s a glimpse into the master classes that took place:
–Your Blueprint – With Yvette Aloe: Crafting a personal roadmap for success.
– Your Mantra – With Dr. Roela Hattingh: Finding and harnessing the power of your personal mantra.
– Your Canva – With Clarita Shana: Channeling creativity to shape your life’s canvas.
– Your Space – Siphosethu Sirayi: Designing a physical and mental space that nurtures your well-being.
– Your Wellness – With Dr. Anesu Mbizvo: Embracing holistic wellness practices for mind, body, and soul.
– Sound Healing – With Qhawekazi Giyose: Using sound therapy to heal and rejuvenate.
– Your Relationship – With Suhana Gordhan: Building and sustaining meaningful relationships.
– Your Finances – With Caroline Marwisa: Taking control of your financial future.
– Your Side Hustle – With Anita Du Toit: Turning passion projects into profitable ventures.
Beyond the Sessions: A Space for Connection
But the Rise Retreat was about more than just learning. It was about connection—both with oneself and with others. A highlight of the event was the “speed dating” networking session, cleverly centered around Passion, Purpose, and Profit. This unique setup allowed attendees to quickly and meaningfully connect with like-minded women, opening doors to new relationships and opportunities.
The retreat also offered moments of quiet reflection and relaxation. Whether it was meditative walks through the lush gardens of Melody Hill or unwinding with a cup of tea by the fireplace, every aspect of the retreat was designed to soothe the soul and recharge the mind.
Planting Seeds for the Future
The Rise Retreat wasn’t just a retreat—it was a movement. Think Tomorrow’s philosophy of “Each One Plant One” was evident throughout the event. Proceeds from the retreat were donated to Education Africa, a cause that resonates deeply with the retreat’s mission of empowerment. By supporting the education of future African teachers and students, the retreat planted seeds of growth and progress that will continue to bloom long after the event.
A Call to Women Everywhere
As we left the retreat, our hearts full and our minds buzzing with new ideas and connections, it was clear that the Rise Retreat was more than just a weekend getaway. It was a call to women everywhere to take a moment to pause, reflect, and rise—together.
For those who missed this year’s event, we hope this glimpse into the experience inspires you to join us next time. The Rise Retreat is not just a place—it’s a movement, a celebration, and a reminder that in the journey of life, sometimes the most important step we can take is the one where we simply rise and retreat.
Think Tomorrow is a unique marketing industry initiative created by Think Leverage, where 10% of the organization’s time and revenue is invested in supporting and growing rising talent, NPO’s and Social Entrepreneurs.
Discover the ultimate Life Strategy Playbook. Get your copy of the best people and tools outlined in the 9 master classes of the retreat. Connect with robyn@thinkleverage.co.za
For more information on Think Tomorrow Rise Retreat, check out their website: www.thinkleverage.co.za. Check out full video of the experience: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7234117381344673792
