Stepping into the Leadership Fire: Leadership Coaching Retreat Part 2 – Kindling the Flame
- Cory McGowan
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Why would a busy executive choose to disconnect from everything and step away into the wild?
In this four-part blog series, I explore that question—through fire.
Not just as a metaphor, but as a process.
Because when we gather around fire, we remember something ancient about ourselves—and about leadership.
In Part 1, we used day 1 of the leadership coaching retreat to clear space. You let go of what no longer serves and created the conditions for something new to emerge.
Now, in Part 2, we begin to build the heat. Slowly. Intentionally. We start with kindling.
You don’t need more pressure—you need a new rhythm.
If you’re like many senior leaders I coach in Japan and across APAC, you’ve mastered the art of intensity.
Of staying “on.”
Of managing complexity.
You’ve learned to carry a lot—and to keep going.
But what I see again and again is this:That same strength can become a trap.
You end up running too hot, for too long. You lose access to your deeper instincts.
You forget how to reconnect with the fuel that sustains your fire.
This second phase of leadership work is about learning to build energy in a different way—through receptivity, presence, and spaciousness.
This leadership coaching retreat isn’t downtime. It’s deep resourcing.
When I guide leaders through this phase—whether on retreat or in coaching—we don’t dive into big challenges right away.
We allow space to settle. To reconnect.
We begin to:
Regulate the nervous system so real clarity can emerge
Reconnect to the body—not just as a vessel, but as a source of wisdom
Restore energy through breath, movement, reflection, and yes, real rest
Unhook from devices and distractions, and start tuning into nature again
In this space, nature becomes part of the coaching container.
Not as scenery—but as a co-guide. A teacher. A mirror.
You don’t need to figure anything out yet.
You just need to listen again—to yourself, your body, your instincts, and the world around you.
The leadership benefit? You start leading from a deeper source.
The impact of this phase is subtle but profound.
Leaders often return from this part of the work:
More grounded and emotionally present
Clearer about what truly matters and what can be let go
Reconnected to their own internal compass—not just the expectations around them
Able to lead without always needing to “perform”
This is how real transformation begins—not with force, but with presence.
The coaching invitation
If your energy feels scattered…If you’ve been pushing too hard for too long…If you sense there’s something more calling you, but can’t quite access it…
Then this is your starting point.
Let yourself slow down.Let yourself be guided.Let the fire build the right way—through trust, rest, and reconnection.
You don’t need to power through. You need to kindle what’s already inside you.
👉 Read Part 1 if you missed it: https://www.adventure-partner.net/post/stepping-into-the-leadership-fire-clearing-the-clutter-for-bold-leadership
👉 Stay tuned for Part 3: Fuelwood – Taking on the Challenge
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