Wisdom Encounters is an inspirational annual gathering of authentic leaders & entrepreneurs who meet in a secluded idyllic Swiss mountain town for a three-day retreat.

What is the purpose of Wisdom Encounters? Contribute to the creation of a more harmonious sustainable economic system, a more bal-anced society and a better world.

How?We would like Wisdom Encounters to progressively become a ‘Davos’ of collective wisdom and humanity, functioning as an international collegial network of inspirational and committed leaders from around the globe, who take concrete, solution-oriented, inspirational actions that have positive sustainable impact.

What?By sharing our collective wisdom about humanity, society and the world in transformation. We learn from each other’s enriching perspectives. We reflect on ourselves and our actions, and brainstorm on what each of us individually and Wisdom Encounters as a community can do to realize our purpose. This 3-day holistic journey will respond to the following questions:

Day 1: Global economic & societal perspective: What are today’s big challenges? What (mega)trends should we be aware of? What solutions are emerging? What shifts are influencing and shaping the economy, society and the world? How does this influence us and our organizations?

Day 2: Self-leadership perspective: What drives me? What is my higher purpose and how do I want to contribute to society? What values lead me? How authentic & inspirational am I? How do I deal with ego and power? How can I have (more) impact to become an inspiring ‘transformer’ for the new economy, society and world?

Day 3: Organizational perspective: How can I influence my organization(s) & system(s) to become driven by noble purpose to impact Man, Society and World? How can I take my newly acquired insights into these organization(s) and systems to help them become beacons of inspiration and excellence? How can I engage all stakeholders? How to have the optimal, sustainable, positive impact?

Personal Invitat ion to Wisdom Encounters

Stretch your Mind

Open your Heart

Cherish your Body

Nourish your Soul

Throughout the journey we use the beauty and wisdom of Nature and the positive energy of the setting to get inspired, to connect with ourselves and to exchange in open council format with each other. Profound group dia-logues and sublime mountain walks, practising yoga, breathing techniques and mindfulness will help us become more conscious, internally aligned and inspired to recharge our soul, heart, mind and body. Wisdom Encounters is not about ego, not about power, not about net worth, not about titles, not about creating a business network, nor about selling to each other. Wisdom Encounters are meant to be unique human encoun-ters of authentic inspiring leaders who want to progress and contribute. Participants experience the retreats as fabulous moments of inspirational thinking and idea sharing, as a break from very busy intense lives, allowing to go back to the respective organizations and responsibilities inspired and much clearer about their purpose.

We have committed to make this a truly unforgettable, authentic, profound experience with leaders, who we believe are ready and willing to (further) contribute to finding and implementing solutions for the enormous chal-lenges that are ahead of us. Each leader is invited on a personal basis only. We take into consideration diversity, multi-cultural backgrounds and professional complementarity, as well as openness to progress and develop the Self. We expect each participant to adhere to the principles and values of Wisdom Encounters (see hereafter), in order to enhance the learning experience and true exchanges.

We are delighted to welcome you to the 2018 Wisdom Encounters in Commeire from Tuesday 25th of September (starting with an introductory cocktail at 19:00) to Friday 28th of September 2018, and to be part of this growing community of ‘wise’ leaders from around the Globe.

For more information about the (detailed content of the) program and other practical information, we will be reaching out to you three weeks prior to the start of the retreat.

With our warmest and best regards,

Olivier Onghena-‘t Hooft & Guibert del Marmol

What some participants from previous Wisdom Encounters have shared … *“An intercultural experience in all perspectives. Very profound experience.”

Monica De Coninck, Member of Parliament & former Member of the Belgian Government – Belgium

“Wisdom Encounters is essential to transform our companies, public services and economy into a world that is beneficial for Man and all other species upon which we rely.” Willem Ferwerda, CEO, Commonland – The Netherlands

“Fantastic location, amazing company, enlightening elevated conversations create an experience of a lifetime! Wisdom Encounters offers this unique blend!” Jayanti Kirpalani, Leader of the Brahma Kumaris - UK & India

“This was a most wonderful experience that ‘tantalised’ your mind, body and soul, taking your thinking to new heights. And in some way it saved my Life!” Jackie Lynton, Founder, IHO People & social change activist – UK

“A unique occasion to exchange with fabulous people who all share the same challenge: how to act for a better World?” Laila Mamou, President, Wafasalaf –Morocco

“Wisdom Encounters is a unique initiative, an important milestone to think/help thinking about Life...”Charles Peugeot, Director, Etablissements Peugeot Frères – France

“This kindles the growing need in the world of leaders to come together and make the place better for the next generation through shared values and actions.” Sanjeev Rao, social entrepreneur –India

“Wisdom Encounters creates an open and respectful forum for professional and personal exchange of experiences and visions in order to improve and sharpen individual and collective higher purpose thinking.”

Guido Vanherpe, CEO & owner, La Lorraine Bakery Group – Belgium

“Best seminar ever, for me! I endured a lot of seminars and congresses, I only enjoyed a few. This is something completely different. As if you meet Monthy Python, Mandela and Miles Davis.”

Frank Van Massenhove, President, Belgian Federal Ministry of Social Security – Belgium

“An extraordinary moment of profound sharing with a unique group of people!” Christopher Wassermann, President Zermatt Summit Foundation & TeroLab Surface Group SA – Switzerland

“A truly unique initiative and experience!” Andrea Willmeroth, EVP BoschSiemens Home Appliances – Germany

“Against the context of many intersecting exponential changes, the world neads inspired and inspiring leaders more than ever. Wisdom Encounters convincingly demonstrated the need to identify and articulate your own purpose, towards impactful and meaningful leadership.”

Guy Wollaert, Investor, Board member and former CTIO & global management member of the Coca Cola Company - Belgium

*(copied here with their permission)

The values and principles that guide all Wisdom Encounters

• We are authentic and transparent

• We approach life with ‘joie de vivre’

• We are guided by humility and serenity

• We behave with integrity and respect

• We come with an open mind, we share, we want to learn from each other(‘s different perspectives)

• We are committed to contribute to Mankind, Society and the World in a sustainable way

Practical information• Participation is upon personal invitation only and is non-transferrable.

• We make the group as diverse, international and complementary as possible, by building the right mix between young and old, male and female, entre-preneurs and leaders (from businesses, public organizations, political parties, governments, cultural, social and spiritual organizations, …).

• We want to keep the cost for the program very reasonable. By sharing our expertise, insights and research to a selected group of influential leaders, we believe that we can help to contribute to a more harmonious sustainable economic system, a more balanced society and a better world. This is part of our pledge to Society and the World.

• We start with cocktails on Tuesday 25 September 2018 @ 19:00 sharp. We end around 16:45 on Friday 28 September 2018.

• We require all participants to be there from beginning to end! This is for cohesion and group dynamics.

• The venue where Wisdom Encounters is held every year is the inspiring resort of Montagne Alternative in the picturesque, authentic and little mountain town of Commeire (http://www.montagne-alternative.com/en/). Location: Commeire, 1937 Orsières, Switzerland

• Meeting venue, hotel nights in comfortable individual rooms with valley and/or mountain views, all meals and all drinks, all indoor and outdoor activities and experiences, all snacks & breaks, and all the know-how transfer costs 2.750 EUR (exclusive VAT, if applicable) per participant.

• As we want to give leaders from non-profit organizations – who typically don’t have the budget to pay the full participation fee – the chance to participate as well, we very much welcome those business leaders and entrepreneurs who are willing to pay a part of their fee. This is a personal consideration to make for each business leader/entrepreneur and obviously not an obligation.

• We ask a full payment upon confirmation. Invoicing of the entire amount will be through Worldcorp.

• There is a dedicated Wisdom Encounters team – familiar with Wisdom Encounters and the expectations of the participants – available almost 24/7 during the retreat. Before the retreat our team will help you(r assistants) with all practical and logistical questions regarding (dietary requirements, how to get to Commeire, what to bring, weather conditions, final agenda, …).

• Transport: each organizes and pays for own transport. - For those coming by regular plane: fly into Geneva. There are several flights per day. - From Geneva take the regular train to Martigny (it takes 1h45 and leaves at Geneva airport). At Martigny train station a driver from Montagne Alternative will pick you up to take you to the Montagne Alternative resort (there is a spectacular 30’ ride into up the mountains).

• Morning yoga, respiration exercises, mindfulness and do-in are set up to be accessible for all, even those who have never done any yoga or meditation of any kind before. The morning classes are part of the program and are highly recommended. Bring easy sitting relax clothes.

• The outdoor walks, encounters with nature and mountain experiences are accessible for all and are entirely part of the program. You will be advised, in due course, about weather conditions and what clothing to bring.

• Cancelation: as this is an exclusive invitation for a limited number of only 15 guests, selected from an exclusive ‘short list’, who are all very busy and not available last minute, we want participants who cancel 120 days or less prior to the start, whatever the reason might be, to accept our non-refunding principle. Transferring to the next edition is possible.

• More detailed practical information will be given three weeks prior to the start of Wisdom Encounters.

Olivier Onghena-‘t Hooft is an international entrepreneur-advisor in noble purpose to leaders of private and public

organizations, government members and supervisory boards. He assists them in building inspiring leading teams

and organization cultures where people find back their self-worth, passion and engagement. He incorporates the

principles of systemic thinking, conscious capitalism, authentic servant leadership and spirituality, and brings in

notions such as beauty, harmony and happiness allowing organizations to boost performance and relevance. He

writes about leadership, business-with-a-purpose and success. He lectures as guest professor. He founded the

Global Inspiration & Noble Purpose Institute. He is LEAD-IN’s vice chairman as well as board member of several

organizations. He works around the globe, is a passionate people connector and loves Life.

www.olivieronghena.com

Guibert del Marmol is an international advisor to business leaders on the new economy. He assists organisations to

redefine a values-led culture and to implement a sustainable strategy based on the concept of ‘conscious capitalism’.

A Former leading businessman, today he is active in the areas of innovation, sustainability, social entrepreneurship

and responsible investment. He is also the co-founder of the Luntfoundation, a think & do tank that promotes

awareness of ‘regenerative solutions’ to the major societal and environmental challenges of our time. He published

‘Tomber plus haut’ (Edition Alphée) in 2009 and ‘Sans plus attendre!’ (Ker Editions) in 2013. He works in Europe,

Asia and in the US.

www.guibertdelmarmol.com

Both Olivier & Guibert, who form a truly complementary duo, give conferences and keynote speeches, write

business articles and are highly involved in the new economic thinking and leadership movements, as well as

in philanthropy and foundation work.