Women entrepreneurs interested in growing as business leaders, forging new friendships and gaining insight into the EO network met for a memorable "EO Women’s Retreat" on 18-21 September 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Organized by EO New York member Alana Winter, this one-of-a-kind event afforded members an opportunity to learn from their peers, laugh and basically "let their hair down." The idea for the event stemmed from a cathartic EOGroup message board. A few months ago, a member wrote about life as a woman entrepreneur on the “Women of EO" EOGroup, sparking a ton of interest. Soon, replies from female entrepreneurs around the world began to pour in.
Likeminded women began discussing their challenges as business owners, such as the difficulties of life/work balance, relationship management, scheduling time for oneself and embracing womanhood. Eventually, a member suggested that the women should consider attending Stiletto Spy School, Winter’s business that offers women a chance to have fun and address certain issues through events.
"Since I had experience and access to event-planning services and fun, out-of-the-box activities through my company, I volunteered to organize the retreat," said Winter. "I began by sending out a survey on the discussion board asking members where the event should be held, what type of format they’d like, etc."
The retreat lasted four days and consisted of several group activities that promoted self-awareness, confidence and unity. Kicking off the event was an ice-breaking, martini-mixing lesson. The women learned the history of the martini and its many varieties from a professional butler in a suite overlooking the Las Vegas lights. The women sampled the creations, laughed together and generally had a blast. They then went on to a special food and wine pairing dinner with a sommelier.
All day Friday was spent in a "pow wow" where each woman discussed their current personal and professional concerns. The topics of the greatest common interest were then addressed by the group in an experience sharing format. It was an immediate jump to "level 3" openness and sharing. A particular favorite moment was when each business owner revealed their "life nuggets" of wisdom learned from each of their varied and rich life experiences.
Other memorable components of the retreat included spending a day with Israeli and US counter-terrorism specialists in an unmarked location. While there, they underwent high-intensity SWAT-team training, an activity that is not available to most people. They learned how to shoot Glocks, sniper rifles and various semi-automatic weapons, as well as how to clear a room, storm a building, use night-vision goggles, crawl under lasers, disarm an alarm system and foil motion detectors, all while performing a series of "missions."
"We wanted to have activities where women could learn real-life skills in a great environment," said Winter. "All of the activities were designed to be confidence-building and empowering, which is what Stiletto Spy School is all about."
Another highlight was a "girl's night party’ where women gathered in a suite for a chef-prepared dinner, a private masseuse and a full glam makeover with a team of top hair stylists and make-up artists, all before hitting the town. For Winter, it was a great way to get people involved in one another's lives.
"There are women in EO who want to get more involved, and this is a great chance to start." said Winter, "We’ve always been considered 'one of the boys' here, and while we love that, we also have so much to learn and share about our own unique challenges and experiences as female entrepreneurs. I’m really thrilled to help provide that forum."
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For those members interested in networking with EO peers, EOGroups is a great way to connect with global entrepreneurs, build new friendships and discuss owning a business, all in a safe and confidential environment.