For the past few years, I have had the pleasure of attending what I consider to be one of the best business leadership retreats for mission-based entrepreneurs and social change leaders. Hollyhock’s Social Venture Institute is a unique blend of business, inspiration, education and fun. Situated on picturesque Cortes Island overlooking the coastal waters of the Strait of Georgia, Hollyhock is a little piece of paradise.

While it can be quite a trek getting there, I make the effort (and my family makes the sacrifice) to attend this five day retreat so that I can connect with other social entrepreneurs, learn and become inspired by successful leaders, give back to the business community by offering my time to others, and rejuvinate my soul.
This year, I managed to pack into one particular day, what could be described as the ultimate SVI experience: nourished on a delicious vegetarian buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner (read: no cooking or cleaning!), gathered valuable business tips from an interesting case study about Sprig Toys (cool recycled plastic toys), took a refreshing swim in the ocean, indulged in a craniosacral massage therapy treatment, received some kick-ass business advice from some seasoned strategists (watch out world, here we come!), provided some one-on-one advice for a start up entrepreneur, collaborated with some colleagues on e-commerce and social marketing strategies, feasted on raw & barbequed Cortes Island oysters, and listened to the success story of the first female CEO of Canada’s largest credit union. Phew! Yes, that was a rather jam packed day, but it is those types of experiences which makes SVI so special.
Another great outcome at SVI is the strong sense of community that builds up during the conference, and endures well beyond the retreat. While many of us have travelled from all over the world to attend this conference (including SAWA hero Seleman from Rwanda) we quickly discover, after spending 5 meaningful days together, that the world is really quite small and that, in spite of the enormous challenges we individually and collectively face, if we stay connected and support each other, we can still make a measurable impact on the world.
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