ELGP 2026 Leadership Retreat: Reflection, Connection and Growth

March 12, 2026 | PUBLISHED BY: Sophie O'Brien

One of the most transformative experiences in the ELGP is the annual Leadership Retreat – a dedicated opportunity for participants to pause, reflect and deepen their leadership capabilities. For the 2026 cohort, the retreat offered a powerful weekend of connection, self-discovery and personal growth.  

 

Stepping away from day-to-day responsibilities allowed participants to focus on something often overlooked in governance training: understanding themselves as leaders. Strong governance requires more than technical knowledge. Effective Board Members must be self-aware, emotionally intelligent and confident in how they contribute to a team. The retreat is designed to build exactly these qualities, helping participants strengthen the mindset and interpersonal skills that support high-performing Boards. 

 

Throughout the weekend, participants took part in a range of activities focused on leadership development and personal reflection. These sessions encouraged the cohort to explore their character strengths, develop greater emotional intelligence and reflect on what motivates them to contribute to governance in the not-for-profit and community sectors. Participants also explored how they work in team environments – an essential skill for any Board Member. Understanding communication styles, collaboration dynamics and personal leadership approaches helps our emerging leaders prepare for the realities of Boardroom decision-making. 

 

Beyond the structured sessions, the retreat also created space for the cohort to build meaningful relationships with one another. Spending time together outside of the usual program environment allowed participants to share experiences, exchange perspectives and form supportive connections that will continue throughout the program and beyond. 

 

Many ELGP participants describe the retreat as one of the most valuable parts of the program, and this year was no exception. The 2026 cohort embraced the opportunity for reflection, creating an open and supportive environment where learning, curiosity and personal growth could thrive. 

 

A highlight of the weekend was the ELGP Alumni Panel, where participants heard directly from graduates who are now actively contributing to governance across Western Australia. The cohort was joined by Nick Loke (ELGP 2020, Board of Community Vision), Alanna Lofthouse (ELGP 2025, Board of ISHAR), Lyn-Lee Teh (ELGP 2022, Board of Linkwest), and Caley Burke (ELGP 2023, Board of Relationships WA), who generously shared their experiences since completing the program. Participants asked thoughtful questions about how to find a well-aligned Board role, how to articulate their value proposition as a Board Director, and how their leadership evolved after completing ELGP.  

 

By the end of the retreat, the 2026 cohort returned to the program with renewed confidence, deeper self-awareness and stronger connections with their peers. As the program continues, these emerging leaders are not only building governance knowledge, they are developing the self-understanding, relationships and leadership mindset that will help them contribute meaningfully in Boardrooms across the sector.