The Program

Intensely Real is an immersive, experiential program designed to empower women in senior leadership roles from diverse industries. Over the course of three months, you will be guided to awaken your inner potential, align with your values and goals, and activate your passion for leadership.

Align

Awaken

Activate

Align • Awaken • Activate •

Do you ever feel like you're at your limit, juggling your professional and personal life? Do you feel like something is missing, despite your career achievements? Perhaps you feel isolated or believe you have more to give, but don't know how to access your untapped potential.

Intensely Real is for women like you, seeking support and empowerment to rediscover their talents and integrate their authentic strengths into complex contemporary organisations. Our program welcomes women from all industries, including but not limited to banking and finance, government, sport, science, and professional services such as law and town planning.

If you're ready to create a more fulfilling and balanced life, join our program to unlock your true potential.

Is this program for you?

Your journey to authentic leadership

The Intensely Real program unfolds over three months, combining personalised coaching and group experiences to support and challenge each participant on their leadership journey.

3 X 1:1 Coaching Sessions

Exceptional executive coaching tailored to your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Your dedicated coach will be with you throughout the program, including the retreat, ensuring clear alignment with your needs and goals.

3 X Group Coaching Sessions

Engaging and inspiring virtual conversations with like-minded women from various industries. Our intimate virtual circles foster connection and ongoing support throughout the program.

3 Day Residential Retreat

A transformative, uniquely facilitated retreat that brings the Intensely Real group together in a beautiful setting. Each retreat is unique, tailored to the needs of the cohort. The retreat offers the time and space needed to awaken, align, and activate your leadership potential.

Value and Impact

Discover the lasting impact and profound value the Intensely Real program brings to your professional and personal life.

Supportive Community

Connect with like-minded women in a nurturing environment.

Authentic Leadership

Develop leadership styles aligned with your values and ambitions.

Rediscover Talents

Unearth and leverage your unique strengths and gifts.

Enhanced Decision-Making

Improve problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

Authentic Relationships

Learn to build genuine client and stakeholder connections.

Foster Inclusion

Enhance collaboration, innovation, diversity, and inclusion.

Emotional Resilience

Develop adaptive leadership skills in the face of change and complexity.

2024 Program

Intensely Real unfolds over a 3-month journey, currently slated for the second half of 2024. The highlight of the program, our 3-day retreat, takes place around halfway through the program.

Our 1:1 coaching sessions and group sessions are conducted online, while the immersive 3-day retreat is planned to be hosted at the picturesque Stones of the Yarra Valley, Victoria. We welcome participants from across Australia and internationally, but please note that attending the in-person retreat is an essential component of this transformative experience.

Date & Location

Intensely Real acknowledges the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our virtual coaching and in-person experiences take place, in what is now known as Melbourne. We respectfully recognise their deep connections to the land, sea, and community, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

As we come together to learn and grow as leaders, we also acknowledge and pay respect to Traditional Custodians of Country nationwide. We recognise and appreciate the ongoing connection and contributions of the Traditional Owners to our work and culture, and respect the significance of place and history to future reconciliation. We extend our respects to any Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who may be joining us or reading today.

We acknowledge that this continent always was and always will be Aboriginal land and are committed to working towards a just and equitable future for all.

The Intensely Real program requires an investment of $7,500 + GST, which covers your entire leadership journey – including a private, luxurious room during the retreat, all meals, and additional experiences.

We understand the importance of aligning this program with your leadership development plan and are here to help. If you need assistance in obtaining organisational support or funding for Intensely Real, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Investment

At Intensely Real, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all women in leadership roles, including transgender women and non-binary, femme-identifying individuals. We proudly support and embrace the LGBTQIA+ community.

We stand against discrimination in all its forms and are dedicated to promoting a diverse and respectful space for all participants, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or any other factors that make our community unique and vibrant.

If you have any questions about inclusivity or would like to discuss whether this program is the right fit for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us via our Contact form.

Inclusivity

  • "Intensely Real is a fantastic programme for women in leadership roles to come together and take time out for self-reflection. The programme with its base in psychological frameworks and methodologies, allows you time to think of your purpose as a leader. By reflecting on my strengths and gifts, values and life goals I feel I will return to the outside world as a better more rounded leader. Connecting with a diverse group of powerful women provides the spine of support and holds us all accountable for our committed milestones that matter. I loved and will cherish every minute of the experience."

    Marian

  • "The timing of Intensely Real was perfect as I was really looking for an opportunity to reset and refocus and have some clear goals after two years of COVID related disruptions. What impressed me most about the programme was that we tackled the big issues head on, but within a framework so that the process was very streamlined, logical and efficient and I guess standing back from it, the highlights for me were firstly coming away with some clear outcomes that I can start to apply straightaway. Secondly, Ann and the other fabulous women at the retreat was just so incredibly knowledgeable and supportive and really made the three days so enjoyable."

    Angela

  • "Intensely Real, was a wonderful experience that really lived up to its promise of women empowering women. All aspects of it were just so thoughtful and deliberate and beautiful, the stunning location, the considered gifts that made me and others on the course feel really special and treasured. The pace of the course was really measured and I felt like Ann held my hand along every step of the way. I have left feeling much more confident in my convictions and with a clearer sense of knowing what I want to go after. I absolutely highly recommend the course for any woman who wants to think more deeply about the impact that they want to have in the world."

    Kate

  • "Intensely Real was extraordinary in every way. The opportunity to spend three days with a group of inspiring women leaders in beautiful surroundings was so special, it felt like a real investment in my wellbeing and future success. The inner work we did together has given me so much clarity about the contribution I want to make through my work, a pathway to get there, and a supportive network of women to share my successes and help me overcome challenges. "

    Jo

  • "Intensely Real has been a transformative process. It has been a wonderful experience to work with Ann, who creates such a safe space to truly reflect, to deep dive, and to peel back the layers to identify a new and refocused you. The ability to meet inspirational women who are on the same journey allows for greater learning and connection. The shifted this experience has created for me is clarity and a re-energised purpose. “You'll never go professionally where you are afraid to go personally.” - this quote perfectly sums up intensity real. An increase in self-awareness equates to building stronger relationships and making better decisions as a leader. Intensely real - It's intimate, inspirational, and realigning."

    Jackie

  • "Intensely Real does exactly what it says on the tin! It is both intense and real, but so worthwhile. An immersive and educational program in a stunning location, with not a single detail left to chance 😊"

    Marian

  • "Intimate group of accomplished, capable, like minded women coming together to learn and cheer each other on, starting from where you are. Stunning location, with every detail considered: beautiful bag, notebook, pens and water bottle. Nurturing gifts in the room including aromatherapy blends (FYI Ann, I’ve used the sleep spray every night since and use the roll on all the time). Expertly guided sessions to help discover what is really important to you and how to go and get it. I could do an intensely real annually."

    Kate

We have worked with

 FAQs

  • Intensely Real combines both virtual and in-person experiences. The executive and group coaching sessions are conducted virtually, while the retreat is an in-person event. We do not offer a hybrid option for the retreat.

  • We're here to help you position the program in a way that aligns with your leadership development goals. Please reach out to us for guidance on how to present Intensely Real to your organisation.

  • Our retreat is currently planned to take place at the beautiful Stones of the Yarra Valley – visit their website for more details. The venue is approximately an hour away from the airport by Uber or taxi. You'll enjoy a luxurious private room with all meals and breaks included. Additional charges apply for drinks during dinner or any extra purchases.

    Rest assured, the retreat will cater to any dietary requirements you may have.

  • Any personal information collected from you is kept strictly confidential. The venue will receive your dietary preferences and room requirements to ensure a comfortable stay.

    Additionally, we will gather details about your context, leadership history, and goals, which will be shared exclusively with our coaches and facilitators. This helps us tailor Intensely Real to your needs. We'll always seek your permission before sharing any further information.

  • Intensely Real is designed to be relevant to your current situation and your future aspirations. Your 1:1 executive coaching sessions will help you establish these connections. If you need assistance before starting the program, please get in touch, and we'll be happy to support you.

  • Intensely Real is crafted for women in senior and executive leadership roles across various industries. The diverse group fosters a sense of community, stimulating conversation and learning. This program is perfect for women who lead complex lives both inside and outside work and who need time to focus on themselves to envision and achieve their desired future.

Connect

Express your interest in Intensely Real or submit an enquiry below.