Founder Retreat: Recharge, Reflect & Reconnect

Piaule Catskill Hotel - Catskill, NY
April 23-25, 2025

In an increasingly dynamic and volatile moment, it is crucial to deepen our capacity as leaders to stand in the paradox that often arises in the work of founders committed to not reinventing the wheel. It is equally important to make space for both the grief many founders experience, and the joys of building the companies that make the change we believe in for our communities.

How do we, as leaders, stand in seemingly contradictory truths? How can we show up as the best founders and leaders we can be, and not feel at odds with our values, our sense of humanity, and creating something new?

Together, in community with other founders at both similar and different stages as your own, we will:

  • Examine personal and leadership goals; 

  • Explore grounding tactics for leadership and role as a founder;  

  • Deepen capacity for navigating transitions;

  • Learn to utilize art as a way to  support one’s journey; and 

  • Access rest and relaxation resources, all in the beautiful nature of the Catskills 

The Founder Retreat is designed to provide you with everything you need to recharge, refocus and reconnect.

Here’s What You Can Expect:

Wellbeing experiences and access to spa facilities (sauna, steam room, mineral plunge and hot pools).

Expertly facilitated sessions to address challenges and explore opportunities alongside your peers.

Time for solo reflection and integration of new insights.

Mindful farm-to-table cuisine featuring high-quality ingredients.

Location

Immerse yourself in nature on the beautiful Piaule property, a landscape hotel nestled between the Catskill Mountains and Kaaterskill Creek in upstate New York.

The property features 24 guest cabins scattered across a forested site, a short hike away from an onsite restaurant, spa and wellness space and acres of hiking trails.

Explore the property and wellness services:

Retreat Inclusions

Inclusions:

  • Facilitated Sessions

  • Day 1: Lunch + Dinner

  • Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner

  • Day 3: Breakfast

  • Private Accommodation

  • Wellbeing Experiences

  • Spa Facilities (sauna, steam room, mineral plunge and hot pools)

  • Parking

Not included: transportation, alcoholic beverages and spa or wellbeing treatments not
explicitly listed on the agenda. Alcoholic beverages and individual spa or wellbeing treatments are available for additional charges set and paid directly to Piaule by each guest.

Agenda Overview

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

12:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET

Thursday, April 24, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:00 PM ET

Friday, April 25, 2025

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET

FAQ

  • Interested founders will need to apply to attend the retreat here. General information along with an opportunity to share more about yourself including your goals for the retreat will be requested in the application form. 

    Within two weeks of submission, our team will be in touch on whether your registration has been accepted.

  • Piaule is nestled in the heart of the Catskills allowing us to escape from the day-to-day.

    The venue specializes in various wellbeing practices, from group mediations and yoga to soothing sound baths. Piaule’s restaurant also boasts seasonal delights sourced from local farms.

  • We encourage you to wear comfortable, mountain chic clothing, and to also bring activewear for any indoor or outdoor movement you’ll engage in as well as swimwear should you choose to utilize Piaule’s wellbeing and spa facilities (sauna, steam room, mineral plunge and hot pools). 

    Bring your favorite journal + writing instrument and consider packing hiking shoes + equipment along with your favorite snacks for your cabin.

  • The following items are not included:

    • Transportation to and from Piaule

    • Alcoholic beverages during the Retreat

    • Spa and wellbeing treatments not explicitly listed on the agenda. 

    Alcoholic beverages, individual spa and wellbeing treatments are available for additional charges which are set and paid directly to Piaule by each guest.

  • Parking is included in your registration.

    The venue also offers electric vehicle charging in the parking lot.

  • Two of the cabins are ADA-accessible, and all cabins are socially accessible. Piaule is happy to accommodate any guests with golf cart assistance as needed. 

    On the application form, please indicate your need for one of the two ADA-accessible cabins.

  • The on-site, farm-to-table restaurant can accommodate Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, and Gluten-Free dietary restrictions, as well as peanut, tree nut and shellfish allergies. They are also happy to present any other allergies to the chef to see what else can be accommodated. At this time, they are not able to offer Kosher or Halal meal options.  

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you or your company are interested in future sponsorship opportunities with Bright, please reach out to Aisha Taylor Oates aisha@brightventures.io

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