2nd Edition
PEOPLE & ORGANIZATION
Creating stakeholder value through human capability
Lectured by Professor Dave Ulrich
The Father of Modern HR.
Admittance of
5900€+VAT
Increases to €6,500 + VAT after May 16th.
vat 0% for non-portuguese companies
Date
10-12 November 2025
Location
Portugal, Convent of Christ
Tomar - UNESCO World Heritage
Audience
CEO, CHRO, Senior HR related executives
Audience
CHRO, HR Directors, Head of People
Admittance of 5900€+VAT
Increases to 6500€ +VAT after 16th May.
vat 0% for non-portuguese companies
Location
Portugal, Convent of Christ
UNESCO World Heritage
Date
17-19 November 2025
An Executive Development Program lectured by Dave Ulrich.
"In today's complex business environment, managing people and organizations has become a critical priority for all stakeholders. Employees strive for positive work experiences and opportunities to contribute productively, while executives focus on achieving strategic goals. Boards are concerned with ensuring continuity and sustainability, customers seek organizations that align with their needs, investors demand strong financial returns, and communities value companies with a positive reputation and societal impact.
The "human" in human resources refers not only to employees but to all stakeholders. By investing in human capability—through initiatives in talent, leadership, organizational design, and the HR function—HR professionals play a vital role in delivering value to every stakeholder.
This workshop equips participants with the tools and frameworks to unlock stakeholder value by investing in human capability, enabling them to define and communicate this value while building compelling business cases. Through a comprehensive human capability framework, participants will learn to design integrated people and organizational strategies, exploring trends and best practices in talent initiatives, leadership branding, emerging organizational capabilities, and HR function optimization.
Participants will leave the workshop prepared to create a detailed human capability plan that addresses stakeholder needs and serves as a roadmap for implementation. They will also develop actionable steps to ensure the successful execution of their strategies.
I’ll facilitate this workshop, utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including facilitated discussions, case studies based on participants' experiences, practical tools, and assessments. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only learn key concepts but are also able to apply them effectively in their organizations.
Sincerely"
What You Will Learn
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Understand the strategic value of human capability in today’s AI-driven, stakeholder-focused business environment.
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Learn how to create value for investors, customers, boards, and employees through targeted HR conversations.
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Explore cutting-edge practices in talent acquisition, development, retention, and employee experience.
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Define organizational capabilities, culture, and leadership branding to align with market expectations.
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Build a personalized Human Capability Plan with clear actions, ownership, and implementation steps.
10th November 2025
Imagine walking through the grand halls of the Convento de Cristo, a site where history whispers from every stone, and being greeted by none other than Dave Ulrich. You will join 30 other executives for an unparalleled meeting where Greg will reveal the inner workings of branding with emotion—right in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meet & Greet: 16:30 - 21:00
Dave Ulrich will kick things off with a comprehensive preview of the next two days, laying the groundwork for engaging discussions.
Everyone will be guided through thoughtful questions to build connections.
As night falls, we´ll enjoy a lavish dinner - a perfect end to a day of first meet and great.
Transfers will be available between the hotel and the Convento de Cristo.
11th November 2025
From context to stakeholder value and talent strategy, Day 2 sets the foundation for rethinking HR as a driver of business impact. You’ll explore why now is the time for human capability, understand the expectations of key stakeholders, and gain deep insight into talent innovation. The day concludes with a networking dinner in an exceptional setting.
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09:00 - 11:00 | CONTEXT - Now is the time for human capability
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Recognize that “human capability” is the key challenge in today’s changing business context.
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Identify external context that puts people and organization at the center of business success.
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Highlight trends in AI and their implications for HR.
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Define assumptions for the future of work.
11:15 - 13:00 | STAKEHOLDER - HR is not about HR but delivering value in the marketplace
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Define stakeholder value from human capability (outside in).
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Discuss human capability conversations with various stakeholders, including investors, customers, communities, boards, senior executives, and employees.
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Understand how human capability creates value for each stakeholder.
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Learn the conversations HR should have with key stakeholders to meet their needs.
13:00 - 14:30 | A lunch crafted with the finest local ingredients, lovingly prepared by our dedicated Chef
14:30 - 16:30 | HUMAN CAPABILITY - Evolution of HR to human capability
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Explore the evolution of personnel to human resources to human capital to human capability.
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Identify the emerging human capability logic.
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Understand the value of a framework for impact.
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Report on the research on the human capability framework.
16:45 - 18:00 | TALENT - Upgrading your talent
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Identify the latest innovations in talent:
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Bringing the right people into the organization (acquisition)
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Moving people through the organization (training, rewards, communication, diversity
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Retaining and removing the right people
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10 talent innovations
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Acquiring the right people
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Developing people
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Rewarding people for the right behaviors and outcomes
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Communicating clearly
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Managing careers
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Ensuring sustainable DEI
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Retaining the best (avoiding great resignation)
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Removing those who need to go
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Creating an employee value proposition
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Building employee experience (believe, become, belong)
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18:00 - 21:30 | Network Dinner
Savor premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection, with music setting the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations. 11th November at Taverna Antiqua.
12th November 2025
Day 3 moves from understanding to execution. You’ll dive into how to shape the right organization, leadership, and HR function, and finish by drafting a tailored Human Capability Plan for your context. The day closes with a special certificate ceremony and a moment with Professor Dave Ulrich.
09:00 - 11:00 | ORGANIZATION - Creating the right organization
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Define organization as a set of capabilities and the right culture.
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Diagnose how to create the right culture given your marketplace.
11:15 - 13:00 | LEADERSHIP - Establishing a leadership brand
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Define the right leadership as the brand in the marketplace.
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Identify the five core domains of leadership competence (leadership code) in today’s world and 10 leadership skills.
13:00 - 14:30 | A lunch crafted with the finest local ingredients, lovingly prepared by our dedicated Chef
14:30 - 15:30 | HUMAN RESOURCE FUNCTION - Upgrading human resources
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Review the evolution of HR value-added from administrative to best practice to strategy to outside in.
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Identify 10 elements of an effective HR department.
15:45 - 17:00 | HUMAN CAPABILITY PLAN - Creating a human capability plan
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Learn about a template for building a human capability plan.
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Prepare an initial draft of the plan.
17:00 - 18:00 | ACTION PLANS - Preparing and implementing an action plan
Apply the information to:
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You as an HR professional
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Your ORGANIZATION
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The profession
Prepare an action plan for going forward with specific actions, accountabilities, investments, and next steps.
30th April 2025
10th November
Imagine walking through the grand halls of the Convento de Cristo, a site where history whispers from every stone, and being greeted by none other than Dave Ulrich. On 10th November, you will join 30 other executives for an unparalleled meeting where Greg will reveal the inner workings of branding with emotion—right in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
16:30 - 21:00
Dave Ulrich will kick things off with a comprehensive preview of the next two days, laying the groundwork for engaging discussions.
Everyone will be guided through thoughtful questions to build connections.
As night falls, we´ll enjoy a lavish dinner - a perfect end to a day of first meet and great.
Transfers will be available between the hotel and the Convento de Cristo.
Diane Gherson, CHRO at IBM
"Prof. Ulrich bring rich observations and clear advice on the radical changes in organizations and work design, governance, and leadership style needed to thrive in the digital era."
Meet & Greet
Kick off the program by connecting with Dave and fellow participants on 10th November at the picturesque city of Tomar.
2-day Program
Dave will share his experience and frameworks, and answer your questions in an immersive learning experience. 11th & 12th November at Convent of Christ, Tomar
People & Organization Workbook
Receive an exclusive workbook filled with Dave's frameworks and systems, designed to guide your journey.
Hotel & Food Included
10th & 11th November accommodation included.
Enjoy all-inclusive meals throughout the program.
Network Dinner Experience
Savor premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection, with music setting the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations. 11th November at Taverna Antiqua.
Airport & Hotel Transfer
Our team will take care of your transportation during the 3 days.
Signed Certificate
Take home a personalized, hand-signed certificate from Dave, verifying your participation and achievement.
Featured Clients
Executives from
Meet & Greet
Kick off the program by connecting with Dave and fellow participants on 10th November at the picturesque city of Tomar.
2-day Program
Dave will share his experience and frameworks, and answer your questions in an immersive learning experience. 11th & 12th November at Convent of Christ, Tomar
People & Organization Workbook
Receive an exclusive workbook filled with Dave's frameworks and systems, designed to guide your journey.
Hotel & Food Included
10th & 11th November accommodation included.
Enjoy all-inclusive meals throughout the program.
Network Dinner Experience
Savor premium cuts of meat grilled to perfection, with music setting the perfect backdrop for engaging conversations. 11th November at Taverna Antiqua.
Airport & Hotel Transfer
Our team will take care of your transportation during the 3 days.
Signed Certificate
Take home a personalized, hand-signed certificate from Dave, verifying your participation and achievement.
Program Overview
A Retreat Inside an UNESCO World Heritage Monument. A Letter Written by Greg Hoffman.
I'm honored to welcome you to the "Branding with Emotion" retreat, a dynamic three-day journey where we'll explore how our brands can forge deeper, lasting connections in the hearts and minds of customers.
The program I'll share with you has been shaped by my 27-year journey at NIKE, where I worked across marketing, innovation, advertising, and design. I witnessed firsthand how the Swoosh transcended its role as a logo to become a symbol of human potential, how "Just Do It" evolved beyond a tagline into a global mindset, and how sneakers transformed into vessels of profound personal connection. Drawing from these experiences, I've designed this program to help you develop the leadership mindset and strategies needed to create powerful emotional bonds between your brand and customers.
Begins with an exploration of emotion's role in distinguishing extraordinary brands from ordinary ones. We'll then delve into "Sparking a Movement" - examining how brands can evolve beyond transactions to become meaningful forces in customers' lives. Through engaging case studies and interactive exercises, we'll push ourselves to create a more audacious vision of our brands' future and discover how to define and amplify each brands' unique personality.
Last day opens with "Dare to Be Remembered", focusing on brand storytelling and cultural relevance. Because no brand story worth telling should be forgotten, we'll examine the principles that make stories resonate and endure. In "Never Play it Safe, Play to Win", we'll explore how to foster a culture of calculated risk-raking that generates bold, innovative ideas. Through case studies and hands-on exercises, you'll gain practical tools to energize creativity within your organizations.
We'll conclude by looking toward the future with "Leave a Legacy, Not Just a Memory", examining how brands can contribute meaningfully to global progress while achieving their business objectives.
I look forward to collaborating with you over these next three days, in the UNESCO Heritage Christ Convent, as we unlock new ways to strengthen our brands and drive business growth through the power of emotion.
Sincerely,
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What is Arc Business Retreats?Arc Business Retreats, founder in 2018, organizes exclusive 3-day retreats for 30 executives, focusing on learning from top business minds in a serene environment in Tomar, Portugal. Our retreats are characterized by: Intimate Executive Learning: Limited to 30 executives for personalized experiences. High-Caliber Instructors: Leaders from brands like Google, Rolls-Royce, Harley Davidson, Nike, Amazon. Target Audience: C-level executives seeking strategic insights and meaningful connections. Exclusive Retreats: Our retreats are curated with instructor input to select the ideal participants, ensuring a tailored networking experience with peers who align with your professional profile. Historic Setting: Conducted in Tomar, Portugal, in a serene environment. Hands-On Workshops: Interactive sessions blending strategy with practice. Focused Topic Retreats: Each retreat dedicated to a single topic. Notable Past Instructors: Industry veterans like Colin Bryar, Aswath Damodaran, Greg Hoffman and Liz Muller. Networking Opportunities: Informal networking with peers. Dietary Accommodations: Traditional Portuguese cuisine with vegetarian options. Pre and Post Retreat Resources: Comprehensive materials for enhanced learning. Discover our LinkedIN Discover our Instagram
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Who Are The Founders of Arc Business Retreats?João Cascão and António Ferreira are the dynamic founders of Arc Business Retreats. João leads the brand and sales, ensuring the company’s vision resonates with its exclusive clientele, while António focuses on engaging with clients and selecting world-class instructors. Together, they embody versatility—true Swiss Army knives of their business. From strategizing retreats to rolling up their sleeves for hands-on tasks like moving sofas and transporting 120kg BBQ grills, João and António exemplify commitment, teamwork, and a relentless drive to deliver exceptional experiences.
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What Is The Format of The Retreats?Retreat Format: Our retreats are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience over three days for 30 executives: Day 1: Welcome Dinner The retreat kicks off with a welcome dinner, providing an informal setting for participants to meet and engage with one another, as well as with the instructor. This evening sets the stage for building connections and preparing for the days ahead. Days 2 and 3: Training Sessions and Networking Events Each day is filled with insightful training sessions led by one industry veteran, focusing on strategic topics tailored to executive needs. These sessions are interactive, allowing for hands-on learning and practical application. In addition to the training, dedicated networking moments are woven throughout the schedule, offering opportunities for participants to connect with peers, share experiences, and build valuable professional relationships.
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What a Day Look LikeMorning Session Narrative Dawn breaks over the serene city of Tomar as you join fellow executives for a carefully curated breakfast. The morning air is crisp, and anticipation builds as you prepare for today's transformative sessions. Your instructor, a former C-level executive from a global powerhouse, begins with a thought-provoking case study that immediately engages the intimate group of 30 leaders. Afternoon Deep Dive Following a delightful local-sourced lunch, the course continues with an emphasis on practical application. In this interactive setting, you delve into real-world scenarios and collaborate with peers who share your challenges. The afternoon workshops are tailored to apply insights directly to your organization's context, with the instructor providing personalized feedback and guidance. Small group discussions further enhance the learning experience, allowing for deeper connections and the exchange of ideas in a supportive environment. Evening Connection As the day winds down, the focus shifts to building meaningful relationships. The Backyard Grill event offers the perfect opportunity to network informally with peers from across Europe. Over exquisite Portuguese cuisine, you engage in candid conversations, fostering connections that extend beyond the retreat. Note Each Arc Business Retreat may vary slightly to accommodate different themes and instructors, but the described narrative reflects the standard experience participants can expect. The Meet & Greet on Day 1 at the historic Convento de Cristo sets the tone for the retreat, while the core learning and networking take place in Tomar on Days 2 and 3.
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Who Attend Our Retreats?Our retreats are designed for 30 C-level executives from a diverse range of industries. Participation is by invitation only, ensuring that attendees are leaders who are eager to engage in strategic discussions and expand their professional network. This selective approach guarantees that all participants are peers in terms of experience and ambition, fostering a rich environment for meaningful interactions and learning. We had the privilege of hosting executives from some of the world's most esteemed companies, including IBM, Inditex, Visa, Nespresso, EDP, and McDonald's, among others. Our participants come from diverse sectors, holding influential roles such as CHROs, Marketing Directors, CEOs, and more. These leaders have consistently praised the transformative impact of our retreats. What They Say About Us: CHRO, Waeg - an IBM Company: "I just can recommend everyone in my network to take this opportunity. Colin was absolutely phenomenal, as well as all the organization and reception from Arc Business Retreats." Marketing Director, Visa: "I'm gonna take home insights related to the team, myself, and most of them related to the brand. Insights on how to spark curiosity and drive innovation." Business Unit Controller, Nespresso: "The instructor made us change completely our perspective." Managing Director, Rangel Logistic Solutions: "It was an excellent opportunity to meet a S-Level manager from Amazon here in Portugal. I learned new management techniques and was also inspired to adapt them in my organization." CEO, Brave Generation Academy: "This business retreat was wonderful. You get to really connect with people. For me, it was really a special time. And I learned a lot of little things that are going to make a massive impact." Global CEO, Manutan Group: "Engagement at this personal level with everyone is extremely valuable. Learning from someone like Colin was a very unique thing. It's clear to me how Amazon does it and I'm quite confident that I can cascade it into our organization."
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What Is and How Can I Become An Arc Insider?As an Arc Insider, you gain access to exclusive updates, insights, and opportunities to attend our invitation-only retreats. These retreats are curated to include a diverse and carefully selected audience, ensuring a rich and rewarding networking experience. To become an Arc Insider, simply fill out the form on our Insiders page. This will allow us to review your request and consider you for future invitations to our retreats. We are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and providing insightful learning experiences. Becoming an Insider offers you the opportunity to engage with industry veterans and gain valuable insights that support your professional journey.
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How Does The Invitation + Waiting List Process Work?Arc Business Retreats operates on an exclusive invitation-only basis, strictly limited to 30 executives per retreat. This carefully managed process ensures optimal group dynamics and precise control over available spots. Direct Invitation Selected executives receive a personal invitation with a private access code Each invitation includes a specific expiration date Once an invitation expires, the spot is reallocated to other qualified candidate Waiting List (Arc Insiders) If you haven't received a direct invitation, submit your application to join our waiting list Receive priority access when spots become available Get notified first about upcoming retreat dates Your position on the waiting list is maintained based on fit and timing We maintain this rigorous selection model for three essential reasons: Ensure the highest quality of peer-to-peer learning Create balanced group dynamics for optimal networking Maintain precise control over participant numbers and profiles Would like to join? Submit your application through this form. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, as we carefully review each candidate to ensure the right mix of expertise and maintain the high caliber of our executive community.
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What's Included in Your Retreat PurchaseWhen you purchase a spot at one of our Arc Business Retreats, you gain access to a comprehensive and enriching experience designed to enhance your professional growth and networking opportunities. Here's what's included: Exclusive Access to Retreat Sessions Participate in interactive training sessions led by industry veterans, focusing on strategic insights and practical applications. Welcome Dinner Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first evening, providing an informal setting to meet fellow participants and the instructor. Networking Moments Engage in structured and informal networking moments, designed to foster meaningful connections with peers from various industries. Pre and Post Retreat Resources Receive a pre-retreat form, a book by the instructor, printed slide decks, workbooks, a notebook, a premium pen, digital photos, and a printed certificate. Accommodation Stay at a carefully selected venue that offers a serene and inspiring environment. Meals All meals included, featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine (with vegetarian options). Airport and Venue Transfers Enjoy seamless transfers from the airport to the retreat venue in Tomar, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey. Continued Support Benefit from continued support and follow-up after the retreat, including access to digital resources and the opportunity to stay connected with fellow participants. This package is thoughtfully designed to ensure you have a valuable and memorable experience, with all the necessary resources and support to maximize your learning and networking opportunities.
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How Do I Contact Customer Support?For any inquiries, please email us at antonio@businessretreats.net or call +351 914 793 351.
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What is The Refund Policy?Cancellation Policy: Full Refund: Event participation can be canceled up to 30 days before the event date, with a full refund provided. Cancellations Within 30 Days: No Refund: For cancellations made within 30 days of the event, no refund will be provided. Receive Credit: The amount paid can be converted into credit for a future training session offered by Arc Business Retreats. Transfer Your Spot: You can transfer your spot to another person, subject to prior approval by Arc Business Retreats. For any questions or further information, please contact the Arc Business Retreats team at antonio@businessretreats.net