
People & Culture (coming soon)

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, Stradivarius (Inditex Group)
"A retreat well organized and enriched."

Marketing Director, Visa
"I'm gonna take home insights related to the team, myself, and most of them related to the brand. Insights how to spark curiosity and drive innovation."

Business Unit Controller, Nespresso
"The instructor make us change completely our perspective."

Brand Director, EDP
"It was two enriched days of shared knowledge and interaction with an exceptional instructor."

Managing Director, Rangel Logistic Solutions
"It was a excellent opportunity to meet a S-Level manager from Amazon here in Portugal. I learned new management techniques and was also inspired with these new techniques to import and adapt them in my organization."

Head of People, MC Sonae
"I believe there is a tremendous value in the networking we engage with one another, and there is also value in the selfless sharing of the practices each of us has been implementing."

Global Brand Director, Pull&Bear (Inditex Group)
"More than a surprise, it was a great satisfaction, I recommend the experience 100% if you are really looking to enrich yourself as a professional. I wish I could attend more events like this during the year."

Marketing Director, Super Bock Group
"Learning from Greg was very interesting, all the cases and his experience make us rethink on our brands."

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. If you're thinking of doing something like this, do it. The risk is not doing it."

People Senior Director, Outsystems
"I brought tools and ideas to myself, my team and my company."

Chief Digital Transformation Officer, McDonald's
"Excellent program content, networking and event organization."

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.”

CFO, Sonae Arauco
“The attention to detail and professionalism were exceptional, making the experience informative, practical, and enjoyable. The high-quality program reflected a deep understanding of best management practices.”

CEO, MCG
"The network was perfect, a lot of high level people that we can share ideas. Was amazing to hear from Colin, and the way he teach simple things that we can relate and implement in our companies. It was a really really great retreat."

CEO, h3 Real Food Group
“It was a privilege attending this masterclass, conducted by Business Retreats. Learning from Colin's expertise provided invaluable perspectives on corporate governance and management systems.”

Brand Director, Ageas Group
“Unexpected, inspiring, food for thoughts!”

CEO, Aveleda Group
“”

CFO, Quinta do Lago Group
"I would like to express my sincere satisfaction with the training I recently attended “Managing like Amazon”. The quality of the content was exceptional, trainer Colin Bryar demonstrated in-depth knowledge and an admirable ability to convey complex information in a clear and accessible way."

Marketing Director, Fnac
“I have a fresh look at Fnac, on what we are doing and what we will do in the next years, and I'm positive that we'll have much more creativity and intention.”

Managing Director, Contisystems
“Incredible opportunity to participate in this masterclass. For three days we dove deeply into the systems and frameworks that help drive one of the most successful companies in the world."

Chief People Officer, Farfetch
“Couldn't miss the opportunity to absorve his knowledge. These two days were very rewarding as we had insightful approach on the topic.”

Brand and HR Director, Salvador Caetano Group
"I would particularly highlight the fact that it was a highly practical training that provided us with tools we can apply in our daily lives to tackle the challenges we face."

Business Development Manager, Riopele
“I work in a company with 100 years old and I'm gonna take home how can we keep a brand relevant for such a long time and how to keep my team always thinking how we can improve the brand.”

Global Deputy CEO, Proef
“Really insightful retreat that allowed me to challenge some of our strategic processes and bring some fresh thoughts into my organization.”

Marketing Director, H3
“We should go back to basics more often and it's very useful to stop and think about the brand.”

HR Director, Vanguard Properties
"An unique and incredible experience, full of learning and inspiration."

Marketing Director, Marine Instruments
“I tried to get the most of Greg's and Nike's experience, and be brave about launching a campaign or a product."

-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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."
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
How Do I Contact Customer Support?For any inquiries, please email us at antonio@businessretreats.net or call +351 914 793 351.
-
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