Demystifying Executive Presence for Women
September 1-7, 2025
Tula Vida, Costa Rica
Join us for an unforgettable journey of self discovery, reflection, renewal and reconnection. This 6 night retreat for women leaders includes application of the latest leadership principles, daily somatic practices, life-changing experiences with the horse herd, and intimate and lasting connection with other dynamic and passionate women. This week will not only anchor your executive presence but reconnect you to the purpose behind why you love to lead. Get ready to fall in love all over again!
An unforgettable journey
of self-discovery.
“As I become more aware, curious and flexible, I become infinitely more powerful.”
This retreat is an immersive experience that helps participants “demystify” the concept of Executive Presence.
Instead of approaching this concept as a skill or trying to replicate the way presence is modeled by colleagues, this retreat approaches it as an inside-out job.
Through a combination of group sessions, individual coaching, and experiential activities with horses, attendees will cultivate greater confidence, learn to lead more authentically, become more connected to their deeper purpose intuition and purpose for leading and as a result, holistically and naturally demonstrate the presence needed to optimize their desired influence and impact.
About the retreat.
It’s no surprise that men and women differ in their leadership styles. But even when they do the same thing, they are often perceived differently. This retreat will help the women who attend to understand why and, more importantly, what they can do about it. It’s a career-changing experience that will not only transform the way you show up, it will fundamentally change the way you lead, how it feels to lead, and the impacts your leadership has on others.
Core elements of Executive Presence:
Confidence
Composure
Credibility
Charisma
Connection
What is “Executive Presence”?
A combination of personal qualities, communication skills, + behaviors that project confidence, authority, + leadership, allowing someone to inspire trust + motivate others.
What is Executive Presence for Women?
“My time at Tula Vida was eye-opening in the perfect escape from every day life, responsibilities, and pressure. Sally and Eric were excellent teachers and shoulders to lean on for support. The most impactful part of the experience was working with the horses to help me identify my true potential. The horses were an incredible mirror, and they showed me how to be present, feel my emotions and how to move forward.”
For women, it is the ability to inspire confidence in themselves, and therefore to create confidence in others, even in uncertain situations. It involves optimizing their self-awareness, projecting self-assurance and demonstrating an executive mindset.
Presence is often the main thing people remember or value about someone. It’s an energy and a state of mind. It is more than what we say or what we do, it is about how we engage authentically and how we make people feel.
Unfortunately, how presence is modeled is meaningfully different between men and women. As a result, women have been given unclear feedback, have been asked to minimize their femininity and even after ‘trying the tricks suggested’, feedback revealed that their impact still does not match their intentions or efforts. This is where the horses come in!
Why horses?
Horses are masterful teachers of executive presence.
They respond not to titles, resumes, or rehearsed words, but to the energy, clarity, and authenticity behind a leader’s presence. In the corporate world, women often receive conflicting messages—be confident but not too assertive, warm but not overly emotional.
Horses, however, operate beyond human biases.
With highly attuned nervous systems, they rely on connection, clarity, and trust to ensure the herd’s survival. They do not overanalyze, nor do they judge based on appearance or preconceptions—they simply respond to what they sense in the moment. This provides immediate, unbiased feedback on how you are truly showing up, offering a rare opportunity to refine your leadership presence in real time.
Build confidence and self-trust.
At Tula Vida, dynamic, experiential work with the herd allows you to build confidence, deepen self-trust, and refine nonverbal communication—essential elements of executive presence. This is leadership training at its most direct, visceral, and lasting—an experience that will not only transform how others perceive you but how you perceive yourself.
Connect with parts of yourself you’ve never before embraced.
As you sink into the rhythm of herd life, the horses guide you to parts of yourself you've glimpsed but never fully embraced. They show you what true balance feels like – in your body, your spirit, and your relationships. No experience with horses is needed – just bring your open heart and willingness to be transformed. You may arrive as a guest, but you'll leave as part of the herd – forever changed by these extraordinary teachers.
No prior experiences with horses is required!
Retreat Attendee
“This experience was truly transformational, filled with profound insights. It's perfect for anyone seeking a deeper, healthier, and more loving connection to themselves and others. The nature of the experience allows for a deep dive into personal growth, all while fostering vulnerability as you disconnect from the outside world and immerse yourself in a place of wonder. Surrounded by parrots, toucans, and a highly intuitive herd of human and animal guides, it helped me understand broken parts of myself and know the way forward. I've already booked my second trip. I highly, highly recommend it!!”
Retreat Attendee
“The most impactful part of my experience at Tula Vida was having my mind go offline and expanding into the vast realms that exist beyond the nonverbal world. Being offered so many ways to expand and connect to these essential realms – to have them presented and translated to us by Sally, Eric and the gorgeous gorgeous horses – to feel the imprint and guidance of these wise, allowing souls was a gift beyond measure. I leave feeling my whole self – and I leave with joy. Thank you thank you thank you!!”
What you will discover:
What executive presence is and is not, expanding the way you cultivate your own.
How to interpret the subtle messages of power, and recognize and react to the organizational impact of diverse leadership styles.
The criticality of stepping back to reflect, refocus and renew how you see yourself and your way of being with others to best align with your desired intent.
A reflection of your presence with invaluable feedback from the facilitators, other participants, and the unique and ever so authentic experience of you as communicated by the horse herd.
How to safely explore your inner universe with expert guidance and compassionate coaching, and how to navigate your own insights and emotions to unlock doors to new understanding about yourself and your connection to the world.
Retreat attendee:
“As a woman in a leadership role I have had challenges with finding my voice, overcoming insecurities and advocating for myself. I sought out Renee to help me overcome these issues and have seen lasting impact. We worked together through a variety of situations where certain patterns kept showing up. Her insights were incredibly helpful in understanding myself better and if and where change was needed. After working with her I am better able to relate to others and confidently show up as a better version of myself!”
What you will gain:
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Develop a sense of resilience and self-assurance.
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Create an environment where others feel seen, heard, and valued. As a result, you do, too.
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Practice empathy and the ability to see the perspectives of others. Listen more deeply so you can attune to what is said and what is not.
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Use powerful communication and non-verbal skills to engage others and build trust. Maintain calmness and control under pressuer.
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Set clear intentions, gain insights around your most effective leadership style, show up genuine and always true to yourself.
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Understand your needs and boundaries, offer clear and impactful expression of ideas, and know when to listen and when to talk.
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Catalyze your executive presence and understand how your Person Effect impacts others. You’ll deepen your awareness of your strengths and limitations so you can best work with both.
THIS RETREAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE and LEADERSHIP FOR THE BETTER!
Your personal leadership power and impact will not only finally make sense, you will leave knowing exactly how to harness it!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
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Senior Female Leaders
Leaders who are looking for that next big shift in how they lead and the impacts they can have.
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Female Professionals
Professional women who aspire to greater influence and authority in their organizations.
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Women Business Owners / Entrepreneurs
Business owners who are committed to making their mark and doing that in a way that aligns with their values, desires, and purpose.
What’s included in your retreat:
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Connect with the other participants and refine your intentions for attending.
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You’ll travel from Liberia International Airport to Tula Vida Ranch and back (provided you arrive at the designated time and day with the group).
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The ranch has a view of 3 stunning volcanoes, valley and sunset views, private nature paths, local flora and fauna, and natural springs, rivers, ponds, and butterflies.
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All meals are prepared on site with love using local and organic produce.
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You’ll have full access to 80 acres of property, miles of trails, waterfalls, valleys, sunset views, a spring fed pond, horses, wildlife and more.
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Enjoy an all-day adventure that includes horseback riding and thermal baths.
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Work 1:1 with Renée, including a pre-retreat call and a post-retreat coaching call 30 days after.
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Enjoy multiple days of of transformational experiences with the horses, facilitated by Sally and Eric.
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Energize the start of your day with movement and meditative practices.
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Enjoy a dreamy bodywork session with a local therapist.
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We’ll gather in the evenings to enjoy each other’s company and the beauty of the setting sun.
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We’ll celebrate our journey and appreciate each other during a fun night out on the town!
AIR FARE TO AND FROM LIBERIA, COSTA RICA, AND ANY ACCOMMODATIONS BEFORE AND AFTER THE RETREAT ARE NOT INCLUDED.
Your carefully crafted journey:
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Arrival - Group transfer from Liberia at 2pm
Sunset and Dinner at Tula Vida
Welcome Circle and Introductions
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Dance Yourself Awake
Re-thinking Executive Presence
Group Session: Intro to horses as facilitators
Creating relationship through presence and non-verbal communication
Leadership through the lens of the Enneagram
Evening Session: Cultivating Confidence From the Inside Out
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Horseback riding with lunch
Hot springs with dinner
A day all about being in the moment and cultivating joy!
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Qi Gong with horses
Optimizing our Person Effect
Start private individual horse sessions and 1:1s w/ Renée.
PERSONAL TIME: Massages
Evening Session: Life Visualization
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Dance yourself awake
Lifelines
Equine facilitated sand play
Continue priviate individual horse sessions + 1:1s w/ Renée
PERSONAL TIME: Start Life Visions and Massages
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Dance yourself awake
Paddle-boarding and Group Meditation
Silent walk with horses.
PERSONAL TIME: Finish Life Visions and Massages
Evening Session: Celebration Dinner and Closing Circle
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Gather for one more delicious meal and farewells.
What people say:
About your facilitators:
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Renée is an ICF PCC accredited leadership, team and lifestyle coach, seasoned group facilitator and leadership expert. After spending over 20 years in global leadership roles in the high tech and biotech industry, Renée followed her hearts desire for more meaning and balance in her life. Today she runs her own global practice out of California with an important focus on women and leadership. She believes that the new era of women’s leadership calls us to step more fully into our role as change-makers—requiring greater attention to self-care, a willingness to heal what calls to be healed, and the courage to name and pursue our truest aspirations. Only then can women achieve the freedom, discernment and choiceful balance needed to fully step into their unique purpose and work in this world.
Renée is a woman on a mission for healing. What drives her above all is the opportunity to reduce human and organizational suffering and equip people to live with more purpose, grace, and joy. She has published dozens of self-help and leadership articles which have been featured in publications such as Fortune, Financial Times & Elephant Journal and been the guest on over 30 podcasts. Her new book titled The Art and Truth of Transformation for Women was released in 2021 and is a #1 best seller on Amazon. Her first solo book “SoulFULL Living” will be published this summer.
Renée has been hosting retreats since 2015. Her first retreat focused on the relationship between mothers and daughters. A relationship that is the template for every other relationship in our lives. In 2021, Renée created her second retreat, SoulFULL Living: Honoring Conscious and Authentic Connection, for women of all ages who share a desire to live a more SoulFULL life. This is also when her collaboration with the Imiloa Institute and Tula Vida Retreat Center began, both located in beautiful Costa Rica.
Renée earned her Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and is part of the coaching faculty at two highly renowned universities—Stanford in the US and IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland. She has been teaching leadership for over 20 years. She is a TedX Speaker, a Hoffman Institute Graduate and seasoned teacher of the Enneagram. Most recently Renée completed the Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification Program offered through The Embody Lab.
Renée has been married for 23 years and has two children, age 18 and 20. Together as a family, they have turned their passion for travel, 50 countries and counting, into a true family ritual!
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A former London lawyer turned transformational coach and retreat leader, Sally Nilsson is a relentless pursuer of authenticity, balance, and personal growth. Her journey from corporate law to the heart of Costa Rica was guided by a deep connection with horses and a desire for a more meaningful, purpose-driven life.
Sally began her career as a lawyer at Clifford Chance in London and Hong Kong before moving in-house to a venture capital firm. She rose to General Counsel of a real estate investment firm, leading a global team of 12 lawyers. Yet, despite her professional success, she felt a calling for something more. A transformative experience on a horseback adventure in Costa Rica in 2013 ignited a profound shift—one that led her to train as an advanced certified facilitator in Equine Experiential Learning and dedicate her career to guiding others toward self-discovery and balance.
Today, Sally lives in Costa Rica, the perfect setting for deep personal growth work, and has co-created Tula Vida Ranch, an 80-acre off-the-grid retreat center nestled in the Costa Rican rainforest. Designed as a sanctuary for those seeking clarity, renewal, and alignment, Tula Vida bridges the gap between corporate comfort and personal aspiration. Through the wisdom of horses, nervous system regulation, and immersive experiences in nature, she helps leaders cultivate the discernment and resilience needed to step into their most authentic, purpose-driven selves.
Sally is certified with the Polyvagal Equine Institute, Eponaquest, My Horses My Healers, and the International Coaching Federation. She works with clients both online (coaching & training) and in-person at the Ranch, curating transformative experiences that empower individuals to lead with presence, confidence, and ease.
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With a background in martial arts, yoga, and health & wellness consulting, Eric Kolesar has spent his career guiding individuals toward self-empowerment, balance, and personal growth. He integrates neuroscience, body awareness, mindfulness, and experiential learning to help high achievers reconnect with their authentic selves and share their gifts with the world.
Eric’s expertise spans multiple disciplines, including professional life coaching, energy work, and yoga (500-hour certified instructor). His journey took a transformative turn when he discovered the profound impact of working with horses as a catalyst for personal insight and rapid transformation. He went on to become an advanced certified facilitator in Equine Experiential Learning, as well as in modalities such as the Masterson Technique and Equine-Facilitated Sand Play.
As co-founder of Tula Vida Ranch, Eric creates deeply immersive experiences in leadership, mindfulness, and personal transformation, helping high-achievers break through limiting patterns and cultivate a life of greater freedom, confidence, and joy.
Through cutting-edge neuroscience-based practices and the intuitive wisdom of horses, Eric, Sally, and the Tula Vida herd offer a unique and powerful path to self-awareness and authentic leadership.
Eric and Sally also co-founded the Tula Vida Foundation, a registered charity with a mission to rescue and rehabilitate horses as well as to provide transformative retreat experiences for those without the economic means.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Tula Vida & the Demystifying Executive Presence for Women retreat!
September 1-7, 2025
Please select your accommodation and payment option below.
You can select from a Pay-In-Full option and receive a ADDITIONAL FREE MASSAGE at the retreat (one is already included!), or you can split your payment into 2 easy payments.
Have questions? Need alternative payment plans? No problem! Click below to book a call:
To learn more about Renée and her work in the world, click here.
For more information about Sally and Eric, Tula Vida, and the accommodations, please click here.
