A leadership experience rooted in presence, purpose, and practice
Hosted by the H. E. Butt Foundation and the Laity Lodge team
Supported by Becoming Development
Grounded is a leadership retreat designed for philanthropic leaders seeking to lead with greater clarity, resilience, and impact—within themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
In a sector often shaped by urgency, complexity, and constant demand, Grounded offers space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Together, we will explore how leadership is shaped not only by strategy and execution, but by the internal and relational conditions that drive sustainable performance.
Held at Laity Lodge, a place of extraordinary hospitality and thoughtful curation led by Director Steven Purcell and his team, the retreat invites participants to slow down, listen deeply, and rediscover what it means to lead with wholeness and purpose in a complex world.
Developed in collaboration with Johnny Sertin, facilitator of PSW's Wayfarer program, the experience brings together leaders for a rhythm of conversation, reflective workshops, and restorative rest. Leadership here is approached as formation rather than performance—an inner posture as much as an outer practice.
The Experience
Between structured sessions, there is ample unstructured time built into the schedule for swimming, trail walks, fireside talks, exploring the arts center, or simple stillness beneath the canyon walls. With minimal technology and an emphasis on staying present, the space itself becomes part of the learning—serving as a reminder that clarity often comes in quiet.
Each gathering at Laity Lodge invites reflection, connection, and renewal. Set along the River Frio, Grounded is where learning and rest meet—and where renewal and resilience take root.
Grounded is designed as a progressive experience—moving from awareness to application.
See the System
Begin by identifying the often unseen dynamics that shape leadership and organizational culture. Participants explore patterns such as constant busyness, performance pressure, and reactive decision-making—and how these influence effectiveness and well-being.
Build Interior Capacity
Participants strengthen essential leadership capacities, including self-awareness, emotional regulation, relational courage, and clarity of purpose. Through guided reflection and experiential work, leaders gain insight into how their internal responses shape external outcomes.
Reimagine Culture
Explore what it looks like to lead cultures that are not only high-performing, but also human-centered—where trust, psychological safety, and meaningful connection support stronger results.
Apply & Commit
Participants translate insight into action with clear commitments they can bring back to their organizations—whether through new practices, conversations, or structural shifts.
This work is both practical and results-oriented. Research and experience show that leaders who cultivate presence and relational awareness strengthen engagement, retention, innovation, and long-term performance.
Retreat Details
Dates: May 4–6, 2026
Location: Laity Lodge, Leakey, Texas (approximately 2 hours from San Antonio)
Transportation: PSW will provide group transport to and from San Antonio International Airport.
Audience: Philanthropic professionals navigating complexity, growth, or change, and who are seeking renewal and reflection to deepen their leadership practice and strengthen their capacity to lead with clarity and purpose.
Accommodations: Nestled along the Frio River, Laity Lodge is a remote lodging center known for its extraordinary hospitality and serene setting. Lodging combines sophisticated design with monastic simplicity—creating a true retreat within a retreat. View more about the retreat lodging here.
Why Grounded
Philanthropy is relational work. The effectiveness of our organizations depends not only on what we do, but how we lead.
Grounded creates the conditions for leaders to:
- Lead with greater intention and clarity
- Strengthen relationships across teams and partners
- Build cultures that support both people and performance
- Return to their organizations with practical, actionable next steps
Registration Process and Fee
This retreat is initially open to participants in the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy program or a Collaborative (CCE, NIT, or EIA). Following priority registration, remaining spaces will be offered on a rolling basis, as capacity allows. Limited space remains for 2026.
Graciously hosted by the H. E. Butt Foundation, participants benefit from a discounted rate of $899 per person, which includes lodging, meals, and group transportation to and from San Antonio International Airport and Laity Lodge.
For questions or to check availability, please contact Amanda Esaena at amanda@philanthropysouthwest.org.
The H. E. Butt Foundation, established in 1933, is a faith-based private-operating foundation dedicated to cultivating wholeness in people and communities through programs that inspire spiritual, personal, and social renewal. Its initiatives include youth and family camps, outdoor education, and Laity Lodge—a renowned retreat center along the Frio River that offers a setting of extraordinary hospitality and quiet reflection. Through its work in the Canyon and beyond, the Foundation seeks to foster connection, formation, and transformation rooted in Christian faith and service.
About Becoming Consulting
Becoming is a leadership development and consulting practice that helps individuals and organizations strengthen the internal
