Step back and pause.
Gain clarity.
& ReConnect
Three days away from the noise. Time to gain clarity on your strategy, and draw on the wisdom of fellow research leaders.
12-14 October, 2026
The Netherlands
When did you last have real time to think?
Not time squeezed between meetings. Not a lunch break with your phone. Real time, uninterrupted, to step back from your day-to-day work and ask yourself: what am I actually trying to create here, and am I going in the right direction?
Most research leaders are running so fast they rarely get to answer that question. The ReConnect Retreat creates the conditions to do exactly that. You’ll work through your strategy and priorities with structure and intention.
You do not have to do this alone. You’ll work alongside a small group of research leaders who bring honest perspectives and hard-won experience, a brilliant blend of wisdom and curiosity.
Break free from the ordinary. This intimate retreat, capped at 10 UX Research leaders, goes beyond traditional training. It’s a guided exploration alongside your peers, fostering self-discovery and collaboration.
There are no slides, no wi-fi dependency, no packed agenda. It’s three analog days surrounded by nature, with genuine space to slow down, think deeply, and reconnect with what matters most to you and your practice.
What you’ll leave with
Through a guided process of self-reflection and peer-to-peer coaching, you’ll work towards the following objectives:
A defined strategy
Not a vague vision but clear direction with priorities that you are committed to for the next 6-18 months.
Clarity on what to stop doing
Knowing what to say no to is just as important as knowing where to focus. You’ll work this out deliberately, not reactively.
Genuine peer wisdowm
Through peer coaching and open conversation, you’ll draw on the real experience of fellow leaders and offer yours in return.
Enjoy the silence and nature
The retreat takes place at Hoorneboeg. A quiet estate in a nature reserve near Hilversum in the green heart of the Netherlands. It’s genuinely away from everything: no city noise, no back-to-back obligations, no reason to be anywhere else. The kind of place where you can hear yourself think and truly connect with yourself and others.
Your own room
Everyone has a private room or cabin on the estate. Space to be alone when you need it, and access to social areas when you want it.
Meals and time outdoors
Vegetarian meals made with local ingredients. Walks in the estate, yoga, open air. The unhurried rhythm of the place is part of how good thinking happens.
Mostly analog
No slides, no screens. The work happens on paper, in conversation, in your own head. That’s deliberate.
Time to ReConnect
Shared dinners, a campfire, open conversations. This is where you’ll often find the most meaningful exchanges of the whole retreat..
This retreat is for you if…
- You’re a UX Research Leader who wants to work strategically and value time for reflection as much as time for action.
- You feel pulled in too many directions and struggle to protect what matters most.
- You crave meaningful connection with fellow research leaders.
The program
Each day has a theme, with facilitated sessions, peer coaching, and generous time for individual reflection. The schedule is intentionally not packed. There’s room to sit with things, talk in pairs, go for a walk, and let ideas settle. That’s not a gap in the program. It’s part of it.
In between sessions you can go for a walk in nature or chat with the other participants. In the evenings we will enjoy a lovely meal, light a campfire and relax.
Monday 12th
Day 1
Focus: ReConnect
Arrive and set your intentions and goals for the retreat.
Get to know each other and coach each other on our individual challenges.
Tuesday 13th
Day 2
Focus: Strategy
Define what’s next for your research practice and for you as a research leader.
What does success look like for you? What needs to change to get there?
Wednesday 14th
Day 3
Focus: Direction
Set your priorities. Decide what to focus on and what to actively let go.
We close the retreat with intention and return home as part of a community that continues to support each other.
Your host: Kathleen Asjes
Kathleen is the founder of Grow & Connect, a community for UX Research leaders who seek each others support and inspiration.
Over the past 15 years, Kathleen has dedicated herself to leading user research and researchers, encountering numerous remarkable individuals who shared a desire for growth and development.
All these years as a research leader come together in her coaching practice. As an independent coach, she continues to focus on helping Research leaders to unlock their full potential.
Your host: Tomomi Sasaki
Tomomi is a designer and researcher, seeking to build strong teams, healthy workplaces and useful products.
She is a partner at the independent studio AQ, leading research efforts for major players in the tech industry (Google, Spotify, Coinbase) and multinational corporations with a Japan connection (ASICS, Toyota Motor Europe, Sony).
Tomomi is interested in how we design the conditions for independent-minded individuals to grow and thrive together. As a trained coach, she takes on select 1:1 clients and hosts group programs at Emotions at Work.
Price
- Regular price; 995 EUR ex VAT (if your company or organisation pays for you)
- Out of pocket price; 895 EUR ex VAT (if you are self-employed or paying yourself)
- Early bird discount is -100 EUR if you book before the end of May!
These fees include two nights accommodation, transport to and from the train station, all meals/drinks/snacks and materials used on site for 3 days.
