In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher welcomes Fabrice Desmarescaux — McKinsey partner, leadership advisor, and author of The Art of Retreats — to explore how ancient wisdom can help solve very modern leadership challenges.
Fabrice draws from a range of traditions, from Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism to Western teachings and monastic practices, to show how leaders can reconnect with purpose, presence, and clarity in a fast-paced, performance-driven world.
💬 Topics discussed include:
- Why short-term thinking is eroding leadership impact
- How retreats create space for connection and insight
- The role of mindfulness, reflection, and solitude in leadership
- Applying ancient principles without bringing religion into the workplace
- A simple mindset check that can shift any leadership interaction
🗣️ “Everything I write about in the book is, as I said, 2000 or 3000 years old for the most part.” – Fabrice Desmarescaux
Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this episode offers a grounded, universal lens to rethink how we show up at work.
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