Cameron's Staff Pick

The Art of Leadership

Name: The Art of Leadership
Start: 2025-08-22
End: 2025-08-27
Location: Hollyhock
Rating: 4.78

4.789 reviews

Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada

August 22 - 27, 2025

Retreat Highlights

Visionary leadership
Personal and social power
Self-management (managing your own state of being)
Feedback and courageous conversations
Building effective partnerships and high-performing teams
Personal ecology (self-care)

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Suzanne

Michael

Suzanne Hawkes

Suzanne Hawkes is an equity-centered management consultant, leadership trainer, and facilitator. She has supported business, non-profit, political, Indigenous and public sector clients across the US and Canada for over 20 years. Her vision: a diverse, cross-sectoral network of powerful, collaborative, service-oriented leaders working across difference to achieve transformational change.

Suzanne is a principal with Convergence Strategies, a management consulting firm based in Vancouver, BC.

She is also an instructor with Simon Fraser University, where she co-teaches with Indy Bath in the Leadership Essentials certificate program, and where she is a co-designer and instructor with SFU/Booth University’s Certificate Program in Executive Leadership. Both programs incorporate an explicit equity framework as a core component of all effective leadership.

Suzanne is the sole Canadian trainer with the Rockwood Leadership Institute, originally co-founded by Robert Gass. Suzanne has studied and worked with Robert Gass for nearly 20 years. She is also a Senior Associate with InPartnership Consulting in Oakland, which focuses on equity-centered change management.

She has an Honour’s Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo, and a Master’s degree in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University; both degrees focused on Indigenous and community-led resource management. She is a certified Integral Facilitator, and trained focus group moderator. She is also certified to lead the Interpersonal Leadership Styles, Diamond Power Index, and Intercultural Development Inventory, all tools aimed at understanding and effectively working across intersections of difference.

Suzanne is a White Settler of English, Scottish and Welsh descent, living with her extended, blended family on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, also known as Vancouver, Canada. She is Board President of the Montreal-based contemporary dance company Animals of Distinction.

suzannehawkes.com

Michael Bell

Michael Bell is the president, chief executive officer and co-founder of InPartnership Consulting Inc., an organizational development and strategic change firm specializing in global cultural competence and leadership development. He designs state-of-the-art training, leadership development programs and organizational change initiatives for foundations and progressive non-profits. He is an international consultant and executive coach with special expertise in organizational assessment, team-building and mentoring programs. He is an expert in helping organizations understanding their cultures and their need for transformational learning.

A graduate of Cornell University, Michael is also an advanced facilitator using the conflict resolution model of Powerful Non-Defensive Communication (PNDC).

Michael serves as a 17 year faculty member of the Rockwood Leadership Institute, co-founded by Robert Gass. Rockwood’s signature leadership training, the Art of Leadership, supports deep, transformational leadership development. There, he also serves as an advisor and design team member to the trans-national Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity, designed to promote racial equity and dismantle anti-black racism. He is also co-designer and lead faculty with Building Power Fellowships in California and Ohio.

Michael designs & facilitates The President’s Forum on Racial Equity in Philanthropy for Keecha Harris and Associates, aimed at supporting equity-centered leadership for many of the largest philanthropic foundation leaders in the United States and beyond. Through his own company, Michael leads the Racial Equity Innovation Lab, which convenes senior leaders to offer peers support, expertise, encouragement and rigour as they upgrade and implement comprehensive organizational Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and specifically, Racial Equity programs.

Michael is a student/practitioner of Forward Stance, a series of physical practices based on the belief that our capacity for movement building rests not only on political alignment, strategy, or opportunity for collaboration, but on the capacity to embody a resilient stance and move as one. Forward Stance is a mind-body approach that gets us out of our heads—into our bodies—and supports our movement to do just that.

Michael is a Black, Queer parent of three young adults, and a lifelong meditator. For the past 10 years he’s been part of an established meditation community for queer men of colour. He lives on the traditional territories of the Ohlone, Muwekma and Chochenyo peoples (also known as Oakland, CA).

Details of this retreat

Participation is by application. Click here to apply!

Are you committed to making a difference in the world? In social change, socially responsible business, education, politics or community service?

Learn to inspire, engage and collaborate with others in effective action to broaden the impact of your work together. Come participate in an intensive process of discovering how who you are, and how you show up, impacts the results you create and co-create with others.

This internationally acclaimed 5-day program includes training in:

Visionary leadership
Personal and social power
Self-management (managing your own state of being)
Feedback and courageous conversations
Building effective partnerships and high-performing teams
Personal ecology (self-care)

Thousands of leaders from around the world have benefitted from this unique integration of profound and practical leadership training, which blends deep inner transformation with immediate, useful application to every day work priorities.

This program is based on the signature training of Robert Gass, co-founder of the Rockwood Leadership Institute and 6 year leadership consultant to the Obama White House. Robert offered the Art of Leadership at Hollyhock for 20 years. In 2022, he ‘passed the torch’ to the veteran multi-racial leadership team of Michael Bell and Suzanne Hawkes.

Michael and Suzanne both serve on the faculty of the Rockwood Leadership Institute, and have collaborated with Robert Gass for nearly two decades. Both believe that building awareness and understanding of power and equity, particularly racial equity, is essential for effective leadership, and this theme will be woven throughout the training.
Program Testimonials
“More than the tools and resources, the Art of Leadership got me to look more inwards and reflect on my motivations and aspirations as a leader. Embracing my strengths, and increasing my awareness on my learning edges have been transformative.” – Claris Canta

“It is an incredible privilege to work with an elder in BIPOC community and vital to my positive experience in the program. Michael was able to make the content relevant and understandable for me as a BIPOC participant in ways that are impossible for white folks that are lacking similar lived experience and expertise…Suzanne is a generous and thoughtful facilitator that brings an appropriate degree of humility to her work as a white accomplice supporting the leadership of BIPOC.” - Ak Saini, Past participant
Application Process / Timeline
One major asset of the program is a confidential 360 degree leadership assessment. Many leaders do not have the opportunity to receive confidential, targeted feedback from a circle of peers, subordinates, ‘bosses’ and others, all aimed at strengthening their leadership.

We will be encouraging you to seek at least 10 responses from others in order receive a sufficiently comprehensive range of perspectives, and to help ensure respondents’ confidentiality. This is a key part of the program, so apply early (and we’ll get your 360 process started!)

Click here to apply!
Material Fee
Additional supply costs ($160 CAD) for this program are included in the package pricing.
Daily Schedule
The Art of Leadership program follows a robust daily schedule. Details will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program.

Read More

Schedule

A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Hollyhock, Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada

Directions

Our address is: 445 Highfield Road, Manson’s Landing
Cortes Island, B.C. V0P 1K0 Canada

There are a variety of ways to get here. They include:

Seaplane:
1 hr from Vancouver
2 hrs from Seattle

Fly & Water Taxi:
2 hrs from Vancouver
3 hrs from Seattle

Roadtrip
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle

Public Trnsport (Ferry)
Approx 6 hrs from Vancouver
Approx 10 hrs from Seattle

Other ideas:

Rideshare:
Lighten your footprint and cost by sharing a ride with a fellow Hollyhock traveler – you might make a new friend! Create a free account on our secure Ride Share Board.

Electric Charging Station:
We are proud to offer an electric vehicle charging station on campus. Plan your stops with PlugShare.

Hollyhock Shuttle:
Complimentary for Onsite guests to and from ferry, seaplane, water taxi and ferries. Read More

Accommodation

A variety of accommodations are located throughout our lush campus, ranging in price to suit most budgets. Choose from private, beachfront or ocean facing rooms, dorm-style lodging or cabins that nestle in the quiet seclusion of the forest. Our beautiful campsites are also available, with a cedar bath house conveniently located for your use. Room fees include all Hollyhock basics, like stimulating presenter evenings, delicious, organic meals, morning yoga/meditation classes, guided naturalist walks and tours of the garden, as well as luxurious soaks in our ocean-view hot-tubs. Telephones and wireless Internet are centrally located. Room Options Include: Single: 1 Person Twin: Couple or Friends, 2 beds. Couple: Couples or Friends sharing 1 bed. Family/Friends: 3 or more adult friends or family /2 beds Dorm: Up to 6 people/bunk beds Tenting with full-service bath house (bring your own tent and bedding) Roommates can be assigned, upon request, in twin and dorm rooms only.

Private Cabin Oceanfront

This prized cabin includes one queen bedroom, a common area with fireplace and couch, mini-kitchen, private bathroom, and deck overlooking the ocean. Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. We have property wide complimentary WiFi. Read More

Single w/ensuite Oceanfront

Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These rooms include a queen bed and your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Single w/ensuite

Spacious rooms with a queen bed and private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Single w/shared bathroom

These cozy private rooms have a shared bathroom, and some rooms have a small desk. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront

Located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These luxurious rooms include your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation. Read More

Couple w/ensuite

These spacious rooms have a queen bed with a private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation. Read More

Couple w/shared bathroom

These cozy private rooms have a queen or double bed and a shared bathroom. Some rooms have a small desk. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. *For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation. Read More

Twin w/ensuite oceanfront

This room has two double beds and will be shared by two people. Your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. The room is located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound, and includes a private bathroom. The building has access to a kitchen and living space with a large deck on the ocean side. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Twin w/ensuite

These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. They are spacious and modern with a queen bed, twin bed, or sofa pull out, and include a private bathroom. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Twin w/shared bathroom

These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. Nested in ferns and blackberry bushes, these cozy and rustic rooms have a shared bathroom. Please be advised some have an external bathhouse. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Three-share w/shared bathroom

These rooms have three beds and will be shared by three people. Your room mates will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. This comfortable room surrounded by lush green forest has one double bed and two twin beds. A small kitchenette with a small fridge is available. The bathroom is shared with another room. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. Read More

Women Dorm

Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. This option is for female-identified people only. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you. Read More

Men's Dorm

Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 4 people and has its own washroom. This option is for male-identified people only. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you. Read More

Mixed Dorm

Open to all! Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room. All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds. In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise. If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you. Read More

Tent Site Single

For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature. Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost. Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest. Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus. Read More

Tent Site Couple

Commuter

Staying off-site. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited use of the property’s facilities. If you prefer to have no breakfast or only lunch, please check the appropriate box in your registration form under the commuter question. Lunch is $31 and Dinner is $63 per day, plus tax. Your package and pricing will be updated manually and you will get a second confirmation when we have updated your package. Please call us if you have any questions or would like a different meal arrangement: 1.800.933.6339 Read More

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Hollyhock sits on the traditional territories of the Klahoose, Tla’amin, Homalco Nations. We are committed to renewing our relationships with the First Nations peoples on whose territories we are guests.

Since 1982 Hollyhock has built upon the history of this land as a place of gathering, a pioneering homestead, and the site of an important human potential education centre. On this foundation of gathering, pioneering and learning, Hollyhock’s founders dreamed of creating a lifelong learning and leadership curriculum to inspire, nourish and support people intent on service to a better world.

Hollyhock became a not-for-profit in 2006 to strengthen carrying out our mission into the future. With your help we can keep this as a thriving centre for skill-building, lifelong learning and stewardship of the natural world, inspiring, nourishing and supporting people making the world better for another 30+ years. Read More

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

A feast for the senses! Renowned fresh, sumptuous food has made our Hollyhock kitchen famous. Our French-Intensive garden supplies vegetables, herbs, fruit, and flowers to each meal, gracing your table with food that is nourished with care every step of the way. Our healthy, organic, vegetarian fare features ingredients from our abundant gardens located just outside our kitchen door, and well as local BC foods. Meals at Hollyhock are globally-inspired and prepared with love and skill in our Hollyhock kitchen. Enjoy weekly wild seafood dinners and beach-side oyster appetizer barbecues. We serve organic grains and organic produce sourced locally, whenever possible. Organic herbs, flowers, greens, and vegetables are harvested daily from the Hollyhock garden. Our orchard produces many beautiful fruits featured on the dessert menu seasonally and served in our 24/7 fruit bowl offering. Our meals are created and served “family style”. Read More

What's Included

Standard program tuition
Room
Meals
Access to hot tubs, sauna, and Hollyhock activities

What's Not Included

Travel costs
Healing arts
Bodywork
Store purchases
Optional additional excursions (kayaking, SUP, sailing)

Customer Reviews

4.78 out of 5.0 average rating

Elizabeth • Nov 21, 2021

5.0

Verified

Tantra: Living Presence and Prana

I really enjoyed the course. I felt a great release and opening in my body, calming of the mind and a new awareness of holding patterns in my body. Thank you Maitreyi Yogacharini and Hollyhock! I am looking forward to the recorded session as I would like to follow the practice again. Read More

Natalie • Jun 27, 2021

4.0

Verified

Profoundly grateful!

Hollyhock's virtual Activate Summit was a much needed breathe of fresh air. The program gave me the chance to harvest and claim the long-forgotten power I have within, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded leaders to emerge - as an individual and as part of a community - able to shape the future, inwards out. The depth of knowledge and understanding of workshop leaders and plenary speakers made the program that much stronger - I only wish it was longer! Read More

S.Portico • Sep 24, 2019

5.0

Verified

The Healing is Part of the Journey

Do not let the planes, ferries, shuttles, or taxis required to reach Hollyhock deter you. This is part of the magic of the place. By the time you arrive much of what you need to leave behind has been untethered into one of those named transportation devices. The setting is astounding. The overall vibe is that everyone is happy to be there, and happy to have you among them. Read More

Leslie • Sep 22, 2019

5.0

Verified

seriously funny, in writing and in life

Great session! Not too large, not too small. Our group came together with just the right energy and the retreat centre provided the serenity and safety to let us be both serious and crazy.
Hollyhock is well known for its beauty of location, but even better known for the delicious dishes its amazing staff serve up. And equally famous for its bread...both gluten and gluten free.
Best of all...inter conversations between everyone attending concurrent sessions. Just pick a table and jump in. This is where lifelong friendships happen.
In this crazy world it's reassuring to know that Hollyhock is there.
Thank you.
Did I mention the view from the outdoor Hot tub? Or the oyster roast on the beach? Yum! Read More

Odette • Sep 04, 2019

5.0

Verified

connection, skill building

The Podcast from Hear was an audio storytelling program at Hollyhock. How much honesty and strength a circle of women can have, multiplied by the setting. We shared and grew, our group of diverse identities and experiences. Young empowered women and courageous professionals and artists of decades of expertise. Poets, scientists, Indigenous artists, sound engineers, soundscape artists, audio storytellers, professors of journalism and writing~ we had it all, we shared openly and with great heart.
I strongly recommend this amazing program!
https://hollyhock.ca/p/909/podcasting-the-story-from-hear/ Read More

The Art of Leadership

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Suzanne Hawkes

Michael Bell

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions