Eldest Daughter Retreat

You may not have thought about it before, but women who are the firstborn in their family (with at least one younger sibling of either gender) are very similar; an analysis of this can provide important personal insights and learning. In general, eldest daughters are the responsible women, the dutiful, thoughtful, hands-on and caring ones who often still wonder if they’ve done enough. Sound familiar?

The Eldest Daughter Retreat (EDR) provides a life-affirming opportunity to look at these defining qualities - whether we have them or whether they have us. Over four days, together with other firstborn women from many walks of life, you will reflect on your role as the eldest daughter and reconnect with what drives you. Allowing yourself to become more conscious of common eldest daughter patterns is bound to bring greater freedom of choice and movement.
This event has already happened.

If we can transform responsibility into wisdom, also through silence, we will be powerful beyond belief.

Jenny Elissen, Founder and Managing Partner of NewGenes


I loved feeling supported by these beautiful and powerful women, being still together and connecting to our inner wisdom.

Denise Doornbos, managing director Doornbos Equipment, 2018 participant

This retreat is exclusively for eldest daughters: women who are the firstborn in their family, with at least one younger sibling of either gender. Women who had no elder siblings(s) to pave the way. Women who in their youth broke new ground - and who continue to do so.

This event is specifically targeted at firstborn women who are:
  • Professional women seeking to gain greater authenticity as they build their leadership capacities.
  • Leaders in their own lives who feel a personal commitment to creating a more sustainable world.
  • Business leaders, managers, directors, community leaders and influencers.
  • Young adult women at the beginning of their careers or still working towards qualifications in their chosen field.
  • Grandmothers, mothers and daughters. We especially welcome different generations of eldest daughters.
Inspired by the ground-breaking insights and learnings of Lisette Schuitemaker and Wies Enthoven's book, The Eldest Daughter Effect, this retreat is being convened by author Lisette Schuitemaker and Managing Director of Weleda Jayn Sterland, along with Gill Emslie of Findhorn Consultancy Service providing expert facilitation.
To ensure a high-quality programme experience for all participants, this programme is by application only.
Application
During the retreat, we will draw upon the research of the authors, integrating the experiences of your fellow participants to help develop deep insights into the patterns that are shared within the group. You will see how these have worked out in your personal and professional life and learn how to sidestep the consequences of your birth order, recognising and harnessing the strengths this unique position brings, of authority, depth, perspective, and zest.
Price
Tiered pricing based on personal/professional circumstance:
£1095  /  £845   /   £595
includes four nights’ accommodation (Saturday - Tuesday),
all meals (vegetarian, local, organic where possible), complimentary copy of The Eldest Daughter Effect, and use of Weleda products on the retreat. B&B available for those who wish to stay after the event for £45 per night, subject to availability.