Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing: My Leadership Journey in Bali

By Adrien Gaubert (he/him/his), Co-founder & CMO at myGwork

Following the end of a two-year relationship, I found it increasingly difficult to balance my personal challenges with my professional responsibilities. As a Co-founder, I value showing up for my team with creativity, patience, and positive energy. However, maintaining that standard became a struggle, and I recognized that I was stagnating. I needed to step back and prioritize my emotional and mental health.

To address this, I enrolled in a program at The Place Retreat in Bali. Their philosophy, "Be who you are," resonated with me. After a consultation with Jean Claude Chalmet, a leading psychotherapist and the retreat’s founder, I was confident this was the right environment for my recovery.

From the moment I arrived, Jean Claude and his team created a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. I quickly connected with other attendees, finding solidarity in our shared commitment to self-improvement and mutual support through our therapy sessions.

My goal was to create space to focus on myself. Through a combination of rigorous psychotherapy and holistic healing methods—including massage, Reiki, breathwork, Watsu, meditation, and yoga—I uncovered underlying issues that went beyond my recent breakup. I discovered that unresolved childhood experiences were contributing to my feeling of being "stuck."

The therapists encouraged me to reconnect with myself. As I slowed down and engaged in this introspection, I gained clarity and a sense of calm. The process allowed me to process difficult emotions and release the grief I had been carrying.

For empathetic leaders, setting boundaries for personal happiness can be challenging, but it is essential. I realized that to lead my team effectively, I need to be whole myself. By connecting my intellect with my emotions, I have returned to work feeling revitalized and capable of leading with genuine positivity.

I highly recommend The Place Retreat to anyone seeking a transformative experience, particularly those navigating past trauma or difficult life transitions. Jean Claude and his team are exceptionally observant and dedicated to helping clients align with their true selves. Their attention to detail is remarkable; in my final session, Jean Claude even offered specific guidance on my breathing patterns—an observation that spoke to their deep level of care.

Throughout the two weeks, I connected meaningfully with every therapist. I am especially grateful to Elisa, a Qi Gong Master, whose guidance was instrumental in helping me open up to the wider therapeutic process.

Many residents extend their visits or return for subsequent retreats, a testament to the quality of the program. I certainly intend to return in the future.

If you are interested in learning more about my experience or the retreat itself, please feel free to contact me or view more information here.