Blue Ox Business Academy: 2026 Leader's Edge

Description

A two-day retreat for leaders to inspire you to make the link between leading and succeeding.

We need leaders now more than ever—and leadership isn’t about a title or how long you’ve been in your role. It’s about how you think, how you show up, and how you influence others.

Many participants tell us this retreat helped them step into leadership before they ever had a formal title—and helped seasoned leaders reconnect with their purpose and lead with renewed energy.

Build practical leadership skills you can use immediately.

• Clearer communication and stronger relationships
• Increased confidence, initiative, and accountability
  
• A deeper understanding of purpose, values, and vision
  
• Tools to replace overwhelm and negativity with solutions

Led by Erik Therwanger and facilitated by Paula Chapulis, Leader’s Edge is also intentionally relational. Erik and Paula coach, connect, and support participants throughout the retreat—during sessions, meals, and the meaningful conversations that happen in between.

If you—or someone on your team—could use encouragement, clarity, or space to grow as a leader, this retreat is for you.

Who Should Attend?

The 2026 Leader’s Edge Retreat is designed for leaders at every level—whether you lead a team, lead a project, or are simply ready to think and act like a leader where you are today.

• Anyone navigating growth or increased responsibility
• Team members influencing without a title
• Individuals growing into new leadership roles
  
  

Why Leader's Edge?

For the past few years, nearly 200 local leaders have joined us for Leader's Edge. Those who attended gained a greater sense of self and learned how to lead their organization to the next level of success. Hear what they have to say about the retreat at the video below.

DAY 1
Morning: Enhance Perceptions – Clearly Define Leadership, Develop a Unifying Culture, Identify Priority Goals
Afternoon: Elevate Priorities­ – Raise Expectations, Delegate with a Purpose, Increase Accountability

DAY 2
Morning: Empower People – Communication, Cultivation, Collaboration
Afternoon: Exceed Possibilities – Have a Plan, Build Leaders, Become a Visionary Leader

Meet the Retreat Facilitator
Erik Therwanger is the founder of Think GREAT and the Think GREAT Foundation, which awards scholarships to military spouses. He draws from his experiences as a U.S. Marine, executive business leader, sales professional, and entrepreneur to help organizations achieve new levels of success. He uniquely combines leadership development, sales performance, and strategic planning into strategies and techniques that empower team members and leaders to exceed expectations. Erik has inspired audiences across the country in nearly every industry. Think GREAT is a Certified Veteran-Owned Business and Erik is also author of The Think GREAT Collection.