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Finding Calm in Complexity
A Leadership Retreat in the Nordics 

How do we hold space in moments of change and make room for what's possible?
Come learn how to lead differently, listen deeply, and act boldly.

August 5 - 13, 2025

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Join us for a regenerative experience in the lands of the midnight sun, designed for those working at the intersection of polarity and possibility. This exclusive event brings together leaders in public service, business, education, law, philanthropy, medicine, and ministry. Learn new tools to help navigate complexity with clarity, compassion, and creativity. Whether you're holding space across divides, guiding teams through cultural change, expanding organizational boundaries, or seeking renewed purpose in your work, this program offers space to step back, reconnect with purpose, and reimagine what’s possible.

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Good leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how we show up. This journey blends thoughtful learning with the restorative power of place. The Nordic landscape will ground our time together in both perspective and renewal. Our visits, workshops and reflective time are designed to nourish the body, the mind, and the kind of courageous imagination we need right now. We’ll begin in Stockholm and Helsinki, enjoying rich cultural highlights and exploring the social fabric of two of the world’s most admired cities. From there, we’ll retreat to a nature center nestled in the Finnish forests—an ideal setting for reflection, connection, and learning conversations.

Finding Calm in Complexity invites you to pause, to listen, to explore, and to lead differently—for those guiding teams, bridging divides, reimagining their direction, or shaping communities.

Through immersive and inspirational site visits, expert-led workshops, and honest reflection, you’ll explore how to:

Conversation

Facilitate courageous conversations across lines of deep disagreement

Building

Shift from problem-solving to possibility-building

Connection

Transform negative tension into creative connection

Influence

Deepen your presence, listening, and influence

Leadership

Lead with positivity, clarity, and cultural fluency

Places on the itinerary

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Stockholm

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Helsinki

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Nuukso National Park

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Tallinn

Meet the Leaders

With a combined 28 years of experience designing and leading transformative programs across the world, your facilitators bring deep expertise in leadership, dialogue, and global engagement.

Aaron Tyler

Aaron Tyler, Ph.D.

Aino Puro is a native of Finland, a former lecturer in Scandinavian Studies, and the founding director of Global Education Allies and the Global Happiness Initiative. She has led hundreds of educators and community leaders on transformative programs on all seven continents, curating immersive learning experiences that center reflection, community-building, and cross-cultural understanding. Aino brings a nuanced understanding of Nordic society, especially its approach to well-being, trust, and civic life. Known for creating warm, intentional spaces for growth, she brings a grounded presence and a deep commitment to fostering connection, awareness, and global perspective.

Aaron Tyler, Ph.D., is a field expert in conflict transformation, an author, and Professor of International Relations and Global Affairs at St. Mary’s University. He collaborates with partners around the world to train and consult with organizations and community leaders experiencing debilitating conflict. His recent lectures and writings explore key aspects of globally-minded leadership and regenerative communication. With a background in interfaith ministry, he brings a deep sensitivity to the spiritual and ethical dimensions of leadership and community building. His research focuses on breaking cycles of group conflict and advancing sustainable, collaborative engagement. Aaron also writes and speaks widely on intercultural leadership and dialogue.

Aino Puro

Aino Puro

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Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Budget and dates

Main program - 7 nights, August 5 – 13, 2025
$4388
shared accommodations 
$5298 with private accommodations 

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Tallinn included - 8 nights, August 13 - 14, 2025
$4971
with shared accommodations 
$6167 with single accommodations 

Includes: shared/solo 4 star accommodations, most meals, transportation, most activities, conference cost and certificate

Does not include: Flights to the Nordics and back, some meals, some optional activities 

Who is this for?
Designed for leaders in philanthropy, public service, business, education, law, medicine, and ministry etc.

Where we will stay

Our Stockholm and Helsinki hotels will be 4-star hotels right in the heart of the city with easy access to additional exploring. Our nature resort for our last 3 days of programming is nestled at the heart of Nuuksio National Park. This award winning Lake Lodge will help you experience the best of Finnish nature, take a break from the hustle and enjoy a moment of undisturbed peace of nature. There will be an option to choose a glamping tent for extra connection with your surroundings.

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The Global Happiness Initiative is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 99-1949416) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Company

team@happyclassroomsinitiative.org 
3214 N University Ave 219
Provo UT 84604

©2024 The Global Happiness Initiative

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