Tech South West launch retreat for burnt out tech leaders
Tech South West and Conscious Leaders join forces to create transformative leadership experience for tech executives
A new transformative retreat for UK tech leaders has been launched amidst rising levels of stress and burnout in the industry.
The pace of technological change, most notably with AI, has negatively impacted the health of those in the lead on implementation. The 2025 ‘State of the CIO Survey’ from Foundry found that as many as a third were facing some degree of burn out.
In response, Tech South West, the tech cluster for the South West of England, and leadership coaches, Conscious Leaders, have launched a new executive leadership retreat designed exclusively for UK tech CEOs. It gives tech leaders the chance to take a step back and find clarity, away from the day to day stresses of their roles, alongside other senior tech leaders.
Running September 2-4, 2025, at the stunning 42 Acres retreat centre in Somerset, The Edge will bring together 12 tech CEOs for a transformative programme focused on leadership development, strategic thinking, and personal growth.
The retreat is facilitated by leadership experts Ruth Farenga, founder of Conscious Leaders and author of 'Next Level Leadership', Garry Pratt, author of 'The Creativity Factor', and Dan Pritchard, founder of Tech South West.
Ruth Farenga, who has worked with dozens of senior tech executives and founders on leadership mastery, explains: "Tech leaders are under huge pressure. The pace has been relentless over the last couple of years, not least as AI transforms how we work and develop products and opportunities. There are some real dangers in that, which were highlighted by the State of CIO survey. The Edge creates space for tech leaders to step back, think clearly, and develop a new level of executive leadership. Even the most brilliant CEOs face one persistent challenge - leading with authenticity in an environment defined by constant pressure and complexity.”
The Edge takes a distinctive approach to leadership development by combining structured learning with the natural inspiration of the South West landscape. The programme is built around three core themes: Leadership Imperatives, Real-World Challenges, and Building Great Culture.
Key features of the unique approach offered at The Edge:
- Cognitive reset and perspective shift
- Psychological Safety for vulnerability and risk-taking
- Cross-pollination through curated community
- Renewal of leadership energy
- Embodied learning through experience
Dan Pritchard, Founder of Tech South West, said: "The Edge is where dynamic things happen. It’s where people find themselves, test themselves, be open and vulnerable, learn and move forward, learning alongside peers who truly understand the realities of the role. They will gain exceptional learnings and practical frameworks they can implement immediately. "
The exclusive retreat is limited to just 12 participants and includes accommodation, meals, pre- and post-retreat coaching sessions. Alongside the programme there is access to wellness facilities including a wood-fired sauna and wild swimming lake.
Garry Pratt added: "A desk can be a dangerous place from which to view the world. The Edge leverages the power of nature to stimulate curiosity and promote clarity – essential ingredients for effective next level leadership."
Applications are now open for tech CEOs interested in joining The Edge Season 1. Early bird pricing of £2,950 + VAT is available until May 23, 2025.
For more information theedgefactor.co.uk/
