New: Certification Offered at Our El Salvador Leadership Retreat
You asked, I listened!
I’m thrilled to announce a new milestone for our El Salvador Retreat: participants will now receive an official certification in Climate Optimist Leadership.
When I shared that the *first ever* Climate Optimist Retreat is on the books, I received a lot of wonderful feedback. Part of that feedback was a request to be officially certified upon completion of the program, and naturally, the answer is YES. You will return home with a certification.
What Does the Certification Mean?
During the 5-night retreat (March 1–6, El Zonte, El Salvador), you’ll engage deeply with The Climate Optimist framework. You’ll return home with an understanding of its core principles, how to apply them, and a roadmap for building your own inner leadership to activate transformative change.
Here’s what the certification entails:
Inner Development & Theory U Practice:
We will work with practices rooted in the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) and Theory U (from the Presencing Institute), guiding you through a process of self-reflection, presence, and co-creative leadership.Mastery of Climate Optimist Framework:
You will internalize the core pillars of climate optimism — not just intellectually but experientially: workshops, meditations, narrative exercises, and introspective journaling.Personal Leadership Map:
Throughout the retreat, you’ll develop your own leadership map — a tangible plan rooted in your inner values, strengths, and climate-action goals.Community & Connection:
You’ll join a cohort of like-minded leaders, building connections and networks that can carry forward beyond the retreat.Certificate of Completion:
At the end of the retreat, you’ll receive a formal certification recognizing your commitment to climate leadership and the integrated understanding of what it means to lead from the emerging future.
Why This Certification Matters:
It’s grounded in both inner transformation and practical leadership, not just theory.
It aligns with global frameworks, like the Inner Development Goals, giving your leadership recognized intentionality.
It equips you with the tools, mindsets, and a community to lead in your work, community, or organization — with optimism, resilience, and clarity about your intended impact.
If you’re ready to show up for the climate — not just as an activist, but as a certified leader of hope — this retreat offers more than a reset. It’s a launchpad.
The challenges we face, and the opportunities awaiting us, will take more than just reimagination — it will require unfoldings. Stepping into yourself in the light, trust, and wisdom that will help unlock unfoldings for a new presence here on Earth is what Climate Optimist Leadership is all about. It’s recognizing that a different — even better world — is possible, and that it starts with us.
Like one of my favorite quotes goes:
“Maybe it’s not about the dream. Maybe it’s about who we become while we’re chasing it.”
— Alexander den Heijer
Let me know if you have any questions about the retreat, the certification, or anything related the leadership training!
You can shoot me an email at annetherese@theclimateoptimist.com or DM on Substack.
With love and grounded optimism,
Anne Therese
But, El Salvador? And... flying?
Some concerns have been raised about this retreat regarding two things: the political state of the country of El Salvador, and the fact that participants will be flying in to be part of it. Two very valid points that I’d like to address real quick!
In terms of flying, I’ve given it a lot of thought and calculated (with great hope) that the impact of this retreat will be far longer-lasting and greater than the negative impact from flying. The kind of leadership with rippled impact this training will bring will far outweigh the negative footprint of traveling. (Also, everything about the retreat itself is highly sustainable.)
In terms of the political state of the country, here is Camilo’s (founder and manager of the resort) response. Its inhabitants believe in their country, and my thoughts are that supporting their communities and local businesses is one way to help stand up for their independence and freedom.
From Camilo:
Regarding the concern raised by one of your readers about El Salvador’s political environment, I want to share my perspective as a Salvadoran. Our society, like many other countries throughout history, has faced serious challenges, and we continue to have our share of ongoing difficulties. However, the beauty of our land, our incredible waves, and the resilient people who support our economy and work in the tourism industry are striving to do their best regardless of the political situation.
I prefer not to express a political opinion on this matter. As you know me, we have been dedicated to bringing this project to life 10 years ago, and our focus remains on creating a wonderful experience, irrespective of who is in power. My personal views on the political situation of any country, whether I like it or not, do not impact my commitment to the people we serve and the projects we undertake. The tourists who visit us are so valuable in supporting the communities that work every day in services and the value chain of the hospitality industry; we truly value every person who visits us.
Best regards, Camilo
You can read more about my stay at Palo Verde and my established relationship with Camilo in this blog post: https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/blog/sustainable-tourism-el-salvador