The Odyssey

Designed for leaders of 50+ at a pivotal life transition, the Odyssey Programme is a partnership between LSE and the Odyssey network that supports participants in stepping into their “second act” with clarity, intention, and renewed energy. Drawing on decades of experience in executive coaching, the programme blends deep reflection, peer connection, and structured guidance to help every participant shape a purposeful next chapter.

Stage 1: Preparation — Laying the Groundwork

Four weeks before the retreat, each participant begins with:

A 1:1 discovery call with one of the programme leaders to explore personal goals, current transitions, and emerging questions.
Reflective pre-work designed to surface themes around identity, purpose, wellbeing, and contribution. These insights form a foundation for the residential experience, enabling participants to arrive primed for deeper exploration.

Outcome: clarity around one’s current inflection point and the beginnings of an emerging narrative for the next phase.

Stage 2: Residential Retreat — Immersion, Reflection, Renewal

The four-day residential retreat on Friday 13th - Monday 16th March 2026 is the heart of the Odyssey experience. Hosted at 42 Acres in Somerset, a beautiful retreat centre surrounded by nature, participants step away from the demands of daily life into a space designed for restorative thinking, meaningful dialogue, and personal transformation.

Through workshops, facilitated discussions, and time outdoors, participants engage with themes such as:

Identity beyond career: who you are when your role falls away.
The psychology of personal transitions: how to navigate uncertainty and possibility.
Reinventing purpose in the later stages of life: moving from achievement to significance.
Intergenerational wisdom: shaping a legacy through mentorship, connection, and contribution.
Creative and entrepreneurial renewal: rediscovering sidelined passions and exploring new ventures.
Sustaining wellbeing and vitality as part of a long, healthy life.
Understanding the demographic shift shaping the future of longevity and leadership.

A central pillar of the retreat is community: participants form a cohort of accomplished leaders, each navigating similar terrain, offering perspective, challenge, and companionship.

Outcome: a period of deep personal reflection resulting in renewed clarity, grounded confidence, and meaningful new relationships.

Stage 3: Post-Retreat Coaching — Integration & Action

Approximately four weeks after the retreat, participants engage in a 2-hour one-to-one coaching session with one of the programme leaders. This session consolidates insights, resolves lingering questions, and begins the shift from reflection to implementation.

Participants develop a personalised plan that may include:

New professional or entrepreneurial pathways
Portfolio career design
Renewed meaningful contribution
Personal or creative projects
Health and wellbeing priorities
Relationship and community goals

Outcome: a concrete, realistic, and energising next-chapter action plan.

Stage 4: Community & Reconnection — Sustaining Momentum

Three months after the retreat, the cohort reconvenes for an in-person reunion, fostering continued support and accountability. This gathering features:

A facilitated session to reflect on progress and insights
A guest speaker addressing themes that emerged strongly during the retreat (e.g., transitions, wellbeing, reinvention)
Renewed peer connection and commitment to individual paths forward

Outcome: sustained motivation, long-term community, and a deepened sense of purpose and belonging.

Programme Output: A Personal Roadmap for the Next Chapter

Across the four stages, each participant builds a clear personal roadmap that articulates:

Their core sense of purpose
Their strengths and evolving identity
The shape of their next life chapter
Practical steps to move from insight to action

Details of the programme

Venue: 42 Acres, Somerset – a beautiful retreat centre just outside Frome, combining comfort, nature and tranquillity. 42 Acres can be reached by car (1 hour from Bristol and 2.5 hours from London) or by train (55 minutes from Bristol or 1.5 hours from London followed by a 15 min taxi ride).

Accommodation: Rooms range from comfortable to luxury, all with ensuite or walk-in showers, crisp linens and eco-friendly toiletries.

Costs: Programme fees start at £3,985 (depending on choice of accommodation) and there is a 10% early bird discount for bookings paid in full by midnight on 12^th December 2025.

Book now

The odyssey coaches

The leads and coaches throughout the programme are Jane Moffett, Ed Williams and Rachel Goodwin.

Jane Moffett is an executive coach, facilitator, researcher and writer who has 30 years of experience of working with people going through transitions, where the personal and professional intersect.
Ed Williams brings a wealth of experience and a warm personality to the team. He has been coaching senior leaders and teams for more than 20 years and has often supported clients through periods of significant transition.
Rachel Goodwin is a highly skilled executive coach with over 15 years’ experience working one to one with clients and running group programmes.

You can find out more about the coaches here.