If you are an Executive Woman in Finance who’s ready to have meaningful, relevant conversations with other Executive Woman in Finance that will forever alter how you work and live, then join Aprille in amazing Dubai for an unforgettable mastermind adventure!
Refresh ~ Renew ~ Restore ~ Recalibrate
You gaze on the breathtaking Dubai skyline and you can hardly believe that, finally, you’re here…relaxing under the stars in the heart of the most luxurious city in the United Arab Emirates…it’s the end of an amazing day spent experiencing the exotic pulse, uplifting energy, cultural delights and extravagant opulence of the legendary “City of Gold” known as Dubai.
You laugh with new friends, sharing your adventures from your walk through the gold souks (world renowned Dubai marketplace), you reminisce on your time spent dining like royalty at the Palazzo Versace followed by drinks with the most magnificent view of the Burj Al Arab whose interior is lavishly covered in 22,000 square feet of 24 Karat gold leaf!
Oh the wonders of exotic Dubai! So much to share with you….
So what can YOU expect if you spend 7 divine days masterminding your business success AND enjoying yourself on an exquisitely decadent adventure to Dubai?
WIIFY – What’s In It for You
Well…what if you:
→ Got the opportunity to have profound, meaningful mastermind discussions with other women who are just like you about things that really truly matter to you, your life and your business? Things like:
- “How do you initiate real change in companies and organizations that say they want to attract women, but don’t change culture or recruiting processes to do so…And then do little to support the ones that are there?”
- “When do I need to start thinking about Succession Planning and what questions should I ask?”
- “How could I really create a 3-day work week and still have it all?”
- “Having some real talk about the benefits of women supporting each other?”
- “Where to start when exploring various avenues for women to achieve and grow in leadership roles within their companies?”
- “How do we get women to honestly and courageously keep the conversations open about their challenges whether referencing moving forward in their current situation or making a move that requires taking a leap of faith?”
There is simply nothing like being in a room of powerful, energetic, inspiring women, talking TRUTH from their heart, imparting wisdom from their experience and sharing encouraging advice from their brilliance!
On top of all that…what if you could have:
→ Access to expert advice from decades of combined experience and expertise in the room?
→ Answers to your most hearfelt, deep rooted (sometimes secret) questions in real time, from women who understand you, your business and your specific strengths and challenges?
→ Extremely intimate encounters that will challenge and support you on your pathway to discovering your most fulfilling purpose leading to the most ah-ma-zing life and work you ever thought possible?
→ Opportunities to see yourself and your business through different eyes to remove blind spots you didn’t know you had and reveal new possibilities to strategically develop yourself, your team and your career?
→ Inspiring and transformational experiences designed to unveil the best of who you are…revealing new ideas for your business, new strategies for growth and a new approach for living full out?
→ Tastes of 24K luxuries in life as you step away to feast, play and explore during extraordinary excursions that you’ll treasure forever?
Would THAT be worth coming to Dubai?
How about more?
As if that’s not enough…I have some surprises for you!
BONUS #1: You’ll begin your retreat even BEFORE you step foot on the plane!
Yes, to make sure you’re fully organized and on track to get the most out of this amazing experience, we’ll get together on a group call BEFORE the event to coach you on the specific background information to bring along in order to maximize the value of this unique opportunity – the value of this is priceless!
BONUS #2: To anchor what you’ve outlined in your retreat and to hold you accountable, you’ll have a group session AFTER you get back to the office. We want to make sure you have support in implementing all the brilliant ideas and goals you’ll create in Dubai so we’re going to have a follow up Virtual Women’s Circle thirty (30) days after we return. And we’re waiving our standard fee of $750 for this one so add that to your savings!
BONUS #3: When you register for Women in Finance Mastermind Retreat Dubai, you’ll also become a published author! You will be included in a chapter of our book, “Life Happens: 27 Strategies to Embrace and Overcome Life’s Major Events”, an anthology by women in finance. You’ll increase your credibility when you give out your book to clients! That’s right! Others will invest $1500 for this opportunity but you will get it as a bonus for being part of the WIF Mastermind Retreat Dubai!!
Dubai is the PERFECT place to spend 7 divine days…
In the company of a select handful of the most inspired and purpose-driven Executive Women in Finance you could wish to meet…
…discussing what REALLY matters in our work, our lives and our industry and designing a new culture for women to rise to the top – including YOU, yes YOU! Being in conversations and fellowship with women, just like you, who are successful, savvy and smart.
…gaining a whole toolkit of practical yet powerful strategies you can apply when you get back home and to the office that will ensure the culture you’re a part of is one that supports you and the women who are on this journey with you as well as those who will come after you.
…leaving Dubai clear about – but not overwhelmed by – your future and your legacy for 2020 and beyond!
Can you say “Yes, Thank You and Amen”?
This unforgettable retreat experience was specifically designed for YOU to combine the ultimate in career changing savvy with a life-expanding travel experience that you will treasure for a lifetime.
Look…you’re successful, I know. Otherwise you wouldn’t have gotten the private invitation for this retreat. But…there’s something missing lately. You’re running from meeting to meeting, conference to conference, learning, listening and yet…not loving your work and life. Because it’s all about targets, deadlines and benchmarks. Which are important. But that doesn’t leave you full. And your tank is on “empty”. Because you know…you are being called. To BE COURAGEOUS. To SPEAK UP & SPEAK OUT. To CREATE CHANGE. To ELEVATE YOUR ENVIRONMENT.
There is something about the magical energy of this city that will leave you inspired and invigorated. Getting away from the day to day doldrums, soaking up the Arabian sand and sun will leave you Refreshed, Renewed, Restored and Recalibrated!
Revel in the fact that answering the call in Dubai, you don’t have to:
Lug an extensive wardrobe back and forth
You won’t need to drag several different outfits and 6 pairs of shoes (she says from experience) to accommodate meetings, outings, vendor dinners, networking events and team building activities all in one trip. While Dubai is indeed a city that thrives on “beauty and the best”, we’re keeping it simple. You’ll refresh your perspective of working on your business, relaxing in the ambiance of another world. No heels required.
Run from one breakout meeting to the next so you don’t “miss anything”
There’s a place and time for learning new skills and embracing new technologies to improve your bottom line, uplevel your team and whatever business building you need to do. While you’re in Dubai, though, we’re focusing on YOU. The greatest learning you’ll do is about YOURSELF. You’ll restore your sense of who you are and why you do the work you do.
Worry about whether you can speak your truth
In the corporate environment, it’s important to follow the “corporate speak” rules. But it can lead to sheer exhaustion having to be diplomatic and filter what you think and how you say it. In the safe circle of other extraordinary women, just like you, you can remove the filter and speak from your heart. And…you can shut off that inner voice that says “you’re not _____ enough” (You fill in the blank, whether it’s not good enough, not smart enough, not competitive enough, not brave enough or anything else.) You’ll renew your confidence and banish any trace of “imposter syndrome” that rears its ugly head in the future.
Bring your laptop to squeeze work “in between sessions”
You’ll surely gain insights to grow your professional career while you see, do and experience new things, but not on the hectic schedule you’re accustomed to for your average business travel. We’ve built in some reflection time so you can absorb all you’re experiencing and b-r-e-a-t-h-e. You’ll be having real life adventures and at the same time enjoying real life conversations that finish with real life solutions to daily challenges as an Executive Woman in Finance as a result of your unique adventures in Dubai. You’ll recalibrate with a well-balanced agenda, rediscovering passion for what you do in work and life.
Being able to talk out what you’re dealing with back at the office in ways that leave you comfortable and confident is CRITICAL to your success, knowing you’re getting the BEST real-time feedback and real-life advice possible!
Happenings…
Ever mindful the theme of this retreat, we’ve created a program for you to be Refreshed, Renewed, Restored and Recalibrated. In that vein, we’ve intentionally designed time for women in leadership fellowship, dining experiences where we can deepen our relatedness to one another and excursions that will not only entertain you but reinforce our intention for you – to come back home exhilarated and inspired!
We’ve got an array of outings lined up for you, from posh to relaxing to adventurous. Promise – nothing overwhelming or exhausting. Check out the real videos at right for some footage of our Authentic Desert Safari last year in Dubai, including dune bashing, sand buggy rides, belly dancing and local delights. You’ll see what happens when I (yes, me) got tapped on the shoulder to come onto the stage at the Safari!
While I’ve got a few surprises up my sleeve for you that are, as mentioned, CT (can’t tell…yet), check out your retreat timeline.
Day 1 (Tuesday)
Welcome arrivals and Late Night Noshing
Upon arrival, you’ll be escorted directly to our suite, where we’ll be waiting for you with open arms – and local culinary delights to fill the rumbly in your tummy – to say “Welcome to Dubai. This is all for you.”
Day 2 (Wednesday)
Women’s Circle and Dinner at Palazzo Versace & Drinks at Burj al Arab
A day spent together inside our exclusive Women’s Circle, including breakfast and lunch from Celebrity Chef Rome.
Then, you’ll dine at an incredibly elegant restaurant of famed fashion icon Gianni Versace, The Palazzo Versace, with a guided Persian culinary experience that ends in nitro infused dessert created right at your table. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy drinks like royalty on the beautiful patio of the Burj al Arab, lit up at night and encircled by palm trees gently swaying in the breeze.
Day 3 (Thursday)
Women’s Circle and Private Yacht Cruise
You’ll spend time together in our intimate Women’s Circle, fed like queens with breakfast and lunch by Celebrity Chef Rome. We have a special guest joining us for lunch to expand your mind and increase your view of your power as an Executive Woman in Finance. Later, you’ll embark upon a private yacht cruise tour of Dubai where you can relax, take in the magnificence of this City of Gold and soak up the energy of the water and waves surrounding you. All in the company of your Women’s Circle friends.
Day 4 (Friday)
Women’s Circle and Reflect & Relax
You’ll spend the day in your Women’s Circle, discussing important challenges, including exploring solutions that you can put to use. You’ll be nourished with the cuisine from Celebrity Chef Rome from breakfast to lunch to dinner.
And because you asked for it, we’ve built in some vital Reflect & Relax time for you on this day. We want you to have time to truly absorb what you’re discovering in the company of your Women’s Circle. We want you to have opportunity to reflect on what it means for you in your work and life. (This is especially critical if you’re an introvert!) We want you to go home full and filled NOT overwhelmed and exhausted. So, this Reflect & Relax time is all for you. We even have some ideas for you if you want to venture out on your own during this time. You could make a trip to the world renowned Gold Souks, which boasts an estimated 10 tons of gold present at any given time and the narrow lanes are lined with over 300 retailers featuring a wide variety of unique wares. Not a shopper? No problem. you could take a leisurely stroll and see the Dancing Fountains of Dubai, with 6,600 lights, 25 color projectors and a variety of music to match, Dubai Fountain is unquestionably the world’s most spectacular choreographed fountain..
Day 5 (Saturday)
Women’s Circle and Authentic Desert Safari
After your time inside your Women’ Circle, being fed with delicious conversations and delicious meals by Celebrity Chef Rome (breakfast and lunch), you’ll head out to the desert! You’ll enjoy a thrilling dune bashing ride on your way to an authentic desert safari, replete with local cuisine, local entertainment like belly dancing, a camel ride and a gorgeous sunset in the golden sand of the Arabian desert. Get ready for an unforgettable evening in traditional Bedouin style.
Day 6 (Sunday)
Reflect & Relax / Burj Khalifa (optional) and Open Space Activity
After five days of activity and a big time zone change, we want you to have a morning of relaxation to slow down the pace a little, especially for those of you who rarely get the chance to sleep in a little (by “sleep in”, we mean past 6am LOL). We’ll have breakfast waiting for you at your leisure and you can meander down to the marina for a refreshing, soulful walk along the water…or you can stay in and journal what you’re learning about yourself, your work and your purpose from one of the suite terraces with stunning views of the marina or Palm Islands. You can also forego the morning of reflection time to join us on a trip to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building which also holds 6 other world records, including the highest outdoor observation deck in the world.
You’ll lunch with your Women’s Circle, prepared by Celebrity Chef Rome, followed by an Open Space Activity that will enlighten and edify you mind, body and spirit. A balanced itinerary is important and we’re making sure you squeeze every drop of value out of every single day spent here in heart of Dubai.
Day 7 (Monday)
Grand Mosque, 24Karat Gold High Tea and Departures
Because you’re worth more than gold, your last day in Dubai – the City of Gold – is all about culture and cultivation. Experiencing culture outside of your own expands your perspective and thinking. It helps you cultivate a mindset of diversity, of inclusion and very importantly, of understanding. You’ll head out of Dubai to see the Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi, a wonder to behold as the world’s largest mosque with the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, one of the largest mosaic marble courtyards in the world and its 24Karat covered crystal chandeliers.
With 24Karat gold as the theme, you’ll also experience High Tea at the Emirates Palace where you’ll sip 24K gold covered cappucino (or camelccino if you prefer, made with camel’s milk) and you’ll have gold flaked Palace Cake along with other gold flaked tea sandwiches. (you could even opt for a camel burger…yes, it’s true!). All in the company of your Women’s Circle friends, with whom you’ll share what you’ve learned from your experience of Emirati culture and your time with each other.
We’ll have you back to our suite in enough time to pack up and begin your journey back home to the US, contemplating how you plan to cultivate all you’ve gleaned for your work and your life and your purpose.
The Cuisine…
Many don’t know of my Arabic roots. My mother’s side is Lebanese and much to people’s surprise, Arabic food is my favorite over the Italian from my father’s Sicilian heritage! Arabic food is simply delicious – the aroma of cumin, cardamom and exotic spices fill me with a sense of comfort and “home”. (just take a look at the picture behind this text – yummilicious!)
Rest assured, it offers an array of perfect options for both meat-eaters and vegetarians. With our private personal chef, you’ll be served only delicious homemade food using the freshest locally sourced resources (and perhaps a few international treats). In Arabic culture, food is the center of family life and it is simply not possible to go to Dubai and not eat a scrumptious meal with fresh ingredients, whether from the sea or from the land!
Lebanese dinner gatherings are slow, relaxing and served with plenty of ambiance to make any evening magical. If there is something you don’t (or can’t) eat – no worries – Chef Rome and his team of chefs are happy to accommodate any of your food preferences. (Chef Rome knows a lot about avoiding allergens, as a matter of fact!)
In addition to Chef Rome’s culinary creations, we have two nights out on the town arranged for you to experience the fabulous international food scene. One evening, we’ll escort you to the Palazzo Versace where they’ll give us an exquisite Persian culinary experience, complete with nitrous oxide infused rose water sorbet prepared tableside. On another, you’ll be transported back in time to a traditional Bedouin Desert Safari, including local delights.
I do hope you plan on doing some walking around town to burn off the calories so you don’t return home with your jeggings feeling slightly more snug like someone I know did last time Chef Rome cooked for her (ahem, did I say that out loud?).
The Venue…
Dubai, UAE – situated in the Persian Gulf, near the Arabian Sea – evokes images of beautiful mosaic mosques and miles high astounding architecture – a contrast of old world traditions and new era innovations.
We’ll be spending seven memorable days in the beautiful city of Dubai enjoying the incredible culture, food, experiences and skyline of Dubai Mariott Hotel and Suites. From one terrace, you’ll see the amazing Palm Islands, intricately designed and entirely man made. From the other terrace, you’ll gaze upon the magnificent Dubai Marina, its skyscrapers and yachts reflecting in the aquamarine water.
Inside, 2300 square feet of living space; outside, a view you’ll never forget.
Selected for its incredible views and prime location, our hotel is perfectly situated so we can easily reach our carefully planned group activities (there’s an agenda outline below but I’ve got a few surprises for you but CT – can’t tell…just yet) and so you can take leisurely strolls along the serene boardwalk, whether it’s to start your day off with some “alone” time or to finish your day off with some “reflection” time. Either terrace provides you with a stunning view should you want to just sit outside and breathe.
The suites have king-sized single rooms and twin-sized double (you get to pick) as well as a fully furnished kitchen, washer and dryer (just in case) and a spacious meeting room for us when we gather for our Women’s Circles and Open Space Activities. The convenience of a hotel and the space of a communal sisterhood gathering, yes, we’ve thought of it all to accommodate whatever you might need while on retreat in Dubai.
I spent an entire week with Dr. Aprille in Dubai and it was a game changer. Managing a team of sales producers and creating a whole new business line is a lot to juggle. Dr. Aprille gave me clarity and helped me create a systematic approach that will completely alter how we do business for the future. Masterminding with like-minded business owners, I refocused my vision and regained my sense of purpose. I highly recommend you join Dr. Aprille in Dubai if you want the same for your work and your life!
Women in Finance (WIF) Mastermind is FOR YOU if:
- You are an Executive Woman in Finance – ie: Vice President, C-Suite, Regional Director, Territory Manager YES.
- You know you are called to LEAD YES.
- You want to be a force for change in your industry, paving the way for the women who will follow you YES.
- You wonder why no one is talking TRUTH about the real issues women face YES.
- You wish you had someone to talk with who truly “gets” what you go through as a woman in finance YES.
- You are tired of people talking about creating change for women but not doing enough…or worse, not doing anything YES.
- You wish you could let your guard down enough to ask for the support you really need without feeling judged YES.
- You want to be with other Executive Women in Finance to learn how they handle the challenges you face day in and day out YES.
- You are up for creating profound relationships with women that you can call “sisters” without the competition or cattiness YES.
- You attend conference after conference only to come home with notes, platitudes and the feeling that “nothing ever changes” YES
Women in Finance Mastermind Dubai is NOT for you if:
- You’re a Producer, Admin or Newbie (we’ve got other programs and opportunities for you – just not this one)
- You’re unwilling to unplug and be fully present as a contribution to your peers
- You don’t want anyone to get to know and be able to see the REAL YOU
- You’re not interested in taking what you discover and learn back to your organization to be an Agent of Change
- You just want to kick back and take a vacation without engaging in the transformational experience of the mastermind
We’re heading to the heart of the Arabian desert to unplug and unwind so we can Refresh. Renew. Restore. Recalibrate!
Are you IN?
What’s Included:
- Daily Women’s Circles led by Dr. Aprille and your fellow Executive Women in Finance Retreat peers, full of meaningful and relevant conversations about how to transform challenges that matter most to you in your career and your life
- Pre-trip Preparation Call (scheduled in late September)
- Boutique single or double occupancy accommodations in a private Dubai villa or at the Dubai Mariott Harbor Suites (depends on final number of guests) and all standard related fees
- Daily scrumptious breakfasts prepared by Cookbook Author and International Chef Rome
- Daily delectable dinners prepared by Cookbook Author and International Chef Rome (except for Arrival Day and pre-planned dinner outings)
- Daily mouthwatering lunches prepared by Cookbook Author and International Chef Rome (Days 4 and 6 are optional, according to your own Reflect & Relax plans)
- Admission fees to all adventures we embark upon in Dubai
- Private ground transfers to and from all planned group activities
- Ground transfer to your activities for your Reflect & Relax plans (transport back to the venue is at your own expense)
- Tips to any guides, drivers and/or staff (except additional bellboy requests)
- Convenient ground transportation to and from the Dubai Airport.
NOTE: There will be three airport pickups on Arrival Day and three airport drop offs on Departure Day included (if you arrive at an odd time we can arrange pickup at an extra charge)
What’s Not-Included:
- Your round-trip airfare from your home location
- Shopping and activities if you should choose to spend your Reflect & Relax Time someplace outside our accommodations. (We will provide ground transportation to the activity you choose but you will be responsible for ground transportation back to the venue.)
- Souvenir purchases, personal goods shopping, alcoholic drinks, food and drink outside of our pre-planned meals and libations, personal phone calls, taxis, laundry and bellboy tips
- Medical expenses
Flights:
Arrive into the Dubai International Airport (DXB) on April 29, 2020 before 7pm if possible so we can pick you up and get you settled in before we gather together. We recommend you depart April 28, 2020 as it is a long flight. Obviously, your travel agent will advise you best on which airline suits your needs, however, we encourage you to consider flying Emirates if at all possible, simply because we find that the service, the seating and the food are wonderful. There are often more options for nonstop flights from major cities. Emirates also lands in a separate terminal that is typically much less chaotic. It goes without saying that we receive no benefit whatsoever if you do fly Emirates. We just like it and think you might too.
We will have three airport pick-ups on April 29th to escort you to the venue. If you are not arriving in time to be on one of those transports, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help you arrange your own taxi to the hotel (at your cost). The same arrangements will apply for your departure to go home.
If you want to come earlier or stay later for some exploring contact us to work out the logistics so your travel agent can make certain you ultimately arrive at the right place and the right time to join the retreat and you don’t miss a thing
About Dubai…
After my first visit, I was smitten. In fact, I LOVE Dubai. It is an amazing country with vast contrasts from stark golden deserts to architectural wonders of the modern world. A country where centuries old Bedouin traditions are commingled with some of the world’s most innovative and forward thinking advancements. I liken it to being in Wakanda!
In Dubai, the people are as diverse as the stunning landscape, with expats making up the majority of the current population (84%). The remainder are Emirati citizens who cherish family and pride themselves on extreme hospitality.
Islam is the predominant religion, although there are many Christians who live in Dubai and openly practice their faith
The people pride themselves in being tolerant and open and respectful. In fact, there is ZERO CRIME in Dubai. As long as you adhere to their moral standards (which are much more lax in Dubai than other UAE states) you can feel extremely safe walking the streets of Dubai. Indeed, there haven’t been any travel warnings for Dubai and it is considered quite safe to visit.
Most of the people speak both English and Arabic as well as some French – so don’t be worried if you want to explore on your own to visit the gold souks or the Dancing Fountain or even check out the local grocer’s.
Money in Dubai is the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED). With a culture of expats, however, you can bring USD and exchange it when you pay for something. You can receive change in USD or AED. For other countries outside the United States, you will likely need USD or AED currency during your visit. For the exchange rate, check an up to date source like this one.
You will find that women in Dubai are treated respectfully. You will see women in the traditional dress, covered from head to toe in an abaya―a long, black flowing light coat over their clothing. This is worn over their western clothes or a traditional long-sleeved full-length dress known as a jalabeya and a black scarf called a shayla is draped over the head. With such a large expatriate community however, you will also see many women who don western clothing, including some Arabic women whose faith and culture do not demand that they adhere to these traditions. In general, just like in any modest culture, your safest bet is to keep your shoulders covered and skirts/shorts at knee length. Bikinis are acceptable as long as they are modest – in other words, no thongs or stringy thingies masquerading as beachwear. And coverups (that cover to the knees) are mandatory when you walk off the beach or away from the pool. You can find a few more tips here.
H.E. Dr. Aprille Trupiano, CEO of AT International, LC is a woman who knows your struggles! She’s working in and around the financial services industry since her very first job at 19. She’s experienced the industry through the lens of a Producer, a Business Owner and a Consultant/Coach. On this side of the lens, Aprille created her signature program “Solopreneur to CEO” and her L5 Institute for Leadership to teach financial services professionals to WORK LESS. EARN MORE. LIVE BETTER.
What makes her qualified is that she’s gone against the grain time and again. She’s done what others told her “can’t be done” because “that’s not the way it works”. Aprille has repeatedly designed her own eco-systems to navigate the challenges we face in our industry and successfully to build a business that supports the lifestyle she loves…one that honors her highest value of FAMILY and indulges her love of BEAUTY and CULTURE
Dr. Aprille’s Quirky Facts include she belly danced and boxed for years (though not during the same decade), her only pet is a python (yes, his name is Monty), she loves anything that goes really fast or really high in the sky (which translates to her skydiving solo multiple times, driving Indy race cars and riding lots of roller coasters) and her favorite food is a toss up between cheese and figs.
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