In this episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher welcomes Fabrice Desmarescaux — McKinsey partner, leadership advisor, and author of The Art of Retreats — to explore how ancient wisdom can help solve very modern leadership challenges.

Fabrice draws from a range of traditions, from Eastern philosophies like Taoism and Buddhism to Western teachings and monastic practices, to show how leaders can reconnect with purpose, presence, and clarity in a fast-paced, performance-driven world.

💬 Topics discussed include:

Why short-term thinking is eroding leadership impact
How retreats create space for connection and insight
The role of mindfulness, reflection, and solitude in leadership
Applying ancient principles without bringing religion into the workplace
A simple mindset check that can shift any leadership interaction

🗣️ “Everything I write about in the book is, as I said, 2000 or 3000 years old for the most part.” – Fabrice Desmarescaux

Whether you're leading a team or leading yourself, this episode offers a grounded, universal lens to rethink how we show up at work.

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