Question 1

What is Arc Executive Education?

Accepted Answer

Arc Executive Education, founded in 2018, organizes exclusive 3-day programs for 30 executives, focusing on learning from top business minds in a serene environment in Tomar, Portugal. Our retreats are characterized by:

Intimate Executive Learning: Limited to 30 executives for personalized experiences.
High-Caliber Instructors: Leaders from brands like Google, Rolls-Royce, Harley Davidson, Nike, Amazon.
Target Audience: C-level executives seeking strategic insights and meaningful connections.
Exclusive Programs: Our programs are curated with instructor input to select the ideal participants, ensuring a tailored networking experience with peers who align with your professional profile.
Historic Setting: Conducted in Tomar, Portugal, in a serene environment.
Hands-On Workshops: Interactive sessions blending strategy with practice.
Focused Topic Programs: Each program dedicated to a single topic.
Notable Past Instructors: Industry veterans like Colin Bryar, Aswath Damodaran, Greg Hoffman, Dave Ulrich, Prasad Setty and Liz Muller.
Networking Opportunities: Informal networking with peers.
Dietary Accommodations: Traditional Portuguese cuisine with vegetarian options.
Pre and Post Program Resources: Comprehensive materials for enhanced learning.

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Question 2

Who Are The Founders of Arc Executive Education?

Accepted Answer

João Cascão and António Ferreira are the dynamic founders of Arc Executive Education. João leads the brand and sales, ensuring the company’s vision resonates with its exclusive clientele, while António focuses on engaging with clients and selecting world-class instructors. Together, they embody versatility—true Swiss Army knives of their business. From strategizing programs to rolling up their sleeves for hands-on tasks like moving sofas and transporting 120kg BBQ grills, João and António exemplify commitment, teamwork, and a relentless drive to deliver exceptional experiences.

Question 3

What Is The Format of The Programs?

Accepted Answer

Program Format: Our programs are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience over three days for 30 executives:

Day 1: Welcome Dinner
The program kicks off with a welcome dinner, providing an informal setting for participants to meet and engage with one another, as well as with the instructor. This evening sets the stage for building connections and preparing for the days ahead.

Days 2 and 3: Training Sessions and Networking Events
Each day is filled with insightful training sessions led by one industry veteran, focusing on strategic topics tailored to executive needs. These sessions are interactive, allowing for hands-on learning and practical application.
In addition to the training, dedicated networking moments are woven throughout the schedule, offering opportunities for participants to connect with peers, share experiences, and build valuable professional relationships.

Question 4

What Does a Day Look Like?

Accepted Answer

Morning Session Narrative
Dawn breaks over the serene city of Tomar as you join fellow executives for a carefully curated breakfast. The morning air is crisp, and anticipation builds as you prepare for today's transformative sessions. Your instructor, a former C-level executive from a global powerhouse, begins with a thought-provoking case study that immediately engages the intimate group of 30 leaders.

Afternoon Deep Dive
Following a delightful local-sourced lunch, the course continues with an emphasis on practical application. In this interactive setting, you delve into real-world scenarios and collaborate with peers who share your challenges. The afternoon workshops are tailored to apply insights directly to your organization's context, with the instructor providing personalized feedback and guidance.

Small group discussions further enhance the learning experience, allowing for deeper connections and the exchange of ideas in a supportive environment.

Evening Connection
As the day winds down, the focus shifts to building meaningful relationships. The Backyard Grill event offers the perfect opportunity to network informally with peers from across Europe. Over exquisite Portuguese cuisine, you engage in candid conversations, fostering connections that extend beyond the program.

Note
Each Arc program may vary slightly to accommodate different themes and instructors, but the described narrative reflects the standard experience participants can expect. The Meet & Greet on Day 1 at the historic Convento de Cristo sets the tone for the retreat, while the core learning and networking take place in Tomar on Days 2 and 3.

Question 5

Who Attend Our Programs?

Accepted Answer

Our programs are designed for 30 C-level executives from a diverse range of industries. Participation is by invitation only, ensuring that attendees are leaders who are eager to engage in strategic discussions and expand their professional network. This selective approach guarantees that all participants are peers in terms of experience and ambition, fostering a rich environment for meaningful interactions and learning.

We had the privilege of hosting executives from some of the world's most esteemed companies, including IBM, Inditex, Visa, Nespresso, EDP, and McDonald's, among others. Our participants come from diverse sectors, holding influential roles such as CHROs, Marketing Directors, CEOs, and more. These leaders have consistently praised the transformative impact of our programs.

What They Say About Us:

CHRO, Waeg - an IBM Company: "I just can recommend everyone in my network to take this opportunity. Colin was absolutely phenomenal, as well as all the organization and reception from Arc Executive Education."
Marketing Director, Visa: "I'm gonna take home insights related to the team, myself, and most of them related to the brand. Insights on how to spark curiosity and drive innovation."
Business Unit Controller, Nespresso: "The instructor made us change completely our perspective."
Managing Director, Rangel Logistic Solutions: "It was an excellent opportunity to meet a S-Level manager from Amazon here in Portugal. I learned new management techniques and was also inspired to adapt them in my organization."
CEO, Brave Generation Academy: "This business retreat was wonderful. You get to really connect with people. For me, it was really a special time. And I learned a lot of little things that are going to make a massive impact."
Global CEO, Manutan Group: "Engagement at this personal level with everyone is extremely valuable. Learning from someone like Colin was a very unique thing. It's clear to me how Amazon does it and I'm quite confident that I can cascade it into our organization."

Question 6

What Is and How Can I Become An Arc Insider?

Accepted Answer

As an Arc Insider, you gain access to exclusive updates, insights, and opportunities to attend our invitation-only programs. These programs are curated to include a diverse and carefully selected audience, ensuring a rich and rewarding networking experience.

To become an Arc Insider, simply fill out the form on our Insiders page. This will allow us to review your request and consider you for future invitations to our programs.

We are dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and providing insightful learning experiences. Becoming an Insider offers you the opportunity to engage with industry veterans and gain valuable insights that support your professional journey.

Question 7

How Does The Invitation + Waiting List Process Work?

Accepted Answer

Arc Executive Education operates on an exclusive invitation-only basis, strictly limited to 30 executives per program. This carefully managed process ensures optimal group dynamics and precise control over available spots.

Direct Invitation
Selected executives receive a personal invitation with a private access code
Each invitation includes a specific expiration date
Once an invitation expires, the spot is reallocated to other qualified candidate

Waiting List (Arc Insiders) 
If you haven't received a direct invitation, submit your application to join our waiting list
Receive priority access when spots become available
Get notified first about upcoming programs dates
Your position on the waiting list is maintained based on fit and timing

We maintain this rigorous selection model for three essential reasons:
Ensure the highest quality of peer-to-peer learning
Create balanced group dynamics for optimal networking
Maintain precise control over participant numbers and profiles

Would like to join? Submit your application through this form. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance, as we carefully review each candidate to ensure the right mix of expertise and maintain the high caliber of our executive community.

Question 8

What's Included in Your Program Purchase

Accepted Answer

When you purchase a spot at one of our Arc Executive Education, you gain access to a comprehensive and enriching experience designed to enhance your professional growth and networking opportunities. Here's what's included:

Exclusive Access to Program Sessions
Participate in interactive training sessions led by industry veterans, focusing on strategic insights and practical applications.

Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner on the first evening, providing an informal setting to meet fellow participants and the instructor.

Networking Moments
Engage in structured and informal networking moments, designed to foster meaningful connections with peers from various industries.

Pre and Post Program Resources
Receive a pre-program form, a book by the instructor, printed slide decks, workbooks, a notebook, a premium pen, digital photos, and a printed certificate.

Accommodation
Stay at a carefully selected venue that offers a serene and inspiring environment.

Meals
All meals included, featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine (with vegetarian options).

Airport and Venue Transfers
Enjoy seamless transfers from the airport to the retreat venue in Tomar, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free journey.

Continued Support
Benefit from continued support and follow-up after the program, including access to digital resources and the opportunity to stay connected with fellow participants.

This package is thoughtfully designed to ensure you have a valuable and memorable experience, with all the necessary resources and support to maximize your learning and networking opportunities.

Question 9

How Do I Contact Customer Support?

Accepted Answer

For any inquiries, please email us at antonio@businessretreats.net or call +351 914 793 351.

Question 10

What is The Refund Policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations Made More Than 45 Days Before the Event
Participants may cancel their registration up to 50 calendar days prior to the event start date and receive a full refund of all fees paid.

Event Cancellation by Arc Executive Education
If an event is canceled due to reasons attributable to the instructor or Arc Executive Education, participants will receive a full refund of all fees paid. In addition, reasonable and documented expenses directly related to participation in the event will be reimbursed by Arc Executive Education.

Cancellations Made Within 45 Days of the Event
For cancellations received within 45 calendar days of the event start date, refunds will not be issued. However, participants may choose one of the following options:

Training Credit: The full amount paid may be converted into a credit that can be applied toward a future training program offered by Arc Executive Education.
Registration Transfer: Participants may transfer their registration to another individual, subject to prior written approval by Arc Executive Education.

How to Cancel
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to Arc Executive Education and will be deemed effective upon receipt and confirmation. For any questions or further information, please contact the Arc Executive Education team at antonio@arc-edu.org

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