Three benefits you can realize from attending the 3 Day Mastermind in Vienna this December

Elevate your narrative and executive presence

Because you are creating intentional white space in your mind and in your calendar, you’ll craft and refine the next chapter of your story—ready for TEDx, keynotes, or elevating your public profile in 2026. You’ll gain language and clarity that translates into influence.

Reclaim spaciousness for strategic thinking

Step away from day-to-day decision fatigue.

Adam Galinsky, Columbia Business School, in his study, "When in Rome... Learn Why the Romans Do What They Do (2008)" published research that shows immersing oneself in foreign environments — even briefly — improves the ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas — a core skill for visionary business leaders.

Join an elite circle of visionary women

Beyond the itinerary, this is an intimate mastermind with 5 like-minded leaders. You’ll build relationships with women who are not just networking—but shaping industries and conversations at the highest levels.

Cost: $4,997.00

If you elect to do a payment plan over 4 months
$1,249.25/month

Please note that the below itinerary may be subject to change due to availability.

WHAT PREVIOUS RETREAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

My biggest takeaway: International travel is what I imagine time travel to be. I'm transported to another dimension that allows me to look more objectively at myself, my goals and more fully imagine new possibilities

I was expecting to have breakthroughs, but I was surprised at how much confidence I gained through the experiences and the relationships I forged.

I learned that my vulnerable stories are worth sharing, and I will be more intentional about bringing my whole self into my work life.

I also reconnected with the joy of creative pursuits and plan to find space in my professional and personal life to appreciate beauty for the sheer pleasure of it.

--Bridgett Strickler

VP, Coalition Strategy, CAEL

I’ve always thought of Dior as catering to the “ladies who lunch” set and to see generations of designs that appeal beyond that usual haute couture audience (and there were dresses I’d kill to wear), was quite a pleasant surprise. 

Van Cleef tapped into recognizing the necessary work of art, and quite frankly comforted me as I work to research my Substack posts and my book.

It was fun too in seeing which tasks came more naturally to me and the others that required work. Both had their own rewards. 

The photos are a visual reminder of the beauty of the women and our experiences together in Paris. 

--Hillary Sobel

CEO & Founder, Minerva Turning Point Strategies, LLC

My biggest takeaway from Joya's "Deep Writing and Reflection Retreat" was that location can stoke creativity. Inspiration can be found outside of my comfort zone. Courage can be ignited with when you reserve time alone.

What was I expecting: Joya's brand and logistics planning is so on point. I knew the retreat would be a carefully crafted experience, complete with unique elements and class.

What surprised me: I enjoyed the private tour of the Galerie Dior much more than I expected; I'm not a fashionista, nor am I a brand name dropper - but his life, overcoming challenges, short tenure (he was creative director for only 10 years, dying at 52), branding, craftsmanship, legacy - all helped me realize what a gift my daily life is.

What did I learn about myself: I've not lost who I am. She's still there. Despite the hurdles, caretaking, daily demands. She just needed a nudge, some good Paris chocolates, and a reminder.

What will I take back into life: My journey looks different than most. Both in my leadership and in my personal struggles, but that's okay.   I don't have to conform to some 'canned role' of what leadership looks like.  The lesson about fashion and icons. Each Creative Director that succeeded Dior was a rebel in his or her own right - taking their vision, blending it with the legacy of Dior. They weren't afraid. They overcame obstacles.

Katie Goar, CEO

Quadel

"Wiener Staatsoper" has some of the best acoustics in the world.

It was home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss.

With over 150 years of history, the Vienna Opera House represents the power of creating something that lasts. With this visit, I'm reminding my senior women business leaders to think about her legacy.

Opera is one of the oldest storytelling art forms.
How do you respect the past while driving innovation?

December 3-5th will be an immersion in one of the biggest cities in Austria, complete with seeing a violin from forest to stage, private waltzing lessons and a night at the Vienna Opera House.

December 1st: Departure from New York 

Depart from JFK to Vienna International Airport



December 2nd Arrivals Day in Vienna. Settle in.

Retreat

Day 1 December 3rd

12pm LUNCH

Veranda Brasserie and Bar, Hotel Sans Souci Wien

Address: Hotel Sans Souci Wien, Burggasse 2, 1070 Wien, Austria

Here, we kick off with some introspective questions.

What does it feel like to step outside your everyday and be here in Vienna?

What's the intention you are setting for the next 3 days?

2pm Private waltzing lessons at Elmayer Dance School (15 minute walk from San Souci)

Address: Tanzschule Willy Elmayer-Vestenbrugg GmbH, Bräunerstraße 13, 1010 Wien, Austria

Duration 2 hours

After the war, Willy Elmayer was in a difficult situation. He worked as a secretary in the State Office for the Army and had to support his ailing parents financially. For a former cavalryman, choosing a career in 1919 was not easy, as there weren't many jobs suitable for an officer.

One day, Willy Elmayer came across a French novel telling the story of a Napoleonic officer who found himself in a similar situation after Waterloo and decided to open a dance school in Paris. The former captain began to turn this idea into reality.

First, he needed a place. Margrave Pallavicini planned to rent out his stables. What was missing now was the money. Elmayer, with a heavy heart, put up more of his 100 silver trophies and equestrian prizes to the lender as collateral (at exorbitant interest) so that he could realize his plan
.

November 19, 1919, he was able to hold his first dance class—wearing a tailcoat borrowed from his brother. For the first time, the cry resounded through the former stables of the Palais Pallavicini: "Ladies and gentlemen, together!"

"Ladies and gentlemen, change places!"

WHAT PREVIOUS RETREAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING

In Barcelona, I created the “mental white space” and the “calendar white space” to draft two key digital assets that are unique to me. As the face of an organization that is doing critical work, these assets reflect the critical people management piece that often gets overlooked. I laid out my step by step process.

Joya is a fierce interviewer and means business.

My favorite part of the 3 day, 2 night intensive in Spain was a private tour of the oldest hospital in Barcelona. It made me think about the power of environment design to heal patients.

--Janice Whaley,

CEO, Donor Network West

Before the Croatia retreat, I was working on a deal. It didn’t go as planned. I needed to step back and reboot. On your retreats, I’m at peace. I’m able to relax. And when I relax, that’s when fresh ideas come to mind.

Everyday, I asked myself for 7 days, "What did I learn from this setback? What do I need to do differently?" I wanted to be able to say I turned my failure into something much bigger and more meaningful.

Now, the fund, the deal is shaping up better than I initially thought.

Looking at other people on the retreat, seeing them achieve their goals, definitely inspired me.

--Divya Tandon

SJI Property

Real Estate Investorr

A colleague highly recommended Joya’s annual leadership sail to me. I was excited that it was in Turkey but a little anxious since my husband couldn’t make it. Not only was I heading to a country I had not been to before by myself, but I was not familiar with their language or culture.

In addition, I had to leave a few days early for an important meeting. Joya was quick to respond and offered detailed point to point instructions on how I would execute my departure, which gave me the confidence to book.

I found the sail to be such an extraordinary experience and the group on board carefully curated.

I ended up doing so many things outside my comfort zone that I thoroughly enjoyed. Not to mention making new friends and adding this type of trip on my annual ‘must do’ list. It was both a personal and professional development opportunity for me that I would do again.

---Jeanette Prenger,

CEO, Eccoselect

6pm Spa Sans Souci Wien

There is nothing more indulgent than getting off a long flight, and getting a spa day.

Relaxation. Time for yourself. Spa Sans Souci is our first stop where you can leave all your cares behind.
A relaxing sauna a purifying steam bath, and massage await you this first afternoon. Step inside and leave the stress behind.

We are each booked in for a PURE BALANCE 100 min - Relaxing massage with balancing body oil

• Foot reflexology
• Balancing foot pack
• Head and facial massage
• Plus a body scrub
• We also have a pass with access to the saunas, steam room, luxury pool.
• We reflect here on what self care means, and how this level of it can find its way into our everyday.

Day 2 December 4th

8:00 am Private Tour of Schonnbrunn Palace with an art historian (duration 2.5 hours)

• Schönbrunn was the summer palace of the Habsburg dynasty, Austria’s ruling family for over 600 years.
• Empress Maria Theresa transformed it into a political and cultural center in the 18th century, making it the heart of Austrian imperial life.

• Napoleon Bonaparte used the palace as his headquarters when he occupied Vienna in 1805 and 1809.
• In 1961, it hosted the famous meeting between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev during the Cold War. Today its a UNESCO heritage site.

• Its 1,441 rooms (only 40 are open to the public) showcase opulent Rococo interiors, gilded stucco, frescoes, and period furniture.
  
  

11:30am Lunch at Café Imperial Wien

I will be sharing worksheets for deeper reflection on the experience you just had. Journals will also be provided.

Day 2 December 4th

7:00 PM | Stroll to the Vienna Opera House

A scenic 15-minute walk through Vienna’s historic streets brings us to the city’s crown jewel—the Vienna Opera House.

8:00 PM | A Night at the Opera

Experience the magic of one of the world's most prestigious opera houses. Whether it’s a timeless classic or a breathtaking contemporary performance, the evening promises to be a feast for the senses.

The featured opera will be revealed two months before our December retreat, adding a touch of anticipation to this unforgettable night.

Indulge in Vienna’s rich cultural tapestry while deepening your leadership insights in an environment of grace and grandeur.

Day 3 December 5th

10:15am Farewell High Breakfast at Grand Hotel Wien

Address: Grand Hotel Wien, Kärntner Ring 9, 1010 Wien, Austria

We finish our time together at the Grand Hotel Wien to reflect on the retreat.

The Grand Hotel Wien first opened its doors in 1870, making it the first luxury hotel in Vienna. Situated on Kärntner Ring, part of the prestigious Ringstraße, the Hotel was at the heart of Vienna’s high society, hosting aristocrats, diplomats, and celebrities.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the hotel set the standard for Viennese hospitality.

Like many historic buildings in Vienna, the Grand Hotel was damaged during WWII. After the war, it was used by Soviet occupation forces, marking a significant shift in its role.

After decades of serving as an office space, the Grand Hotel Wien was fully restored to its former glory and reopened as a luxury hotel in 1994.

I will be sharing worksheets for deeper reflection on the experience you just had. Journals will also be provided.

Hotel suggestions in Vienna

• Amauris Vienna ($230/night) (Relais & Chateaux)
• Imperial Riding School, Autograph Collection ($165/night) (Marriott Property)
• Hoxton, Vienna ($146/night)

Where to drink great natural wine

• Glasswing Restaurant, Kärntner Ring 8, 1010 Wien, Austria
• Bruder, Windmühlgasse 20, Laimgrube, Vienna, 1060