Every few weeks I’m asked, “Do you work with men?” To which I reply, “No, I lead remarkable women to uncommon success,” my tagline and mantra. Serving just half the population has been enough of a marketplace for me throughout my coaching career. I’ve had a handful of men as individual coaching clients, mostly spouses of the great women I’ve served.

But the question has been persistent, and a few close male friends have said, “I’d come to a retreat if you offered one that included men.” Hearing that repeatedly this past year got me thinking. What would be different having men at my retreats?

The first thing I do when I gather a new group of people to work with is create a safe space for the experience.  I carefully limit the conversation (keep it politics-free, for instance) and ask that everyone refrain from advice giving for starters. Nothing to change there.

Women tend to reveal themselves easily and quickly when given a space in which they can. The men who’ve asked me about my retreats are also open, honest and willing to share their truth in an intimate setting.

I’ve mostly co-led these events with other women coaches, but had the opportunity to work with Ken Nelson in November to great reviews. He loved the idea of opening the doors to the male population. In fact, my November retreat was a rare opportunity for him to work only with women, so inviting men was a natural for Ken. I feel that I have a male ally should I feel particularly challenged.

I also like to think that I’ve just grown more comfortable as a coach and in my own authority to widen my net. So, I am!

Later this month I’m offering my first co-ed retreat. It’s titled, Grand Renewal: An immersion in self-love, acceptance and non-judgmental awareness and is being conducted at Kripalu, a center I’ve gone to frequently over the last 20 years for my own personal and spiritual growth.

We’ve been offered a wonderful workshop space there. The food is fabulous, and you can choose your own housing (or stay with friends in the Berkshires)–an economical dorm situation (my standard choice when I visit alone), or an elegant room in the Annex, the most recent green addition to the campus. I’m thrilled beyond words to be presenting at Kripalu and working with Ken again.

Please join me for this 3-day event, January 29-31. You can even write it off as a business deduction if you’re self-employed. Oh, by the way, this is NOT for business owners only! It is open to anyone looking to treat themselves to an inner journey to start the New Year.