Are you an executive, entrepreneur or leader that is looking for your next challenge in life and career?
Do you feel like you’re at a crossroads or stuck in a rut and you’re not sure how to move forward?
Have you tried conventional personal development or wellbeing practices and you’re ready for another way?
Do you want to get clarity on your career and get connected to what you’re truly meant to be doing with your life?
Are you ready and open to trying another way of accessing your full potential and power as a leader?
Are you ready for an experience that will CATALYSE change in your life and career?
OUR NEXT PROGRAM
YARRA VALLEY, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA (MEN’S EDITION)
RETREAT EXPERIENCE (IN-PERSON)
2ND - 6TH OCTOBER, 2024
GRADUATION EXPERIENCE (VIRTUAL)
16TH NOVEMBER, 2024
THE CATALYST LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The CATALYST Leadership Program by Another Way is a transformational leadership program for executives, entrepreneurs and leaders ready to find their purpose and blaze their own trail.
All programs kickoff with a Rite of Passage experience somewhere beautiful in the world and then support participants to take action and implement real-world changes in their lives for after the experience.
All programs include the experience itself, group coaching before and after and conclude with an online graduation retreat. Additional 1:1 coaching is also available.
Testimonials
Pete
Photographer, Adventurer, Hockey Coach & Leader (Melbourne, Australia)
CATALYST was truly, truly profound. I’d never been on a retreat before, so I didn’t really know what I was in for. What I got to experience with Matt & El was truly life-changing. Not only their facilitation experience but also the other people I got to connect with.
The most pivotal moment of the retreat was the challenge part, under the guidance of Matt and El. They were both there to guide me, hold me, support me, through what I needed to work through.
I can’t recommend the retreat enough. It’s changed my life, made me a better man, better friend, better partner and a stronger person. I’m so clear on what I want to do with my future now and so at peace with myself.
Charles
Senior Manager, PwC (Melbourne, Australia)
I came to CATALYST because I was at a real crossroads in my life. I was looking for that spark, guidance and help with taking that next step in my life.
I now feel loved and a real sense of community that we built over such a short time. I felt like i was in safe hands, that the facilitators cared and that the other participants really helped me with where I’m at now at the end of the retreat.
Janelle
Director, PwC (Melbourne, Australia)
I am so glad I made the decision to go on this retreat - I wasn't sure what to expect but I had immense trust in Matt, so I threw myself in and have undoubtedly come out a different person the other side.
I would highly recommend this retreat to anyone feeling in a rut with their lives / careers / relationships and seeking clarity, and also anyone looking to be part of a community of like-minded individuals who are going to have your back through the process.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
CONVICTION
You’ll become a man that follows through and does what he actually says he’s going to do.
You’ll have greater levels of confidence and trust in yourself, earned and developed through the experience
CONFIDENCE
CLARITY
You’ll know where you want to go in your life and career, without needing to know how, plus you’ll have practical tools to maintain this.
COMMUNITY
You’ll have a community of like-minded men who also care about living with purpose and integrity
Testimonials
Evan
Entrepeneur / Digital Nomad, Co-Founder ‘The Art of Monday’s’ (Travelling globally)
I didn’t fully know what I was getting myself into, and 48 hours later I’ve come out a different person. I’m so grateful for what this experience has taught me.
CATALYST has allowed me to understand more about myself and what gives me that spark in my life. I didn’t know I needed it until I was here.
It was a wild and transformational few days. It’s been highs and lows and everything in between, and non-stop learning.
While the learning has just begun I feel a sense of freedom and ease. Sometimes in life you’re faced with a choice or a crossroads or some uncertainty, and you don’t know where to go and where to be and you just need something to tell you that you’re heading in the right direction. That was this for me.
I’d recommend this for people who want change, who want growth and want to discover themselves but are maybe too afraid to start or too overwhelmed by what they might discover.
If you want to be your best self and lean into the uncomfortable and grow, then CATALYST and anything that Matt does, is the place to go.
Sam
Software Engineer (Melbourne, Australia)
I was brought to CATALYST looking for a different space that I didn’t have in my everyday life with my mates and family.
Ir was a place for me to be vulnerable and open when I wasn’t yet ready t do that with my mates.
As a result of being here, I’ve experienced and felt a release that I’ve so desperately needed. It feels great and I can honestly say that for the first time in a long time.
THE CATALYST CURRICULUM
CATALYST
A leader who fulfils their purpose, lives with passion and has unlocked their full potential.
The CATALYST Curriculum follows a powerful 3-stage process: separation, transformation, integration.
INTENTION
WHAT’S OUT OF ALIGNMENT IN YOUR LIFE & WHAT’S THE IMPACT OF THIS?
The SEPARTION pillar of CATALYST invites you to look honestly at your life as it currently stands and to see and feel what is out of alignment.
At this stage, the greater the sense of agitation that we can get you in touch with, the greater the transformation that will be available to you (consider this your fuel for change).
What areas of your life are you satisfied with and in what areas could you give more? What’s the impact of you not taking action? What’s the impact on your life if you don’t make any changes?
We will guide you to get clarity on WHY you’re choosing to make changes, before supporting you to step into the next stage.
TRANSFORMATION
WHAT WOULD IT LOOK & FEEL LIKE TO EXPAND INTO NEW POSSIBILITIES?
The TRANSFORMATION pillar of CATALYST invites you to break out of the shell you’ve now got awareness of from the agitation stage and start to expand out into new possibilities.
We will introduce you to emotional, mental, physical and spiritual tools to support you to expand how you see your world and how you imagine what is possible in your life.
You will also be guided through tangible experiences that allow you to expand your nervous system capacity.
What would it feel like to imagine your dream life? What would your dream life look and feel like? What would it feel like to truly fulfil your purpose, live with passion and unlock your potential?
Let’s find out.
INTEGRATION
WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE NOW?
The INTEGRATION pillar of CATALYST supports you to take action in your life and make actual changes in alignment with your new found awareness of what is possible.
This is where the rubber hits this road and where you will be supported to return to your community with the tools and practices necessary to make the changes you need ot in order to step closer to fulfilling your full potential.
You will be supported by the coaches and the community to ensure a smooth integration while also ensuring that you stay true to your word and take action.
While this can be the most challenging stage of the process, it can also be the most rewarding.
The CATALYST Commitment
(An important note)
When you choose to commit to CATALYST, you are also choosing to commit to the entirety of the program. This includes:
Completing the preparation work
Attending the entirety of the experience
Attending all group calls (details below)
Attending the final group experience
Being an active participant in the Whatsapp group
This experience and program has been created to give you the best chance of creating tangible change in yourself and in your life. If this is not a level of commitment you’re ready for, that's okay. However, please only signup if you’re ready to commit to the entire program. Please note, all details are below and you are always welcome to book a discovery call with us to ask questions before signing up.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
PREPARATION
Once confirmed for the program, you’ll be given all the information you need to start preparing for the experience. You’ll have a 1:1 coaching call with Matt, meet the rest of the group via Zoom and start to get clarity on why you’re choosing to say yes to this experience.
2. EXPERIENCE
After a short preparation period, you’ll be off and into the experience with your coaches, facilitators and the other participants. The core focus of this stage will be on providing you with an experience that safe, while also providing you with chances to expand and grow as a person and as a community.
3. INTEGRATION
Once you’ve arrived safely home after the experience, the real work begins - the work of integration. This stage will form the majority of the online component of the program. You will be supported to implement the practices and tools you’ve been taught on the experience while also being supported to take action & make changes.
4. CELEBRATION
We’ll finish the program by celebrating your growth and progress as an individual and as a community. You’ll be given the chance to look back at what’s changed and you’ll be acknowledged and recognised by the coaches, facilitators and community for everything you’ve achieved and become through the program.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Including key dates
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2 weeks (16th Sep - 2nd Oct)
The preparation part of the program will support you to prepare for the retreat experience. This will include connecting as a group as well as having a 1:1 coaching session with Matt so you can get clear on your goals and intentions heading into the experience.
This part of the program includes:
1 week of self-guided preparation work
1 x Zoom Group Call (7.30pm - 9.00pm, Wednesday 25th September)
1 x 1:1 Coaching Call with Matt Defina
Joining a group Whatsapp channel
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5 days, 4 nights (Wednesday 2nd - Sunday 6th October)
The retreat experience is designed to be a Rite of Passage in which you’ll be supported to face the parts of yourself and your life that you’ve been avoiding. You’ll be guided through a 4-night experience on a stunning 25-acre property (see photos below) by a group of highly-skilled facilitators, including Matt.
The intention of the retreat is to help you shed the layers of yourself that you need to in order to step into the next chapter of your life and career.
This part of the program includes:
A 5-day, 4-night immersive retreat in the Yarra Valley, Victoria
A transformational experience that includes activities such as breathwork, groupwork and nature immersion
This is a technology-free retreat, meaning you'll be asked to hand your phone in at the start of the weekend
All meals, tea and coffee are provided (please note: our meals will be predominantly wholefood/paleo - dietary requests can be accommodated)
All bedding and accommodation provided (shared and private rooms available)
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6 weeks (14th October - Wednesday 20th November)
The integration program is specifically designed to support you to take your learnings and insights from the retreat and turn them into real, tangible change in your life and career.
You’ll receive ongoing support by the lead facilitators of the retreat, and stay connected as a group so you can continue to support each other. In our experience, this is where the real value and transformation of the experience takes place.
After a 1-week break from the retreat, we'll kick off the following:
6 x 90min weekly group calls on Zoom (7.30pm - 9.00pm every Wednesday night, from 16th October - 20th November)
A final in-person group experience to close out the program (Saturday afternoon, 16th November)
1 x 1:1 Coaching Call with Matt Defina
Ongoing support via the group Whatsapp throughout the entire period
WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE / LEARN?
Internal Family Systems Therapy (aka ‘parts work’)
BioDynamic Breathwork & Trauma Release
Groupwork / Men’s Work
Mindfulness & meditation tools
Practical Emotion-Regulation Tools
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
1 x Group Preparation Call (Zoom)
1 x 1:1 Coaching Call with Matt (Zoom)
5-day, 4-night Retreat Experience in the Yarra Valley, including all meals, accommodation and experiences
6 x Group Integration Calls (Zoom)
Online Group Graduation Retreat to conclude
Gift Pack
The Team
You’re in very safe hands.
Matt Defina - Retreat Lead, Founder - Another Way, Psychologist
Matt has worked with and spoken to over 25,000 men and women globally about how to grow and evolve into the best version of themselves.
As a trained Organisational Psychologist, Matt has conducted research on burnout, psychological safety, adaptive leadership, and gender stereotypes. After completing his studies, Matt started a career at PwC as a change management consultant, but quickly realized corporate life wasn’t for him.
Inspired by the social impact sector and wanting to do more, Matt became Head of Programs at The Man Cave, a charity dedicated to equipping young men with emotional intelligence skills and tools they needed to become healthy men. For five years, he developed a curriculum on healthy masculinity, created and delivered retreats, and expanded the organization's research on masculinity.
In 2022, Matt endured a series of panic attacks, depression, anxiety and eventually burnout that forced him to look at his own life and work. After taking some time out, Matt founded Another Way and decided it was time to start helping other purpose-driven professionals create a meaningful life and career.
Matt’s journey has included summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro, trekking to Mt. Everest Base Camp, completing an Ironman Triathlon, scuba diving with sharks and whales, completing a 10-day silent meditation retreat and participating in or leading over 25 transformational retreats worldwide.
With this extensive experience, Matt is well-equipped to guide others through their own Rite of Passage - he knows what it takes to walk through the fire and is here to show the way.
Elli Norris - Somatic Breathwork Facilitator
El has traversed through numerous adversities from childhood through her teenage years. Without any education or awareness of how traumatic events impact emotional wellbeing and everyday life, she went on to University to study Outdoor Education and eventually achieved a managerial position in Outdoor Education, where she reached a pivotal moment necessitating change.
Whilst she was making an impact working with students and teachers, her experiences included emotional outbursts, uncontrollable anger and frustration in stressful situations, alongside avoidance tendencies and numbing emotions with substances. Despite career success, she felt unfulfilled and sensed a deeper calling in life. Facing nervous breakdowns and panic attacks, El embarked on a healing journey that led her to discover the transformative power of breathwork somatic therapy.
Now, El is dedicated to creating healing spaces using somatic approaches—breath, movement, sound, and touch. She offers compassionate, intuitive guidance through a blend of these elements, along with emotions and meditation tools, to release physical blockages, regulate the nervous system and connect people back into the wisdom of the body to foster holistic wellbeing.
With over a decade of experience in outdoor education, specializing in boys' schools, El is deeply committed to creating nurturing environments for men to heal and grow. Her passion for this work stems from both personal experiences and extensive interactions with teenagers, giving her profound insights into how societal norms and cultural expectations shape men's lives.
Adam Pipakis - Men’s Embodiment Coach
‘Pipa’ is a holistic health and wellness coach committed to helping men live in alignment with their heart’s center and embrace their true power. Currently studying holistic health and wellness under the Chek Institute, Adam integrates a wealth of knowledge from his extensive experience in movement, breathwork, and bodywork. As a certified personal trainer, he focuses on building functional strength, improving mobility, and correcting posture to foster strong, happy, and healthy men.
Adam is a certified Rites of Passage instructor, guiding men through life transitions and helping them release limiting stories that no longer serve them. As the founder of The Warriors Way Men's Retreats, Adam creates transformative spaces where men can reconnect with their innate strength and cultivate emotional awareness to become better partners and members of the community.
A lover of the outdoors, Adam finds joy in camping, adventuring, and exploring nature. He deeply values re-wilding and believes that reconnecting with nature plays a powerful role in grounding and reawakening one's true self. This love for the wild fuels his commitment to integrating nature into his coaching practices, encouraging men to rediscover their primal connection to the earth.
Drawing from his own life experiences and years of expertise, Adam empowers men to connect with their dream, create a vision, and make the adjustments necessary to live a fulfilled life. He operates multiple successful businesses with the same drive and devotion he brings to his clients. Through his work, Adam educates men to be more powerful leaders and aligned individuals, ready to embrace the life they were meant to live.
This isn’t your regular program.
This is a Rite of Passage.
A transformational experience designed to empower you to step into a new version of yourself and your life.
What's a Rite of Passage?
For thousands of years, Rites of Passage have helped people grow. In some cultures, young men were sent into the wild with a task and couldn’t return until they completed it. When they came back, they were seen as men because they had overcome the challenge.
Today, we can use this idea to create experiences that help anyone ready to grow and change.
Why Do You Need a Rite of Passage?
Modern society lacks Rites of Passage, leaving us stuck in old habits and roles. A Rite of Passage can help you transform into a new version of yourself, much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly.
This is especially important for men, who need these experiences to grow and lead in their communities.
What makes CATLAYST different?
There are 3 key elements to Catalyst that ensures it’s a transformational experience and separates it from other retreat experiences:
1 - Integration Program + Practical Tools
Before and after the retreat you’ll receive comprehensive support via self-guided preparation, 1:1 coaching and group coaching calls. After the retreat, you’ll also be supported to make tangible changes in your life and career with a 6-week group integration program.
Additionally, you'll be taught a combination of tools and skills that will help you to access and connect to both your mind and body. These practices will help you connect more deeply to your passion and purpose so you can make aligned choices in your life and career, and you’ll be supported to integrate these into your everyday life.
2 - Technology-free environment + Nature Immersion
You'll hand in your phone at the start of the retreat, creating a technology-free environment where you can fully engage in the experience. This is a unique opportunity to disconnect from the regular world so you can find the answers you’re looking for.
You'll also stay on a private 25-acre property in the Yarra Valley, Victoria. Surrounded by ancient gum trees and lush forest, this natural environment will provide you with a space away from the regular world so you can connect more deeply with yourself and the experience.
3 - A like-minded community
You won’t be going through this experience alone. You’ll be connected with other like-minded men that have all chosen to invest in themselves and in this experience. You’ll be connected not just on the retreat, but also in the preparation and integration program, creating long-lasting relationships and giving you a community of men that you can trust.
Our Venue
Our retreat venue is the stunning Amarant Retreat in the Yarra Valley. Just a 20-minute drive from Healesville, this private property sits on 25-acres of private land and is surrounded by an ancient rainforest.
Above all-else, you’ll leave with a life-changing experience.
Experience Overview
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Drive out to the Yarra Valley in your own car or by car-pooling
Arrive between 7pm-8pm, have dinner, connect with the group
Opening circle
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Day 1 is all about connecting with each other, building community and starting to share and understand your story.
Activities and games designed to connect with each other
Gaining clarity on your intention for this experience (your why)
Time for reflection on who you are and why you’re here (your story)
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Day 2 is challenge day - a day where you will be given opportunities and experiences to help push yourself beyond what you thought was possible.
Group activities designed to help you grow and evolve (the challenge) - eg. groupwork, breathwork, nature immersion, individual reflection time, group discussion
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Day 3 is focused on your future - now that you’ve navigated the experience, what do you want to create in your career and life?
Time to reflect on and debrief the challenge day
Guided exercises to help you gain clarity on where you’re heading next in your life (your vision)
Guided activities to acknowledge and honour each other (honouring)
Celebration dinner and fire
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Our final morning together is focused on closing out the experience and giving you what you need to return home.
Final individual reflection time
Closing circle
Depart by 12pm
FAQs
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If you can't make one of the calls, you can speak with us during your discovery call or during the program. While part of your commitment to the program is that you make all calls, we also know that life happens and will work with you on this. That being said, we also know that accountability is a key part of this program.
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Yes, we'll work with you to cater for your dietary needs. Please note, we will be eating a wholefoods / paleo diet on the retreat. If you have any specific needs or requests, you can let us know when you book your place.
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Unfortunately you cannot just participate in the retreat. When you commit to Catalyst, you're committing to the 1 group call, the preparation work, the 1:1 calls with Matt, the entirety of the retreat, the 6 integration calls, the final group experience and participating in the Whatsapp group. This has been designed to give you the best chance of actually making change in your life and requires your commitment.
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You can refer to the program outline above to see all key dates.
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Yes, we do offer payment plans. A $2,000 deposit will be required to confirm your place. After this, a payment plan of 3 x $1,333 is available. This is required to be paid before the program commences on the 16th September.
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The last chance you have to join the program will be Sunday 15th September, as the program commences on Monday 16th September.
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We are entirely supportive of people that identify as non-binary or a trans-man, and we're open to you attending the retreat. Please book a call with us and we can speak with you about whether the retreat will be a good fit for you.
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Ensuring that we have the men that are fully committed and aligned to the Catalyst container is critical to ensuring it's success. The application process is designed to ensure that the Catalyst program is the right fit for both you and us.
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Yes, this program is suitable for men that are struggling with or have struggled with their mental health. However, before participating in the program, we do require that you have stable mental health. If you are currently experiencing experiencing intense depression, anxiety or addiction we suggest you seek out more specific support via a health professional, such as a Psychologist or a Counsellor. We will be happy to refer you to effective practitioners if needed. If you're not sure where you fit on this spectrum, book a call with us and we can discuss.
Still got questions?
That’s okay - we know this is a big choice. Fill out the short form below and let’s jump on a call together so we can talk through the details.
