Shared Ground: Space to Think, Connect and Lead Differently

This summer 2026, in partnership with YOAK, Be The Earth launches their pilot programme for Founders, Shared Ground. Two spaces remain.

Sometimes what's most needed isn't more advice. It's space.

Space to think clearly. To connect honestly. To make decisions that feel truly aligned with what matters most.

That's the intention behind Shared Ground - a small, carefully held programme for founders and leaders of purpose-driven organisations, created by Be The Earth in partnership with Erica Neve and Patrick Andrews at YOAK.

This isn't a course or a conference. It's a peer-connected journey. A chance to step out of the day-to-day, to be alongside others who really get it, and to return with a deeper sense of clarity and renewed energy for the work.

Who this is for

It is for Founders who are:

• Navigating the evolution of their organisation, perhaps a moment of change, a key decision point or simply wanting space to think and plan

• Balancing purpose, profit and impact

• Exploring questions around purpose,  leadership, ownership, governance and funding

• Looking for  experts and trusted peers who understand the realities of founder life

• Needing space to think, reflect and reconnect with what matters.

What you'll gain from the experience:

• Fresh perspectives on a challenge or opportunity you're facing

• Practical next steps and greater clarity 

• Connections with like-minded founders, leaders and experts

• Time to reflect, restore and reset in nature

• A trusted network that extends beyond the retreat and programme

Across the journey, we will be exploring ways of running purpose-driven organisations and you can expect:

• A peer-learning environment with like-minded founders and leaders

• Tailored information, advice, and guidance to meet your needs from experts and fellow founders

• Time in nature to spark fresh perspectives and deeper reflection

• Space to explore a challenge or opportunity related to your context in a nourishing, supportive setting, with practical next steps

This is not a one-size-fits-all programme. It is shaped around you and the cohort.

The journey

The programme begins with a discovery conversation with Erica and Patrick, to understand where you are and shape what comes next. From there, an online session brings the group together to begin connecting and exploring themes. At the heart of it all - three days at 42 Acres in Somerset, 23-25 September. Woodland, meadows, nourishing food, wild swimming. Time to step fully out of the everyday and return with greater clarity. The journey closes with an in-person gathering to reflect on what emerged and explore what comes next - location to be confirmed.

What you might explore

The programme is shaped around the cohort, with themes confirmed following the discovery conversations. They are likely to touch on regenerative approaches to running a purpose-driven organisation; governance, ownership and decision-making; finance, legal structures and funding models. Peer connection and shared problem-solving are woven throughout.

A note on cost

The core programme is fully funded by Be The Earth as part of our commitment to supporting founders beyond capital. For the 42 Acres retreat, we ask for a tiered contribution - from a supporting rate through to fully subsidised places - so that cost is never a barrier. No one will be excluded on financial grounds.

Expressions of interest close 9 July.

👉 Register your interest here

Any questions? Please feel free to reach out to ellie@betheearth.foundation.