CULTURA BOREALIS

Guiding leaders in building meaningful company cultures through immersive retreats inspired by the spirit of Lapland and its people.

CONNECT . REFLECT . BELONG

CONNECT

In the heart of Lapland,

where the northern lights dance and the Arctic silence speaks, lies Cultura Borealis – a retreat designed for those seeking stillness, self-discovery, and the spirit of the Arctic North. More than a place, it is a journey: a return to rhythm, a reconnection with nature, and an immersion into a world where time slows and authenticity flourishes.

Cultura Borealis draws inspiration from the people of Lapland, whose traditions, storytelling, and deep connection to nature shape the retreat’s soul. Here, the Arctic is not an escape; it is a teacher.

ESSENCE

An authentic approach to aligning brand, leadership, and culture in a meaningful way

PURPOSE

To empower organizations to leverage their culture as a driver of business success.

VISION

To redefine the possibilities of corporate culture through the spirit of the Arctic North, helping businesses build authentic and purpose-driven organizations.

MISSION

We empower businesses to build thriving workplace cultures by encouraging them to review their culture and get inspired by indigenous wisdom. This approach helps leaders make informed decisions while creating workplaces where people can be 

THE RETREAT

A retreat inspired by Lapland and its people

COME CURIOUS, LEAVE ALIGNED

Cultura Borealis is rooted in the spirit of the Arctic North, where traditions, storytelling, and a deep relationship with the land form the soul of this experience.



Over four transformative days in the heart of Finnish Lapland, we explore the role of culture in shaping organizations. You’ll reflect on your own ways of working, uncover new possibilities, and learn from the resilience and harmony found in Lappish life. Together with fellow professionals from diverse brands, you’ll dive into three guiding principles – and begin crafting meaningful, human-centred improvements for your team, your brand, and yourself.

ATTENDEE PROFILE

Every professional curious about company culture, who has the ambition to grow and is willing to reflect, is welcome.

THE RETREAT TARGETS LEAD ROLES


We encourage leaders and mangers who influence internal culture, to attend. Typically, they also have budget responsibility for this level of investment themselves.

THE RETREAT LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH


We don’t limit ourselves to the German-speaking attendees only. It is important to speak a common language, so the interaction between attendees is optimal.

OUR HOME BASE IS SWITZERLAND


Due to our own location and network, our efforts focus on Swiss customers. Also, the higher purchase power in Switzerland will make the retreat more affordable.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAM

13:30–16:30 CHECK-IN
Individual arrivals
16:30–17:00 WELCOME WORDS
17:00–18:00 FREE TIME
18:00– OUTDOOR INSPIRATION
Evening Snowmobile Tour

8:00–9:00 BREAKFAST
9:00–12:00 GUIDED SESSION
The role of Culture in Business
12:00–13:30 LUNCH
13:30–16:30 OUTDOOR INSPIRATION
E-Fatbike Tour
16:30–17:00 JOURNAL
17:00–18:00 FREE TIME
18:00– CULTURE DINNER
Local dinner with special guest

8:00–9:00 BREAKFAST
9:00–12:00 GUIDED SESSION
How we show up at work
12:00–13:30 LUNCH
13:30–16:30 COMPANY STORY
Visit to Lapland Proving Ground
16:30–17:00 JOURNAL
17:00–18:00 FREE TIME
18:00– CULTURE DINNER
Local dinner with special guest

8:00–9:00 BREAKFAST
9:00–12:00 GUIDED SESSION
Designing for belonging in your team
12:00–13:30 LUNCH
13:30–16:30 OUTDOOR INSPIRATION
Winter canoeing
16:30–17:00 JOURNAL
17:00–18:00 FREE TIME
18:00– CULTURE DINNER
Final dinner celebration

8:00–9:00 BREAKFAST
9:00–12:00 CHECK-OUT
Individual departures


DETAILED PROGRAM PDF

MEET THE GUIDES

WILLEM HAEN

I’m a creative brand enthusiast with a passion for building meaningful brands. Over the years, I’ve helped shape brands in various industries, always striving to get to the real essence and translate it into experiences that truly resonate. 

A self-made Finn at heart, I’ve spent many years immersed in the local culture and have come to appreciate the nordic way of living. I believe culture is the foundation of any brand – that’s why it should always be the starting point. I find joy in improving things, always bringing fresh ideas and new perspectives to the table.

When I’m not at my desk, you’ll find me restoring my 1970 Fiat 500 or renovating our century-old house on an island up north.

Willem on Linkedin

CHRIS ONGARELLO

I specialize in creative turnaround strategies that spark business growth. From reimagining brands to unlocking new revenue streams or designing digital tools, I thrive on finding fresh, unexpected solutions to complex challenges.

For the past few years, I’ve made seasonal pilgrimages to Lapland – in the stillness of winter and the endless light of summer. Each visit deepened my appreciation for a slower, more grounded life, deeply connected to nature and community. It made me wonder, what if this way of being shaped how we do business? What if reflection, vulnerability, and authenticity weren’t exceptions, but the foundation of corporate culture?

Outside of work you’ll find me in the garden, renovating things or on a self-imposed sporting adventure.

Chris on Linkedin