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Origin Story

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The realisation of Regen Retreats and the first Andros Retreat, sprang from an emergent force that began with John Fullerton’s inaugural Regenerative Economics course in 2022, in which Caty and Dimitrios, respective founders of Regen Retreats, were participants. Through weekly discussion pods facilitated by the Capital Institute, Dimitrios and Caty found themselves energised and inspired by the principles, and concepts we had been exposed to.

Through these deep discussions, they identified synergies between their spirit for adventure and love for convening people - and firmly believed that the principles of regenerative economics, could and must be, integrated into all aspects of business, finance and policy, if we are to ever achieve a safe operating for humanity. They believe that if leaders design and implement their activities according to the principles of regeneration, we will collectively regain our resilience, and achieve abundance,  prosperity and wellbeing for all on this planet.

As social entrepreneurs, it did not take long for them to decide that a ‘theory into practice’ solution was necessary - and Regen Retreats was defined. Dimitrios immediately offered his beloved Andros as the host destination, with ‘Place’ as his favourite Principle. After a visit to Andros, Caty soon learned why this was perfect the place for inaugural retreat.  


Prior to studying under John, both founders had long been ideating opportunities to invite influential leaders into immersive experiences providing the discretionary space to unlock transformative ways of thinking about the world and our impacts upon it.  And to innovate solutions through deep personal enquiry, together. 

Regen Economics provided a framework around which to deliver this. An accelerated learning experience for curious leaders eager for exposure to fresh concepts, to enhance their leadership journey with new approaches, and expand their world view. In recognition that a new era requires new understanding, strategy and response. 

Dimitrios and Caty were thrilled to learn that John, upon hearing about the inaugural retreat in Andros, was keen to join us - and even better, to accept our invitation for The Capital Institute to become a third Keystone partner so that we may learn and co-create solutions together.

In partnership, we now enjoy the opportunity to bring Regenerative Economics to life, within communities and organisations around the world, unleashing the transformative power of our collective experiences and networks - and looking deeper inside ourselves for the answers we require, to design the future we choose. 

Ambition for the ‘Series’:

Regen Retreats has an ambition to build international centres of regenerative practice in a spectrum of locations representing different ecosystems. Each ecosystem can become a macro level blueprint for regeneration to be replicated elsewhere [acknowledging the unique local context of people, place and time].

The 3 Regen Retreat Communities/Ecosystems:

  • Insular/Island ecosystems

  • Rural

  • Urban


We believe each of these geographies faces a particular set of shared challenges and therefore opportunities, at a macro level. By convening retreats in these centres, we hope to co-develop and test solutions for these centres to help plot their journeys to regeneration.

The inaugural Regen Retreat will be held on the Greek Island of Andros in collaboration with the Proteus Social Innovation and Development. From 23 - 27 October, 2024.

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