Heart Of Leadership
Tonga 2025
WHAT IF...
You could have an experience of such profound RENEWAL, CONNECTION and CLARITY, that it naturally rippled through every aspect of your Life and Mission in the world?
Retreat.
Adventure.
Personal Quest.
An immersive 8-day program combining the profound experience of swimming with Humpback Whales with a facilitated journey of growth, connection and personal transformation.
A journey into the heart of who you came here to be.
Founder – Chip Richards
As a former elite athlete whose Olympic dream took a radical turn through injury at the peak of my career, I have spent most of my life devoted to exploring human potential as a coach of elite athletes, founders, leaders and teams globally. While this work traditionally brings me into the heart of some of the world’s largest & most complex projects, increasingly I find myself venturing with these leaders, teams (and their Kin!) into immersive experiences in the natural world, as a doorway to profound breakthrough and transformation.
In Tonga, the ocean is our context and the ancient wisdom and majestic presence of Whales is our guide. What we learn from our time with each other, the Tongan people and the whales transforms the way we see who we are and what is possible. From this space, new visions are born, pioneering enterprises launched, fresh albums written and partnerships deepened in ways we may never imagine.
WELCOME to the Heart of Leadership.
It’s a powerful time on planet Earth and whether you realise it or not… your leadership is needed.
The Call
Top 5 reasons why people come to the Heart of Leadership in Tonga.
Answering a life dream or deep calling to swim with whales
Standing at the threshold of a new chapter, project or phase of life - in need of fresh inspired perspective
Sharing a profound experience and deepening connectionwith loved ones or team.
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or exhausted - in need of a complete reset
Invited (or told to come!) by someone they know who has had a life-transforming HoL experience
Josh – Financial analyst and trader
“My experience of the Heart of Leadership was nothing short of Transformative. Swimming alongside humpback whales, these majestic, magical beings, was an awe-inspiring reminder of the beauty and power of nature. The journey was also about diving deeper within myself—pushing through discomfort and fear to unlock growth I didn’t even know I was capable of.”
Elena Oerlemans- Digital Creator, Filmmaker & Photographer
“The Heart of Leadership allowed me to have time in an environment that cleared my mind of the clutter that life collects. It was structured in a way that made it natural to be true to myself and to the amazing like-minded people on the journey. It’s an experience we all need to truly become the best we can be.”
Scott Baker - Culture Leader at JGC
The Adventure
3 benefits people experience during the journey.
Complete and total RENEWAL – a shaving away of many of life’s tensions in order to “re-become” our truest and best self.
Profound and deepening CONNECTION with themselves, their loved ones, Nature and the pulse of life.
Expansion and clarity of PURPOSE & VISION – both who I want to be in the world and what am I committed to doing.
“I thought I’d felt most feelings and experienced a version of most things in the Ocean. I was completely wrong. The whales showed me something bigger… You can’t ‘un-see’ a whale.”
Jarad Howse, Professional Surfer and Surf Coach
“I experienced a deep sense of peace and a grounded calm, and I feel empowered by this now as a great ally in my life.”
Pablo Adama – Fascia Movement Therapist, Rites of Passage Leader
“The combination of Nature’s gifts, Chip’s inspiring and probing inquiry and the wisdom of the group brought forth a magical personal elixir that I will draw upon for years to come. I left renewed in my vision, with a clear plan for its creation. Thank you!!”
Steve Bobs – Founder, Xi Warrior Training
The RETURN
5 ways the HoL experience ripples out into Life
A deep sense of purpose and peace in the big picture and the little moments.
A shift from “concepts” about living or leading into a genuinely transformed way of seeing, being and moving in the world.
Empowered to take bold action towards the things which they are committed to creating.
Enduring sense of appreciation and connection with people and life.
A genuine sense of community – new allies to connect and collaborate with.
CONNECTION
Experiencing magic with extraordinary humans
One of the most celebrated gifts of the Heart of Leadership is the kinship and connections that are born when inspired humans from different paths embark on a life-changing journey together. This program attracts unique, purpose-driven humans and the “pod” that forms in our time together ripples out far beyond the journey.
What's included in the Journey.
Deep Ocean and Whale Immersion (5 days on the water)
- Tongan waters are deep cobalt blue with great visibility, providing ideal conditions for meeting these extraordinary beings in their world, as well as inner island snorkelling and coral cave exploration.
- Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to Tonga each year to mate and give birth to their young in the pristine waters of the South Pacific.
- Our boats have a local Tongan skippers and water guides who know the waters and whales, are highly respectful and wise in their approach.
- The whale swim boat holds 8 people (plus guides) – with 4 people in the water with the whales at one time.
Personal Life and Leadership Quest
- Life & Leadership Deep Ocean Reflection – pre-trip self-inquiry, 1:1 coaching & group lead-up with Chip & the Team
- A 7-day guided Heart of Leadership process (daily warm-ups, check-ins and ocean debrief) mapped across 7 key stages of personal discovery and breakthrough
- Nightly “fireside” sessions – Themed to support each person’s path of purpose and opportunity for breakthrough.
- Follow-up group and 1:1 sessions over 3 months following the journey (via zoom) –integrating personal gifts, lessons and discovery from the experience.
The Tonga Experience
- 7 nights Accommodation in a beautiful Tongan family guest house on the outskirts of the township of Neiafu in the island chain of Vava’u.
- Breakfast and Lunch every day
- Breakfast (fresh local fruit, Tongan coffee, eggs, etc.) is cooked to order every morning by our hosts
- Lunch and snacks are catered on the boat
- Opening and Closing circle Tongan Dinners (the rest of the nights the group can choose to dine out or cook). The town of Neiafu is full of interesting local restaurants run by Tongan families and sea adventurers.
“The greatest benefit of my Tonga experience was the opportunity for reflection and learning with some of life’s bigger questions…
How best to live? What can I do better? What can I leave behind? The whales were the greatest of teachers with their kindness, love for their kin and ability to live consciously.
The teachings of the whales was combined synergistically with the masterful Heart of Leadership program run by Chip Richards and his Team. Combining the sheer awe of these mystical creatures with the magic of this program provided the inspiration to continue the quest for more meaning and purpose in my life.”
John Typaldos, Partner – Zaparas Lawyers
What makes
this different?
A Completely New Realm of Travel
Who is
it for?
Not Just CEO’s & Freedivers
The Heart of Leadership attracts diverse, purpose-lead humans committed to making a positive difference in the world. Whether you are a leading a team of one or 10,000, this journey is a doorway to become more of who you came here to be and to translate that into every aspect of your life. Basic swimming skills are key, but no elite capabilities required!
Why now?
(If not, when?)
A Priceless & Timeless Experience
It’s easy to think we don’t have time, resources or support to travel to a small island in the South Pacific. But year after year, those who come (and come back!), unanimously say that the greatest risk of all would have been to pass up the adventure because of the normal busy-ness of life. Time expands in Tonga and whatever we need to set aside to make the journey happen, comes back multiplied through the shifts we make and life perspective gained in the journey.
Guidance
A Committed Coach and Team to Guide Your Journey
Facilitation Partners
Amir Paiss
Global Musician, Heart of Leadership, Partner & Co-Facilitator
As a global musician and activist with a gift for crafting transformative experiences that bridge the realms of art, spirit and community, Amir uses music, self-inquiry and natural wisdom processes to inspire connection, well-being and awareness.
Amir arrived to the Heart of Leadership in its founding year with a great fear of water… His experience and connection with whales so powerfully impacted his path and work in the world that he has been a close partner ever since!
Chris Mordue
Founder - BlueDot Eco-Therapy, Heart of Leadership, Co-Facilitator
As a Psychotherapist & Consultant specialising in addiction, elite-athlete wellbeing and leadership, Chris’ profound realisation during the Heart of Leadership lead to the launch and development of BlueDot EcoTherapy, now a partner of HOL in Tonga.
“Humpback Whales have lived in harmony with the Earth for 50 million years, embodying love, protection and play. This insight sparked the creation of programs designed to expand ecological awareness, build resilience and transform lives.”
Vava’u Tonga - 2025 DATES
“Thank you. You facilitated one of the most defining weeks of my life. I am so grateful. I love you all!”
Raffi – Student
“The HoL experience is a profound way of bringing forth our capacity to be a leading force in life in visceral and undeniable manner. Chip is a skilful, heart-full and courageous facilitator that is weaving pure magic into the fabric of life. This experience is etched in my soul like an ornament of spirit.”
Amir Paiss – Global Musician, Heart of Leadership Facilitator
“The Heart of Leadership experience brings together powerful elements for transformation in life. A wonderful exposure to nature while taking a deep look at how life can be lived to the full. Combined with the power of a circle of people supporting each other with the utmost integrity and authenticity.”
John Callanan – Managing Director, Tareeda Properties
“This extraordinary experience and my reflections after the journey went far beyond what I predicted and have changed the way I look at myself, my family and everything around me.”
Sander Oerlemans - Senior Project Engineer
INVESTMENT
Full Program Price
AUD$8,500
Early Bird (If committed by 10 April)
AUD$6,500
Program investment includes: Full 5-day Whale Experience + 7 nights guesthouse accommodation, breakfast & lunch daily, 2 Tongan dinners, airport transfers and Heart of Leadership pre & post journey group + 1:1 sessions.
We’re committed to helping those who feel most called to the journey and happy to explore how best to make this happen for you (including payment plans, etc.)
FLIGHTS: Because people are flying from different locations, flights are up to each individual to arrange, but the team can help find best flight options and timing to reach the island group of Vava’u, Tonga (homebase of the Heart of Leadership journey) in time for your adventure.
“I can’t even begin to describe how lucky and grateful I feel to have experienced all the amazing things that we did in Tonga. I will be reliving so many moments in my mind for the rest of my life.”
Holly – Digital Marketer
“This experience helped me in seeing the beauty in every day, caring about the things that truly matter and focusing on the present moment.”
Tia – Speech Pathologist, Educator
“If you’re open, this is a journey and process that could materially change you in ways you could not have imagined – but gently. I felt so cared for – both physically and emotionally.”
Simonne – Business Owner, Mother, Grandmother
“There is nothing like the Heart of Leadership experience. I would describe it as pure magic.”
Zoe – Musician
Let's go to Tonga!
A diverse collection of inspired humans are now coming together for the 2025 Heart of Leadership.
We are sharing this invitation with YOU because we see you as Leader of great Heart, with massive capacity to make a positive difference in the world. This is the most powerful work we’ve ever had the gift of being part and we believe you will both bring and receive an immense amount from the journey.
If you are feeling the Call to join us for the 2025 Heart of Leadership in Tonga, please send Chip a note today ([email protected]) with a request to hold your spot and let’s talk through any questions you may have to help you clear your path to be there!
Our deep commitment is that this experience is a profound turning point in the life and work of all who embark it. Thank you for taking the time to reflect upon this invitation, we feel inspired by the possibility of welcoming you to the group.
The HoL Team!
