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In a change to his usual column, leading life coach, motivational speaker and business/ corporate coach Rasheed Ogunlaru kicks-starts 2011 by sharing details of the launch of his new business, Gravity and Growth, and a great special offer for Precious readers and members.

What is Gravity and Growth?

Gravity & Growth is my new retreats business which I established with yoga teacher to high achievers, Thierry Giunta. The retreats blend coaching for self, career, business and team development, and yoga and meditation for greater health, fitness, balance and wellbeing. We run an open retreat for the public, a retreat for business owners and we also run tailored private retreats by request for high achievers, corporate organisations and businesses. Gravity and Growth is all about giving people the energy and space they need to blossom in all areas of life and work.

Tell us why you launched Gravity and Growth?

We launched Gravity & Growth because we realised that so many of our clients in business, corporate life, public life and in busy office environments need time and space to develop. And that sometimes they actually need to physically get away in order to go on that journey. We also realised that when people do go on holiday or to a spa they often come back refreshed but not having addressed their career, business or personal progress. And likewise, others may address their business or career but may be neglecting their health and wellbeing. Our retreats enable people to address all aspects - physical, material, spiritual, practical and emotional.

Who would you say the retreats are aimed at?

It is aimed at those people who are on a journey to find greater balance, fulfillment and success in all aspects of their lives and careers. Specifically, our retreats appeal to professionals and business owners interested in personal success as well as their health and wellbeing. It is also for those who have overlooked their physical, personal or indeed financial wellbeing.

You have launched Gravity & Growth with a new business partner, how do your skills complement each other in this new business?

There's quite an amazing blend. Both Thierry and I work with people with busy lives and busy minds. We help them to boost their energy, strength, clarity, confidence. Thierry does this through yoga sessions that are based on people's lifestyle's and aspirations. It is not 'airy fairy', it is really relevant and relaxing. His work helps people to become centered and this is the perfect starting place for my work to help people clarify their goals, abilities, boost confidence and performance, take action, perform better and be at a place of greater flow. Basically, together we cover all aspects; mind, body and spirit in a way that is empowering and liberating.

Can you tell us a little more about the retreats?

Our Spring Weekend Retreat takes place May 27-29 at Oxon Hoath Country Estate, Kent and is for business owners. This retreat blends coaching workshops to help you clarify and progress your personal and business goals. They will help you become more efficient, effective and boost your performance, profitability and your finances, marketing and operations. You'll leave with your own plan to move ahead. It also includes yoga and meditation sessions to help boost life balance, get you relaxed and centered - this is really invaluable for many business owners who are overworked and stressed out. Finally the setting is the stunning Kent Countryside, delegates have their own room, delicious healthy vegetarian food and fantastic outdoors to help re-inspire, rejuvenate and re-focus them.

Our second retreat ' Health and Happiness' is a week long retreat in Motovun, Croatia, August 8-14. It is a 'three-in-one' holiday for anybody: it is an opportunity to holiday and relax in this stunning medieval town. It is an opportunity to have a personal / professional development retreat - this is ideal for the many people who are at a career or personal crossroads at this time. It will appeal to those who want a career break, those who've taken redundancy and are looking to re-launch themselves. It is for those passionate about - or just waking up to self, career or even spiritual growth. The retreat is also a yoga / meditation retreat with a morning and evening yoga session with Thierry. The beauty of this retreat is that my daily coaching workshop and Theirry's yoga session are complete by mid-morning, leaving you the whole day until dinner to relax, enjoy the town, the hotel and pool.

How does this differ from other retreats aimed at entrepreneurs?

Our Spring Retreat for entrepreneurs differs in that most retreats aimed at business just take care of business. But actually, unless you take care of the life balance, wellbeing and personal goals, challenges and aspirations then the business stuff is unlikely to stick. It is holistic. It has been specifically designed like a healthy smoothie to give business owners that short, sweet, nutritious burst that they need to sustain them for the journey.

Is attendance at the full programme compulsory or can attendees chill out on the beach?

The beautiful thing about the Summer retreat in Croatia - and indeed the Spring Retreat, is that people can do as much or as little as they choose. The Summer Retreat doesn't have a beach but it is set in a stunning hillside town and you can chill by the pool and enjoy the health centre including the spa that we have discounted use of. You can do as much or as little of the programme as you like. If you're not into yoga you can enjoy the personal development. If you're not into the personal development, then you can enjoy the yoga or the wonderful town.

What happens after the retreat is over in terms of follow up and support?

These retreats are quite likely to change people's lives. The journey doesn't end there. Many people will have made friends or contacts. In the case of the Summer Retreat all attendees will have the opportunity for a one to one session with Thierry and myself to help them plan their own routine life / career and fitness & wellbeing for after the retreat. In the case of the retreat for entrepreneurs, delegates will develop their own plan to move forward and likewise are also likely to have made friends and contacts that will be useful. Attendees are also welcome to stay in touch with us to let us know how they get on on. But these retreats are also there to help people boost their own resourcefulness so that they are best placed to develop the support, structures - and indeed the space and flexibility they need to take forward.

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of attending?

Go for it. This retreat is an investment that is designed to make you more effective, efficient, productive and profitable. To that degree it will help you make money in the long run. Business owners, especially in this climate of constant change, cannot afford not take time out to develop themselves and their businesses. You also may just need the break and the inspiration. But remember also this is a business workshop so you can claim it as an expense - see it as part of your business and personal development.

How can potential customers book?

It's easy. The first step is to check the details of the retreat that works best for you

Spring Retreat - business weekend www.gravityandgrowth.com/spring-retreat-2011
Summer Retreat - http://www.gravityandgrowth.com/summer-retreat-2011

Then to book simply email me rasheed@gravityandgrowth.com or call my coaching studio: 020 7207 1082 and we'll get you booked on. If you quote Precious Online Gravity & Growth offer then we'll give you our members discount that saves you around £100 in the case of our Summer Retreat.

Rasheed Ogunlaru is a leading life coach, motivational speaker and business coach. He helps people of all backgrounds to achieve lasting fulfillment in all areas of their lives. Rasheed coaches by phone and in person and is author of a range of books, CDs and MP3s including The Gift of Inner Success. For further information or to request life, business or corporate coaching or workshops - or a order a book CD, or MP3, visit www.rasaru.com or call 020 7207 1082.

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