Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Human Resources Leaders: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience
October 30 - November 3, 2025
25 HR Leaders. 5 Days.
1 Life-Changing Transformation.
Escape to Italy for a life-changing event — where you don’t just learn about joy and happiness, you live it.
When was the last time you took more than a day or two of quality time for yourself?
How long has it been since you’ve truly unplugged, relaxed, and focused on your self-compassion?
Do you want to grow your well-being?
Most HR Leaders are so busy looking after everyone else at work and at home, that they forget how to take care of themselves.
And that’s why we created Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Human Resources Leaders: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience.
Here, great food, time to connect, and finding joy aren’t incidental to the event – they’re the whole point.
Welcome to Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for Human Resources Leaders: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience in Italy.
When you join us for this event, you will experience all the sensory delights of a beautiful Mediterranean island while engaging in life-changing training sessions for long-term results and lasting success.
This is the only event tailored to Human Resources Leaders, where you will learn about happiness while you experience it.
You’ll be immersed in self-compassion and awareness practices (including daily movement sessions,) with ample time for cultural experiences, enjoyment, and networking to develop personal and professional relationships with other high-achieving Human Resources Leaders from all over the world. You’ll have the opportunity to get to know a wonderful group of people and leave with skills you will use for years to come.
The goal of Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for HR Leaders: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience is to create an oasis for you – an oasis of beauty and joy, of the carefree and the profound, of lightness, and of your own freedom.
Italy is a celebration of LIFE. Let’s celebrate together this October, by integrating mindfulness with Italian Renaissance wisdom and Greek mythology while training yourself to hear what your body, heart, and mind say every step of the way.
Get ready to enjoy each other’s company, reap the benefits of an authentic Italian experience, and learn to drive positive change in the human resources profession through sessions led by experts in self-compassion, science of the mind, and human resources strategies.
You’ll leave with a greater sense of inner calm, easier access to joy, and lasting memories of a part of Italy mostly untouched by tourists!
A Healing Experience Through:
Connection
Compassion
Self-Compassion
Beauty
Gratitude
Fresh Food Grown in Ischia
Poetry
Greek Mythology
Meditation
Thermal Hot Springs
Quality Time in Nature
Well-Researched Science of the Mind Practices
Research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and UC Davis has shown that people who engage in the practices we’ll do at this retreat:
Experience 10% growth in long-term happiness
Increase in progress towards long-term goals by 20% more than a control group
Sleep longer and more deeply
Demonstrate better economic decision-making
Improve managerial skills
Have greater life satisfaction and self-esteem than a control group
You’ll be spending time with 25 HR Leaders — professionals who carry the weight of entire organizations.
In your profession, you support people, performance, and office culture… often without stopping to check on your own well-being.
This isn’t just another training. It’s a chance to exhale. To reconnect. To make a long-term plan. And to be surrounded by others who truly get what you do — and how it feels.
Testimonials from 2025 Happiness Event
Testimonials from 2024 Event in Ischia
We created a place and time where very high-achieving HR leaders can relax, enjoy, connect, and learn. You'll gain the mindset to enhance your happiness for decades to come.
WHAT
This unique 5-day Self-Compassion, Happiness, and Well-Being for HR Leaders: Multi-Sensory Healing Experience provides the opportunity to build genuine friendships and partnerships with other leaders in human resources, as well as learn how to overcome challenges – both personal and professional.
It’s an All-Inclusive Experience in an Italian Paradise for 5 days which includes:
Connections to other human resources leaders
Transformative trainings
Opportunity to start or deepen a meditation practice
Small town authentic Italian life for 5 days
3 healthy, farm-to-table, delicious meals a day
5-course dinners every night
Daily relaxation practices for the body and mind
Ancient Greek myths and Italian poetry
Planned excursions and cultural experiences
Soaking in thermal baths
WHERE
Southern Italy is paradise in the fall.
Ischia, directly adjacent to the island of Capri, is an idyllic vantage point on southern Italy where we have the quiet we need to concentrate and build community.
Ischia is amazing, as it combines a deep history (Homer included it as part of Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey, W. H. Auden composed poetry about it, and it's the first place where the Ancient Greeks landed when they moved to Italy,) lovely small towns, beautiful vegetation and nature, the sparkling Mediterranean sea, friendly people, and natural thermal hot springs that relax the body and mind.
It's a tranquil, relaxed setting to be meeting other human resources leaders while connecting to nature and eating homemade pastas, gelatos, vegetable dishes, and the cornetti ischitani that are baked only on the island.
You’ll be in one of the few places where you can still get the authentic Italian experience.
According to CNN, Ischia is “the paradise island that offers a taste of the real Italy.”
You’ll feel rejuvenated, connected, and like you have gone on a magical adventure. You’ll come back refreshed and mentally ready for success.
Chi trova un amico, trova un tesoro – Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure (Italian Proverb)
THEMES DAY-BY-DAY
Day 1: Arrival, Welcome Session, Dinner
Welcome lunch and introductions
Meditation session to arrive fully
Insight into Italian poetry
Introduction to Self-Leadership
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 2: Mindfulness and Joy
Visit the Archeological Museum and Lacco Ameno downtown
Lunch out in a local restaurant
Hike Mount Epomeo
Discover the mythology of Ischia
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 3: Self-Compassion, Freedom from the Inner Critic
Self-Compassion Meditation
Freedom from the Inner Critic
Stroll through La Mortella gardens
Boat ride on the Mediterranean
Five-course gourmet dinner
Day 4: Connecting with Compassion
Visit Aragonese Castle
Optional dip in the Mediterranean
How To Reduce Burnout training
How Compassion Reduces Stress Workshop
Five-course gourmet dinner
Special surprise on the rooftop terrace
Day 5: Longterm Benefits and Well-being into the Future
Last dip in the mineral hot spring pool
Winery visit
How to integrate these benefits into your life long-term
Closing Symposium Session: Achievements and Future Endeavours
EXPERIENCE CURATED BY:
ELIZABETH PYJOV, JD MTS
B.A. Harvard College, Romance Languages and Literatures
Certification Stanford Medical School, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Pedagogy of Compassion
J.D. Harvard Law School
MTS Harvard Divinity School, Theology Degree
New York City Bar Well-Being Committee Member
Quinlan School of Business Loyola University Chicago Faculty on Leadership of Self
WHY ELIZABETH PYJOV
Elizabeth is an attorney, thought leader, speaker, program creator, and company founder who combines what she learned about ritual and meaning at Harvard Divinity School, her literature degree from Harvard College, neuroscience studies at Stanford Medical School, the rigor of Harvard Law School, experience living in 7 countries, fluency in 5 languages, and her time studying with the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, and Jon Kabat-Zinn to think outside the box and address modern challenges in the workplace.
She understands motivated, intelligent professionals. She was an Associate at Sidley Austin, has conducted legal investigations for the New York Attorney General’s Office, and worked in human rights at the United Nations. She has also worked in marketing for Italy's top television station RAI in Rome, and as a literary translator for Italian Nobel prize-winning author Dario Fo. Her focus now is helping professionals thrive and helping organizations create a more compassionate culture.
Elizabeth’s clients include the Library of Congress, the New York Appellate Court, The Carlyle Group, Novartis, and Deutsche Bank as well as startups, top law firms, and universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and NYU Medical School.
Elizabeth helps individuals feel fulfilled, inspired, and connected to their work, and helps organizations improve productivity, retention, and company culture.
Her sessions have had over 20,000 attendees in the last decade.
This work is the biggest privilege of her life.
Speaker and Panel Moderator: Carol A. Kiburz
Spots capped at 25 people only.
Proven HR executive with extensive experience in building and leading sophisticated, high-performance teams. Passionate about building an amazing employee experience to attract, retain, and engage talent, which creates a cycle of success. Developed and executed HR strategies that enable and extend corporate strategy – driving performance, engagement, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Seeks to serve and make a positive difference in the world. Privileged to now lead the Corporate HR team at Ben E. Keith.
Carol achieved her Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University and her MBA from the University of Dallas. She currently resides in Dallas along with her two human children and two canine children.
$3850 Early Bird Special
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Dates: October 30 - November 3, 2025
Location: Private Villa Hotel in Ischia, Italy
Significant others/friends: Can attend at a reduced fee.
Guests: Limited to 25 HR Leaders
Format: 5-day immersive retreat
Flights: Fly into the airport in Naples, Italy. There is a direct flight New York - Naples, for example. You can also fly into Rome and take a 1-hour train ride to Naples. You will be picked up at the airport or a train station.
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All activities of 5-day retreat
Life-changing workshops, trainings, and meditations
Farm-to-table meals and traditional multi-course dinners
4 nights with a private room and a private bathroom in a beautiful hotel villa
Delicious local wines
Excursions around the island
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways
Transportation all over the island during your stay
Everything is planned for you and everything is included
All activities are optional and you get to make your schedule each day
5 nights accommodation in a beautiful Italian villa hotel
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, wine)
Daily leadership of self and well-being practices + guided sessions
Roundtrip ground transport to and from the local airport
Activities + excursions
Full access to all content + group experiences
Only out-of-pocket: your flight to Italy.
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Here are the professionals who are invited to this event:
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), HR Director, Head of Wellness, Head of Well-Being, Head of People, Head of Talent, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Vice President of Human Resources, Head of Learning & Development (L&D), Head of Compensation & Benefits, Head of Employee Relations
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Register Here
Call or email the event curator for further information.
Elizabeth Pyjov
+1 (650) 922-4262 -
Have any further questions? Please reach out to the event curator
Elizabeth Pyjov
+1 (650) 922-4262
Movement Specialist: Mia Kathryn Wenger
Mia Kathryn Wenger will be leading daily movement sessions for the group.
She is a New York City-based professional dancer, group fitness instructor, and Pilates instructor who enables others to reach their highest potential through movement.
Mia graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2020 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, Magna Cum Laude. She started her Pilates career as a Group Fitness Instructor for Equinox in New York City. She taught mat Pilates and strength classes while still a full-time college student and was one of the youngest instructors at Equinox.
Mia holds a NCSF Personal Training Certification and a 450-hour Classical Comprehensive Pilates Certification from Equinox Pilates Teacher Institute. She has continued her Pilates education through hands-on and virtual workshops, specializing in Scoliosis, Body Inclusivity, and Pre/Post Natal work. Outside of dance and Pilates, she enjoys movement hobbies like boxing, running, bouldering, pole dancing, and more. Mia is an avid amateur astrologer, and loves to travel, try new modalities of movement, and learning about the world.
“What makes my method unique is a deep knowledge of the specific pressures of being a practicing attorney combined with experience in neuroscience, law, the humanities, Western philosophy, Eastern theology, and the corporate world.”
Pricing
Escape to Italy for a life changing event, where you don’t just learn about joy and happiness, you live it. After the early bird spots are gone, the pricing will go up to $4500.
Dates don’t work for you?
Visit Happiness Sangha for alternative dates.
HEALING AND CHANGING PATTERNS
The Human Resources profession is highly stressful.
Human Resources Leaders are held to a high standard of perfectionism, which leads to chronic stress.
What HR professionals often lack is self-compassion and positive leadership of self-habits for themselves.
During the retreat, we will rewire those patterns together.
In a new environment, it is easier to release our patterns.
When trying new foods, experiencing beauty with the senses, and connecting to the warmth and friendliness of others, we gather energy and heal.
Wine has been produced in Ischia for almost 3000 years. It was introduced by the Ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, and Ischia is still famous all over the world for its wines.
“I spent years living in Italy, and the food in Ischia is the most delicious Italian food I’ve ever had.”
L’amore si misura in piatti cucinati – Love is measured in cooked dishes (Italian Proverb)
Local Experience
The owner of the villa where we will be staying owns an organic fruit and vegetable farm, and the food we'll be eating is sourced from there.
All the food for the duration of your stay is included. We will eat fresh fruits, vegetables, pasta, and salads as well as meat, fish, and other seafood, with vegan and vegetarian options available.
Special dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, allergies, and sensitivities are happily accommodated.
A lot of the food we will be eating is grown in the garden at the villa.
“My goal is to create a truly magical experience for the attendees that impacts their life positively long-term and changes their habits for the better.”
LOCATION
The retreat will take place at the beautiful Italian villa where we will be staying. Pools of healing mineral hot springs are at your disposal on the property, as well as saunas, Turkish baths, and spas. You’ll enjoy the gorgeous views of the island from the rooftop terrace.
You can lounge in the jacuzzi on the terrace, swim in the pool, enjoy an Aperol Spritz in the courtyard, and have traditional Italian multi-course meals in the dining room while building the future of what the human resources profession will become.
There will be excursions around the island on days 2, 3, and 4.
WHAT’S UNIQUE
Unique training in self-compassion, gratitude, contemplative practices, and science of the mind.
To encourage active dialogue and true connection among participants, registration will be limited to 25 Human Resources professionals.
Authentic, non-tourist Italian experience: like living in a warm Italian family, with amazing people around the table.
Daily meditation will help you feel alive, connected, and relaxed– and build a new, healthy habit.
This retreat will help you achieve higher levels of self-compassion, which will enable you to face professional challenges with increased strength.
You’ll come away with wonderful friendships, and you'll learn something new about yourself, your happiness, your well-being, Greek mythology, and Italian culture.
ITINERARY
Events may be subject to change
Arrive on the island of Ischia on a one-hour boat ride from Naples
Aperol spritz or mineral water to refresh you
Welcome lunch
Soak in the jacuzzi on the rooftop, enjoying the view of Mount Epomeo
Mindfulness and Arriving Fully meditation practice
Post-travel yoga session
Introduction to daily gratitude practice
Italian poetry series (poetry is important to happiness!)
Introduction to Leadership of Self
Learn some key Italian words
5-course dinner with wine
Night soak in the thermal hot springs for relaxation – the spa is open for you to use 24/7
All activities are optional
DAY 1: Arrival, Welcome Session, Dinner
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace in front of the villa with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning mindfulness practice
Science of the Mind training
Stroll through the lovely town of Lacco Ameno
Visit to Villa Arbusto Archeological Museum
Lunch at the best pizzeria on the island
Option to Hike Mount Epomeo
Return to the villa, free time
Ancient Greek myths introduction
5-course dinner with wine
Evening self-compassion meditation practice
DAY 2: Mindfulness and Joy
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast on the terrace with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
Visit the beautiful Giardini La Mortella gardens
Lunch in a restaurant on the beach
Optional boat ride on the Mediterranean
Free time back at the villa to siesta or sunbathe on the rooftop, soak in the thermal waters, or sip a limoncello on the terrace
Freedom from the Inner Critic
Discussion of how Human Resources Leaders can be self-compassionate and achieve excellence
Evening self-compassion practice
5-course dinner with wine
Option to explore a local town at night
DAY 3: Self-Compassion, Freedom from the Inner Critic
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams and breads baked that morning
Morning cappuccino
Morning meditation practice
Centering practice with joy meditation
Practical tools to increase happiness and well-being year-round, even upon returning home.
Visit to Aragonese Castle
How to Reduce Burnout Training
How Compassion Reduces Stress Workshop
Free time back at the villa
Optional time to go shopping in the town Lacco Ameno
5-course dinner with wine and special desserts
Night of live music at the villa to celebrate our last evening together
DAY 4: Connecting with Compassion
Morning soak in the thermal pools
Morning yoga practice on the roof
Buffet breakfast with omelettes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and breads baked that morning
Visit to the local winery
How to Integrate These Benefits into Your Life Long-Term
Closing session: Achievements and Future Endeavors
Soaking in thermal hot springs at the villa one more time
Arrivederci!
Boat to Naples (or, if you like, it’s an easy boat ride to Capri, Positano, or Amalfi)
Transfer to airport or train station in Naples
DAY 5: Longterm Benefits and Well-Being into the Future
Value
5-day retreat - $1,380
Building a close community of human resources professionals who are not immediate colleagues - $1,000
Italian poetry immersion series - $450
Ancient Greek myths psychologically explained for happiness - $450
Restorative yoga on the roof, walking meditation, and mindful movement daily - $450
Therapeutic compassion exercises - $450
Gaining a deep understanding of self-compassion - $450
Excursions around the island organized by Elizabeth Pyjov - $1,000
Short and enjoyable daily Italian lessons with Elizabeth Pyjov - $100
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport - $100
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways - $100
Transportation all over the island during your stay - $150
Room - $850
Breakfast, lunch, and five-course dinner with wine each day - $1,200
Book of Italian poetry from 50 different poets, handpicked by Elizabeth Pyjov - $70
Not thinking about anything and not planning - $500
Pleasant surprises and extras - $250
Lifelong friendships with other Human Resources Leaders - Priceless
Returning home with greater well-being - Priceless
Joy, energy, and inspiration for months to come - Priceless
Total: $8,950
The event fee is $3,850
Significant other registration: If you want to bring a significant other to share a room with, the fee for them is $2,950. They are invited to participate in all meals and excursions. There will be special sessions for them at the retreat.
This payment can be split up into monthly payments over 6 - 12 months, interest-free.
INCLUDED
All activities of 5-day retreat
Life-changing workshops, trainings, and meditations
Farm-to-table meals and traditional multi-course dinners
4 nights with a private room and a private bathroom in a beautiful hotel villa
Delicious local wines
Excursions around the island
Pick up from the airport and drop off at the airport
Boat from Naples to Ischia two ways
Transportation all over the island during your stay
Everything is planned for you and everything is included
All activities are optional and you get to make your schedule each day
Here is a letter you can share with your organization to highlight the benefits of the training and receive reimbursement for the retreat.
This Team Will Welcome You
CURRICULUM
The curriculum has four parts:
1) Self-compassion, awareness and joy practice.
2) Compassionate connection to others.
3) Science of the mind to reduce stress and burnout.
4) Italian poetry and Ancient Greek mythology as it supports happiness.
Attendees
Here are the professionals who are invited to this event:
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), HR Director, Head of Wellness, Head of Well-Being, Head of People, Head of Talent, Head of Diversity and Inclusion, Vice President of Human Resources, Head of Learning & Development (L&D), Head of Compensation & Benefits, Head of Employee Relations
YOUR CONTRIBUTION
$3,850 for the entire experience.
$2,950 for a significant other you share a room with.
Everything in the Value section above is included from the time we pick you up at the airport to the time you leave Ischia. There will be a 5-course dinner each day, lunch out in local restaurants, a sumptuous breakfast buffet, wine at dinner, Aperol Spritz upon arrival, life-changing workshops, and the opportunity to get to know other Human Resources Leaders.
See below for registration links.
Here is a letter you can share with your organization to highlight the benefits of the training and receive reimbursement for the retreat.
“This is not just five pleasant days. It’s a launching pad to a new quality of life.”
DETAILS
Dates: October 30 - November 3, 2025
Place: Ischia in Italy
Significant others or friends: Wecome to attend at a reduced fee.
Flights: Fly into the airport in Naples, Italy. There is a direct flight New York - Naples, for example. You can also fly into Rome and take a 1-hour train ride to Naples. You will be picked up at the airport or a train station.
Main Facilitator: Elizabeth Pyjov, JD MTS
HOW TO REGISTER
This payment can be split up into monthly payments over 6 - 12 months, interest-free, if you select Affirm or Klarna at checkout at the link below. If you have questions about that, call Elizabeth Pyjov at 650-922-4262.
Here is a letter you can share with your organization to highlight the benefits of the training and receive reimbursement for the retreat.
Plus one participants are welcome to take part in every part of the event (see itinerary).
Plus one participants are welcome to participate in every part of the event (see itinerary).
“HR professionals spend a lot of time and energy serving others. This event will give them the opportunity to connect and take care of themselves. ”
All ticket sales are final and non-refundable. However, if you're unable to attend, we’re happy to offer a credit equal to the amount paid. This credit can be applied toward a future event.
We’ll See You Soon
