Finding Our Way Forward: Reflections from Our June Retreat – Wayne Centrone

As I sit down to write and reflect on our recent team retreat, I am struck by a profound sense of pride and gratitude. Over two inspiring days—June 15 and 16—in the tranquil surroundings of Alto Cayma, our administrative and programmatic leaders gathered for a time that was, quite simply, transformative. While I have participated in many meetings throughout my career, this retreat stands out as a pivotal moment for HBI and for me.

Often in our work—especially in organizations like ours that seek to bridge health, hope, and purpose to every child—the day-to-day demands can make it difficult to pause, breathe, and truly connect. But this retreat was a chance to do just that. And what an excellent, rewarding opportunity it was. Our time together was carefully structured to strengthen our leadership practices, establish actionable commitments, and, above all, foster a culture built on respect, trust, and collaboration. While the outcomes we developed as a team over those two days are impressive, what truly inspires me is how the core concepts we explored have deep resonance, not just for our work at HBI, but for every facet of our lives.

One of the central themes we revisited throughout our retreat was the importance of genuinely listening to each other. In so many organizations (indeed, in society at large), it is all too easy for voices to be lost among competing priorities and personalities. However, we recognized early on during our time in Alto Cayma that every individual has a perspective worth sharing, and it is incumbent upon all of us to ensure that those perspectives are welcomed.

We explored ways in which our meetings and interactions—whether small or large—can either elevate voices or silence them. By creating intentional spaces for everyone to speak and be heard, we do more than just improve our decision-making. We build trust. We strengthen connections. We demonstrate, through our actions, that collaboration is not about everyone agreeing, but about everyone feeling valued in the process. This concept is deeply applicable beyond our work. Whether among friends, family, or in professional circles, the act of truly listening is a gift we can all offer. In a world that often feels increasingly divided, solutions will only emerge from spaces where all are invited to share—and all are genuinely heard.

Another outcome from the retreat that excites me is our commitment to enhancing our communication styles. Our team spent significant time discussing how each individual, shaped by their own experiences and personalities, brings a unique approach to communication. Sometimes, miscommunications or differences in style can give rise to misunderstandings—even among the most well-intentioned teams.

Through open and honest discussion, we began to gain a deeper understanding of how our styles influence the tone, perception, and outcomes of our interactions. This self-awareness is critical. It allows us to move beyond knee-jerk reactions and instead engage with one another more empathetically and effectively. As we strive to build a stronger HBI, clear and compassionate communication is not just a benefit—it’s a necessity.

I encourage everyone reading this—whether you are part of HBI, a supporter, or simply a fellow traveler on this journey—to reflect on your communication style. Where might your unique approach sometimes clash with that of others? Where might a moment of empathy or a pause for understanding make a world of difference in strengthening your connections?

The retreat also served as a much-needed forum to examine and fine-tune our organizational structure. As any organization grows and evolves, so too must the ways we interact, make decisions, and hold one another accountable. Through thoughtful dialogue, we identified areas where clarity and efficiency could be improved. We also set forth clear, actionable steps to ensure that our structure supports—not hinders—our shared mission. But here’s what stood out to me: these were not just technical adjustments. They were, at their core, about building a culture where people feel safe, where expectations are understood, and where success is measured by our ability to support one another.

Perhaps the most meaningful part of our retreat was the commitments our team made. These were not vague promises or aspirations. They were concrete steps—acts of leadership—each of us will take to foster a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration at HBI. We pledged to carry the spirit of the retreat forward into the bones of our everyday work. These commitments will serve as our roadmap. They will keep us accountable. They will remind us, in challenging times, that the most important thing we have is one another. Although the retreat was focused on strengthening HBI, I am convinced that the lessons we learned have application for everyone, regardless of our station in life. In a world that seems so often afflicted by miscommunication, mistrust, and division, the need for respectful, collaborative engagement has never been greater.

We each need spaces—whether in business, in community, or at home—defined by respect, trust, and authenticity. We need to value the perspectives of others, to commit to practical and empathetic communication, and to recognize that our greatest resource is the people beside us. The path to healing in our communities and our world starts with strong, trusting relationships. Our retreat in Alto Cayma reminded me, most vividly, that these are not just lofty ideals—they are practical, actionable steps we can all take.

As we embark on this next phase for HBI, I am filled with optimism. I know that the commitments made, the trust built, and the ideas developed at our retreat will help us to further our mission of bringing health, hope, and purpose to every child. More than strategy or structure, it is the power of our connections and our shared commitments that will carry us forward. If there is one lesson I hope you take from our retreat, it is this: Together, we can create remarkable, lasting change—and to begin, all we need to do is truly listen to and value one another.

Thank you for standing with us—and for believing in the power of connection, collaboration, and hope. Let’s build the bridges the world needs.