CEO's Annual Silent Retreat: A Life-Changing Experience

Noah Greenberg, the 35-year-old CEO of Stacker, dedicates three days each year between Christmas and New Year's to a silent retreat. He disconnects from technology, leaving his computer and phone behind, while covering all clocks to let his mind wander freely.

The Beginnings of a Transformative Ritual

This unique tradition started in 2020, inspired by his experience of remote work where his home and professional life blurred uncomfortably. This annual retreat quickly revealed its profound personal and professional benefits, compelling him to continue the practice.

A Self-Designed Sanctuary

Instead of attending an organized retreat, Noah fashioned his quiet sanctuary by renting an Airbnb. Initially, he chose locations in Northern California, but later switched to New York. Scheduling his retreat during the holiday period helps alleviate his anxiety, as the business usually slows down.

The Minimalist Retreat Kit

His essential items for these retreats include a journal, comfortable outfits, and good footwear for running or hiking. The absence of digital devices and distractions like books or podcasts allows him to explore his thoughts undisturbed.

Embracing Timelessness and Nature

By concealing clocks, he breaks free from the constraints of time, often going to bed shortly after sunset. This detachment from time adds an intriguing dimension to the retreat. His days are split between hikes and introspective hours on the couch jotting down his reflections.

Taking regular walks during the retreat contrasts sharply with his normal routine, where long silent strolls are rare. The commitment to this practice is emphasized by the deliberate journey he makes to his retreat space.

Avoiding Over-Preparation

Although preparing topics for reflection helps, over-preparation can undermine the retreat's spontaneity and pressure him to solve problems rigidly. The key to success lies in just diving into journaling and letting the ideas flow naturally by the end of the first night.

Informing associates of his planned digital detox over the weekend ensures a seamless transition, and he believes leaders must trust their teams to manage during such periods of absence.

Significant Lifestyle Shifts

The retreats are instrumental in shaping both his personal wellbeing and work efficiency. For instance, drafting a morning routine during one retreat led to his current habit of waking up at 6 a.m. without an alarm, enhancing his days significantly.

This reflection period lets him assess and adjust work processes, resulting in effective team collaborations upon his return. Imagining the ideal outcomes for the year ahead focuses his efforts and planning.

Embarking on challenges like meeting 52 new people across the year evolved out of his retreat intentions, boosting productivity and expanding his network.

Embracing Yearly Variations in Insight

Not every retreat is life-altering, and Noah has come to accept this without disappointment. Each retreat takes on its unique shape each year, offering value regardless of intensity. This approach encourages openness to whatever insights may surface.

Reflecting on the imperfections and expectations of each retreat has allowed him to appreciate the journey itself rather than striving to replicate the highs of the initial experience.