Friday morning, Brenda and Kiara came by to check out my room (I was still soaking in the harbour views) before we walked over together to the Fairmont Empress, where we’d be staying for the rest of the retreat.
Let me just say — changing hotels with a backpack and a water bottle clipped to it made me feel like a schoolgirl on a field trip, especially with my little loafers on. We had a good laugh about it, but in that moment, it felt symbolic. I was arriving not just physically but mentally, ready to learn, to stretch, and to grow.
Walking into the Fairmont felt like stepping into a new version of myself — one that was ready to take up space, make bold moves, and lead with intention.
Our mastermind sessions that day were held in the iconic Library at the Fairmont Empress — a room steeped in over a century of history. Originally created as a private reading and meeting room for VIP guests, it’s hosted royalty, authors, world leaders, and visionaries since the hotel opened in 1908. Queen Victoria herself, known for her intellectual presence and quiet authority, embodied the energy of this space — and being there, surrounded by powerhouse women, felt incredibly aligned. It was a reminder that leadership doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful.
Our conversations inside that library were deep, raw, and beautifully expansive. We talked about alignment, vision, and releasing the narratives that no longer serve us. Phones and laptops were tucked away. We were fully present, fully human — laughing, crying, and connecting on a level that went far beyond business.
Later in the day, our coach Elise Montgomery treated us to High Tea at the Fairmont. It was elegant, yes — the tea towers, the linens, the view — but more than that, it was intentional. Elise encouraged us to simply receive. As women, and especially as leaders, we're often the ones pouring into others. Sitting down and letting someone else pour the tea was symbolic of the deeper work we were doing: softening, surrendering, and remembering that we’re allowed to be held, too.
After tea, Nancy Ball, a local luxury real estate agent, graciously gave us a private tour of three stunning multi-million-dollar homes in the area. Each property offered something different — thoughtful design, coastal elegance, and the kind of inspiration that sparks new vision. Nancy then took a few of us over to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, where we shared a meal at The Snug, their cozy ocean-view restaurant. It was the perfect place to pause, breathe, and take in just how expansive this retreat was becoming — not just in what we were learning, but in how we were feeling.
To be continued…
Let’s Stay Connected
If you’re someone who values clarity, connection, and confidence in your real estate journey — I’d love to work with you. I specialize in helping clients across Calgary and Southern Alberta buy and sell with strategy, heart, and ease. Reach out anytime, or follow my journey on Instagram @kristenedmunds.realestate.
