
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet or computer—no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera, scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
COURAGE TO RETREAT: A Deliberate Act of Being, Doing and Having Paperback – 26 August 2024
You can select and apply an appropriate plan based on your cart value at checkout.
-
Pay at Your PaceZip
Account type | Interest |
---|---|
Zip Pay | Always interest free^ |
Zip Money | 12 mo interest free,
25.9% p.a. thereafter* |
^Zip Pay: This is a credit product and is interest free. Minimum monthly repayments are required. A monthly account fee of $9.95 is charged by Zip and is subject to change. Pay your closing balance in full by the due date each month and Zip will waive the fee. Available to approved applicants only and subject to completion of satisfactory credit assessment by Zip. Other charges may be payable. Fees and charges subject to change. Zip T&Cs apply. T&Cs available on application. See your Zip contract for further details. Credit provided by Zip Money Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit Licence Number 441878.
*Zip Money: Interest free term subject to minimum spend and promotional partner offer. Available to approved applicants only and subject to completion of satisfactory credit check. The repayment advertised will repay the transaction balance within the advertised interest free period. A monthly account fee of $9.95 applies and a one off establishment fee may apply for new customers. Under the contract, minimum monthly repayments are required and will vary depending on your credit limit. Instalment plans split eligible purchases of $300 and above into equal repayments within the interest free period. If you turn off instalments, transactions will be reverted to the minimum monthly repayment. Paying only the minimum monthly repayment may not necessarily repay a purchase within the interest free period. Any balance outstanding at the expiry of the interest free period will be charged at the standard variable interest rate, 25.9% per annum, as at 1 June 2023. Other charges may be payable, see T&Cs. Interest, fees and charges are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply and are available on application. See your contract for further details. Credit provided by ZipMoney Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit Licence Number (441878).
Purchase options and add-ons
‘Courage to Retreat’ explores how we’ve become focused on constant action and chasing external validation. This endless chase gradually diminishes our sense of self and often sacrifices well-being, inner satisfaction and real connections.
Through storytelling, the book illustrates how various characters respond to life's pressures and societal expectations. Each chapter offers perspectives and resources to pause, reflect and reconnect with our essential selves.
“Courage to Retreat deals with a fundamentally important theme of our times: navigating the stresses and strains of our increasingly busy lives and the many externally imposed pressures to 'succeed'. The book holds the reader's attention through storytelling, drawing on how various characters respond to these pressures. It powerfully sets up the case for personal retreat and reflection to rediscover our true selves and place in the world.”
-Paddy Coyne, Former Vice President, Shell and Former Chair of IMD Executive Education Advisory Council
"This book is a life companion, offering the wisdom of many life coaches from around the world in one place. It sparks contemplation and self-discovery, inspires you to prioritize what truly matters, and holds genuine value in life.”
-Marieke Bulkmans, Head of HR, Airbus in the Netherlands
“This book is a must-read for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of their professional life or struggling to maintain meaningful relationships amidst their ambitions.”
-Marc Kuipers, Group Compliance Officer, Aegon Ltd.
- Print length242 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication date26 August 2024
- Dimensions13.97 x 1.55 x 21.59 cm
- ISBN-13979-8894965673
Product details
- ASIN : B0DFGPK1GL
- Publisher : Staten House
- Publication date : 26 August 2024
- Language : English
- Print length : 242 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8894965673
- Item weight : 372 g
- Dimensions : 13.97 x 1.55 x 21.59 cm
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Virender is a storyteller, awareness builder, and thought partner on human potential. He illuminates hidden human potential and untapped resources.
His professional journey began in finance in 1990. However, a profound encounter with a life philosophy inspired him to take a two-year sabbatical to rediscover his purpose. This pivotal experience led him to significantly shift toward human development, a field where he could make a deeper impact. Over the years, Virender has worked across various countries and cultures, honing his expertise in leadership development and contributing to global organizations. His work has inspired and brought hope to many. By the end of 2022, he decided to culminate his corporate journey and expand the stage for his purpose.
Virender's approach to unlocking human potential blends behavioral science, leadership principles, social systems, philosophy, and spirituality. This holistic approach offers individuals and organizations a comprehensive path to growth and transformation, guiding them on inward and forward journeys.
Driven by the belief that business should be a force for good, aligning profit with purpose, Virender launched Conscious Lab. This initiative uniquely combines the essence of a foundation with the dynamism of a business, creating a powerful synergy for change.
His upcoming books are:
-Midlife Men
-Matching Values
-Paths to Purpose
-Conscious Choices
Customer reviews
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star5 star85%15%0%0%0%85%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star4 star85%15%0%0%0%15%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star3 star85%15%0%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star2 star85%15%0%0%0%0%
- 5 star4 star3 star2 star1 star1 star85%15%0%0%0%0%
Top reviews from Australia
Top reviews from other countries
- Filip DimitrijevicReviewed in Germany on 14 March 2025
4.0 out of 5 stars A powerful wake-up call
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI learned from this book that it's actually a wise move to take a step back rather than showing weakness. It all comes down to making space for what really counts rather than blindly rushing forward. The observations may appear simple, yet they have a deeper meaning.
- Marlies TimmermannReviewed in the Netherlands on 16 December 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Leadership Culture: The Hidden Force Behind Organizational Success
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThe truth about organizational culture often goes unnoticed, but it resonated deeply with me in Courage to Retreat. It’s not the broad concept of “organizational culture” that defines a company, but rather the leadership culture—shaped by the attitudes, decisions, and behaviors of those at the top. This book weaves a gripping storyline with research findings, urging leaders to reexamine how their actions create ripples throughout the organization.
The narrative struck a personal chord with me, especially as someone who has witnessed the damaging effects of toxic leadership. I found myself particularly moved by Lisa's story—after being forced to step back due to a destructive leader, she finds new purpose and energy under the guidance of a human-centric leader. This shift serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply leadership can influence not just a company’s trajectory, but the personal well-being of its people.
The reflection questions challenged me to reassess my own leadership style and beliefs. It’s not just a book to read—it’s a guide to self-exploration, especially for someone like me who holds a position of influence. It’s inspired me to create a culture that uplifts, empowers, and nurtures those around me, rather than diminishing them.
Marlies TimmermannLeadership Culture: The Hidden Force Behind Organizational Success
Reviewed in the Netherlands on 16 December 2024
The narrative struck a personal chord with me, especially as someone who has witnessed the damaging effects of toxic leadership. I found myself particularly moved by Lisa's story—after being forced to step back due to a destructive leader, she finds new purpose and energy under the guidance of a human-centric leader. This shift serves as a poignant reminder of how deeply leadership can influence not just a company’s trajectory, but the personal well-being of its people.
The reflection questions challenged me to reassess my own leadership style and beliefs. It’s not just a book to read—it’s a guide to self-exploration, especially for someone like me who holds a position of influence. It’s inspired me to create a culture that uplifts, empowers, and nurtures those around me, rather than diminishing them.
Images in this review
- MR LEIGH S ADAMSReviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 March 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars A Very interesting insight into life and how it fits in with the corporate world.
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseI really enjoyed the story telling process in the book. Having been there myself I understand the balance required to keep yourself aligned to your values at home and work and to have to juggle all those balls at the same time.
It is often difficult to achieve and you normally lack in one area or another. The stories talk about the changes in Jacks behaviour and his adoption of his bosses attitude causing fiction with workers that once were full of trust. These things happen, it is hard to stray away from it and being the person in between the good news and the bad news is a hard place to be.
A good leader should protect their people but unfortunately someone has to also deliver and decide the bad news that everyone has to follow when companies are not performing or they need to do better.
So this story hits deep and makes you think about the choices you make, because get it wrong and it impacts your life in too many ways.
- Juan Pablo Olvera RamirezReviewed in Canada on 24 March 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Reconnecting with what truly matters
Format: KindleVerified PurchaseIn todays world that keeps pushing us to do more, Courage to Retreat encourages us to slow down and focus on what truly matters like our well-being, our relationships, and our inner satisfaction. It reminds us that success isn’t just about external achievements but also about feeling grounded and connected to ourselves.
For anyone feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, this book is great as it offers inspiration and the practical tools to reconnect with what really matters in this day and age our well being. This was a reminder, thank you!
- Esme SánchezReviewed in Spain on 22 January 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars It changed our team's approach
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseMy team and I read this book to re-align ourselves. The concept of pausing to reflect rather than pushing ourselves really shifted our perspective. The questions in the book led to open, honest reflections and discussions about how we show up. Professionally, we’re now more focused on leading with purpose, staying true to our values, and building deeper, more meaningful connections—without the constant pressure to do more. It’s truly changed the way we work together and approach our goals.