The EO Melbourne Nexus Chapter Retreat concluded last month on the breathtaking island of Phuket, Thailand, leaving attendees inspired, enriched, and deeply connected. The retreat brought together entrepreneurs from diverse industries for an immersive experience designed to foster growth, collaboration, and transformative learning. At the heart of this unforgettable event was Cindy Sirinya Bishop—a celebrated Thai model, actress, activist, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador to Asia Pacific—whose presence as a speaker and emcee elevated the gathering to new heights.
Leading with "Jai": Heart-Led Leadership Unveiled
Cindy’s talk on leading with "Jai" (the Thai word for “heart”) resonated powerfully with attendees, offering profound insights into what it means to lead authentically and purposefully. Drawing from her extensive career spanning over two decades in entertainment and her impactful work as a social advocate, Cindy shared how heart-led leadership can drive meaningful change—not just within organisations but also across communities.
She spoke about the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness, urging leaders to cultivate a “cool heart” that allows them to navigate challenges with composure and clarity. Empathy and compassion were highlighted as essential tools for fostering collaboration, reminding attendees that understanding others’ perspectives strengthens trust and teamwork. Finally, she emphasised the value of authenticity, openness, and vulnerability—an “open heart”—as qualities that shape how leaders show up in the world and inspire those around them. These Thai heart values, she explained, are not merely cultural ideals but powerful principles that can transform leadership styles and organisational cultures.
Throughout her talk, Cindy wove personal anecdotes from her journey—from founding the #DontTellMeHowToDress movement to authoring a children’s book on body autonomy—as powerful examples of leading with passion and purpose. Her message was clear: When guided by heart, leadership becomes more than just strategy; it becomes a force for good.
Deepening Learnings Through Connection
Beyond her role as a speaker, Cindy’s dynamic moderation added another layer of depth to the retreat. As MC, she skillfully facilitated discussions, ensuring every session flowed seamlessly while encouraging active participation from attendees. Her warm demeanor and sharp wit created an atmosphere of inclusivity, making everyone feel seen and valued.
At the start of the Chapter Retreat’s talks, Cindy led participants in an engaging activity where they exchanged stories of their experiences, sparking conversations about how these experiences have shaped their entrepreneurial journeys. These dialogues deepened connections among participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie and enabling them to gain valuable insights from one another.
A Movement Toward Meaningful Change
The retreat underscored the importance of aligning business practices with personal values—a concept Cindy embodies through her multifaceted career and activism. Whether advocating for gender equality or championing individual autonomy, she reminded attendees that success isn’t measured solely by achievements but by the positive ripple effects they create in the world.
As the sun set over Phuket’s pristine beaches, the EO Melbourne Nexus Chapter Retreat left an inspiring imprint on its participants. Armed with fresh perspectives and renewed motivation, they departed ready to lead with “Jai”—to build businesses rooted in authenticity, empathy, and purpose. The retreat proved that true leadership begins with the heart—and thanks to Cindy Sirinya Bishop, attendees now carry that invaluable lesson forward, ready to inspire change wherever they go.