Snake River Ranch • Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Where Accomplished Couples Come to Reconnect, Reflect, and Return Transformed
Five days of world-class learning and unforgettable adventure, designed for both of you. Not a conference. Not a vacation. A shared experience that will deepen your partnership and clarify your legacy.
SEPTEMBER 8–13, 2026
What Leaders Say About Our Facilitators
“One of the most purposeful people I know… he has greatly impacted my life for the better.”
Jeff Neufeld
CEO, Fehr & Peers
Transportation Planning
“Warren Rustand is in a league of his own… his leadership principles are guiding lights, practical teachings drawn from his own life experiences.”
Mazen Omair
Founder & CEO, Openware
Enterprise Software
“Of the amazing influences in my life, Warren's tools are simple, effective and will change your life.”
Ben Richter
CEO, Caddis Partners
Healthcare Real Estate
Warren Rustand and George Gan have facilitated leadership experiences for thousands of executives across 20+ countries. Life Academy brings their world-class methodology to couples for the first time.
The Vision
The strongest partnerships are forged in moments of challenge, reflection, and authentic connection
The most transformational growth happens when couples step away from their daily demands and immerse themselves in environments that demand presence, courage, and vulnerability, together.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Grand Teton Range, this five-day experience brings together a carefully curated cohort of accomplished couples who share a commitment to growth, both as individuals and as partners.
Here, amid 1,800 acres of pristine Wyoming wilderness, you and your partner will engage in meaningful conversations, share unforgettable adventures, forge lifelong friendships with like-minded couples, and discover insights about yourselves and your relationship that simply cannot emerge in ordinary life.
12
Couples
5
Days Together
18
Hours of Deep Work
Your Guides
World-Class Facilitators
Warren Rustand
Dean of Learning, EO Global Leadership Academy
From the inner circles of the White House to building billion-dollar companies, Warren has lived the journey that most executives only read about.
An Academic All-American at the University of Arizona, Warren was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors and won a silver medal representing the USA in the World Basketball Championships. He served as Appointments Secretary and Cabinet Secretary to President Gerald Ford.
In the private sector, Warren has served as CEO of six companies and on the boards of over fifty organizations. As Global Chair of the World Presidents Organization, he guided 10,000 CEOs across 100 countries.
Above all, Warren is a devoted family man: father of seven children and grandfather of nineteen. He was honored with the Tucson City Council's Father of the Year Award, a recognition that reflects what he considers his most important work.
George Gan
Founder & CEO, Clapper Technology • EO Master Trainer
George Gan is a pioneer in Malaysia's technology sector and one of Asia's most respected voices on entrepreneurial leadership.
As the founder and CEO of Clapper Technology, George has built multiple successful ventures over three decades. An EO member since 1997, he serves as an EO Master Trainer, delivering leadership, strategy, and business training to fellow entrepreneurs across the globe.
His unique perspective bridges Eastern and Western business philosophy, bringing practical wisdom forged through decades of building companies in emerging markets.
A devoted father of three, George brings to Life Academy the same intentionality he applies to his family life, believing that true leadership begins at home and radiates outward into every endeavor.
Proven Excellence
A Global Track Record
Warren and George have facilitated transformational leadership experiences for thousands of executives across six continents. Their methodology has been refined through decades of work with accomplished leaders in extraordinary settings around the world.
Perth
Australia
Auckland
New Zealand
Kyoto
Japan
Washington
D.C.
Kathmandu
Nepal
Spetses
Greece
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Cappadocia
Turkey
Singapore
And More
20+ Countries
Now, for the first time, Warren and George bring their world-class leadership curriculum to couples, designed specifically for partners who want to grow together in an intimate, extraordinary setting.
The Gathering
Who This Experience Is Designed For
We deliberately limit each cohort to 12 couples to ensure depth of connection and quality of dialogue. This intimate setting creates the conditions for authentic peer learning.
Past participants in Warren's programs have included CEOs of companies ranging from $10M to $1B+ in revenue, founders who've built and exited businesses, and leaders across technology, healthcare, manufacturing, private equity, and professional services.
Committed Family Leaders
Executives who know that while their business provides means for loved ones, it is their family that is the true centerpiece of their lives.
Entrepreneurs & Founders
Business builders with significant revenue who understand that their company's ceiling is directly tied to their own growth as leaders.
Restless Achievers
Leaders who have reached a summit of conventional success, yet sense there is another peak measured not in revenue, but in meaning.
Family Business Leaders
Wealth stewards and next-generation inheritors navigating the unique challenges of family enterprise and legacy preservation.
Participants typically range from 35 to 60 years of age, though what unites this group is not demographics but disposition: a genuine hunger for growth, a love of their partner, and the wisdom to know that the most important work of leadership is the work we do on ourselves.
For Partners
This Experience Is Designed for Both of You
If you're the partner of a CEO or founder, you've probably attended events where you felt like an afterthought. This is different.
Life Academy exists because the strongest leaders we know credit their partners as the foundation of their success. This experience honors that truth, placing your relationship at the center, not the sidelines.
You're Not Tagging Along
This isn't a conference where spouses attend an awkward "partner program" while executives network. Every session, every meal, every adventure is designed for couples to experience together.
Finally, Uninterrupted Time
No emails to answer. No kids to manage. No meetings to rush to. Five days where you and your partner can actually be present with each other, something that's nearly impossible at home.
Connection with Others Who Understand
Build friendships with 11 other partners who know what it's like to support a driven leader. Share stories, swap wisdom, and discover you're not alone in navigating this unique life.
Adventures You'll Do Together
Sunrise balloon rides, horseback through the Tetons, rafting the Snake River. Experiences you'll share as a couple, creating memories that become part of your story.
Unforgettable Adventures
Bucket-List Moments You'll Share Forever
These aren't team-building exercises. They're once-in-a-lifetime experiences designed to create joy, deepen your bond, and give you stories you'll tell for years to come.
2,000 feet above the Teton Valley
Hot Air Balloon at Sunrise
As the first light touches the peaks, you'll float silently over one of America's most stunning landscapes. A moment of perspective you'll never forget.
The legendary Snake River
Whitewater Rafting
Navigate Class II-III rapids together. The river demands presence, trust, and communication, and rewards you with exhilaration.
1,800 acres of trails
Private Horseback Riding
Ride through pristine wilderness on private ranch trails with experienced wranglers. No crowds, no rush, just you and the mountains.
10,450 feet elevation
Teton Tram Summit
Ascend to views that stretch across three states. At the top, the scale of the landscape invites reflection on what truly matters.
An American tradition
Jackson Hole Rodeo
Experience the living tradition of the West. The courage of competitors facing the unknown offers lessons for every couple.
Under Wyoming skies
Starlit Conversations
Gather around the firepit for an evening of storytelling, reflection, and the kind of authentic connection that only happens away from screens.
Additional experiences include sunrise yoga, scenic property tours, and a culminating celebration dinner.
The exact sequence will be revealed upon arrival. Some of the magic lies in allowing each day to unfold.
The Setting
Snake River Ranch
Founded in 1929, Snake River Ranch is the largest deeded ranch in the Jackson Hole valley and stands on the National Register of Historic Places.
This is not a resort or a hotel. It is a working ranch and private family property. The property encompasses 1,800 acres of pristine Wyoming wilderness, hugging the banks of the legendary Snake River with unobstructed views of the Grand Teton peaks.
Every structure on the property, from the historic Red Barn where we gather for learning sessions, to the intimate cabins where you will rest each evening, has been thoughtfully preserved to honor the ranch's heritage while providing modern comfort.
Your Accommodations
Private log cabins with stone fireplaces, king beds, and en-suite bathrooms. Each cabin has been restored to honor the ranch's heritage while providing contemporary comfort.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Every meal is an experience. Our private chef prepares farm-to-table cuisine with curated Wyoming wines, served family-style under the Teton sky.
Learning Venues
The Red Barn
Our primary learning space, a historic barn transformed into an intimate gathering place with modern presentation capabilities.
Shooting Star
A refined space for focused sessions requiring deeper intimacy and concentrated dialogue among smaller groups.
Chapel of Transfiguration
A historic chapel with a picture window framing the Tetons, the sacred setting for our culminating reflection.
The Destination
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole isn't just a destination. It's America's most exclusive mountain retreat, where titans of industry, former presidents, and visionary leaders have long sought refuge and inspiration.
Teton County, home to Jackson Hole, holds the distinction of being the wealthiest county in the United States by per capita income. This pristine valley, cradled between the Teton and Gros Ventre mountain ranges, has attracted those who value privacy, natural beauty, and the kind of perspective that only comes from standing in the shadow of 13,000-foot peaks.
The area's exclusivity is no accident. Ninety-seven percent of Teton County is public land (national parks, forests, and wilderness), making private property extraordinarily rare and fiercely protected.
An Anomaly in Jackson Hole
Snake River Ranch is not merely a beautiful property. It is an impossibility. In a valley where private land is measured in acres rather than sections, this 1,800-acre historic estate represents something that simply cannot be replicated.
There is no other property in Jackson Hole that combines this scale of private wilderness, this depth of history, and this caliber of accommodation. The ranch predates the national park system, holding water rights and access that would be inconceivable to obtain today.
When you arrive at Snake River Ranch, you are not visiting a venue. You are stepping into a legacy that took nearly a century to create and can never be duplicated.
#1
Wealthiest County in the U.S.
97%
Public Land in Teton County
1929
Ranch Established
1,800
Acres of Private Wilderness
The Curriculum
18 Hours of Executive-Level Development
Rigorous. Practical. Transformational.
The 10/10/10 Framework
Each morning begins with the 10/10/10 Reflection, a structured journaling practice that asks:
- •What matters most in the next 10 minutes?
- •The next 10 months?
- •The next 10 years?
This framework, developed by Warren Rustand through decades of working with top executives, creates immediate clarity while building long-term strategic thinking capacity.
Intensive Learning Sessions
Our curriculum is delivered through substantial learning blocks: sessions of 90 to 105 minutes that allow for deep exploration of the topics that matter most to couples building lives of impact.
Sessions cover the full spectrum of what it means to lead together: shared vision and values clarification, navigating complexity as a unit, communication under pressure, supporting each other's growth, energy management across career and family demands, and legacy as a couple.
A Day at Life Academy
Each day balances structured learning with adventure and connection. Here's what a typical day looks like:
6:30 AM
Sunrise yoga or guided walk (optional)
7:30 AM
Farm-to-table breakfast together
8:30 AM
10/10/10 Reflection & journaling
9:00 AM
Morning learning session (90-105 min)
10:45 AM
Break & peer connection
11:00 AM
Couples workshop or facilitated dialogue
12:30 PM
Lunch at the ranch
2:00 PM
Signature experience (balloon, rafting, horses, etc.)
6:00 PM
Free time to refresh
7:00 PM
Communal dinner & evening program
Schedule varies by day. Some days feature all-morning adventures; others have evening excursions.
The Return
What You'll Leave With
This isn't about what happens during five days in Wyoming. It's about what happens in the fifty years after.
Your Personal 10/10/10 Plan
Leave with a written framework for the next 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years of your life, developed with guidance from Warren and refined through peer feedback.
A Cohort for Life
Eleven other couples who understand the unique challenges of building a business while nurturing a marriage. These relationships extend far beyond the ranch.
Shared Vision as a Couple
Dedicated sessions help you and your partner articulate what you want your life together to look like and create alignment on how to get there.
Alumni Community Access
Join our private alumni network with quarterly virtual gatherings, annual reunion opportunities, and direct access to Warren and George.
Stories You'll Tell for Decades
A sunrise balloon ride over the Tetons. Rafting the Snake River together. Moments of breakthrough and connection that become part of your shared history.
Renewed Partnership
Couples consistently report returning home with deeper understanding, clearer communication, and renewed commitment to building their legacy together.
Your Host
Michael Hauge
Founder & CEO, LearningLeaders
A professional coach and trainer, Michael has designed custom learning programs for Fortune 500 companies including Big Four accounting firms, leading management consultancies, and global technology companies. He has delivered speeches at TEDx conferences and the Yabuli China Entrepreneurs Forum.
Michael previously served on the EO Shanghai Board, has invested in 80+ early stage companies, and is the Founder of Days of Service, a non-profit focused on growing and fostering volunteering culture within entrepreneurially-managed companies. He also serves on the Board of the Snake River Ranch, a 95-year old family business.
A graduate of Dartmouth College and Fudan University (Chinese Government Scholar), Michael lived in Shanghai for over a decade before relocating to Malaysia. His global perspective and deep relationships with Warren and George make him the ideal curator of this experience.
Questions about Life Academy?
Questions
Frequently Asked
It's a 5-day family leadership experience combining 18 hours of rigorous curriculum with signature Western adventures. Set at a historic National Register property in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, it brings together 12 accomplished couples for transformational learning and peer connection.
Most retreats prioritize wine dinners or meet and greets. We prioritize substance: 18 hours of curriculum comparable to top executive education programs, delivered in a setting that amplifies every insight. The activities aren't add-ons; they're integrated leadership experiences.
Roughly 50/50. Mornings feature substantial learning sessions (90-105 minutes) in the Red Barn with your cohort. Afternoons are dedicated to bucket-list experiences like hot air balloons, horseback riding, and rafting that create space for reflection and connection. Evenings bring everyone together for dinner and conversation. The rhythm is intentional: learn, experience, integrate.
CEOs and their spouses, entrepreneurs with $10M-$500M+ in revenue, private equity and venture partners, family office principals, and accomplished C-suite executives. Past participants in Warren's programs have led companies across technology, healthcare, manufacturing, financial services, and professional services. Ages typically range from 35-60, but what truly unites participants is a genuine commitment to growth, both personally and as a couple.
No experience necessary! All activities are led by professional guides and designed for beginners. Safety gear is provided for rafting, and all equipment is included. If you have specific concerns, please discuss them with us before registering.
All activities are optional. If you'd prefer to skip an experience, alternative options are always available, including time to relax, explore the 1,800-acre property, or simply enjoy the setting with your partner. We want you to feel comfortable, not pressured.
Absolutely. Our private chef accommodates all dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal, and food allergies. Simply note your needs in your application, and we'll ensure every meal is tailored to you.
Fly into Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), which has direct flights from Denver, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. We arrange transportation from the airport to the ranch and back. The ranch is approximately 12 miles south of Jackson.
Everything on-site: 5 nights in private ranch accommodations, farm-to-table dining prepared by our private chef (with curated Wyoming wines and craft beverages), 18 hours of curriculum with all materials, all signature experiences (hot air balloon, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, Teton Tram, Jackson Hole Rodeo), airport transfers, and special gifts including a custom cowboy hat and summit jacket. Travel to Jackson Hole is the only thing not included.
Smart casual for learning sessions, adventure gear for activities (sturdy shoes, layers, sun protection), and ranch elegant to Western attire for evenings. We provide cowboy hats, summit jackets, and all activity gear.
We understand plans change. Full refunds are available up to 60 days before the retreat. Between 30-60 days, we offer a 50% refund or full credit toward a future cohort. Within 30 days, we offer full credit toward a future gathering. In the rare event we need to cancel, you'll receive a full refund.
Still have questions? Reach out to Michael Hauge.
Setting Expectations
What This Is (And Isn't)
This is not couples therapy.
It's a leadership development experience designed for healthy relationships seeking growth, not repair.
This is not a religious retreat.
While we gather in a historic chapel for reflection, the curriculum is secular and welcomes all backgrounds.
This is not a vacation.
You'll work hard, think deeply, and be challenged. The adventures are integrated learning, not leisure.
This is not a networking event.
Relationships will form naturally, but the focus is on you and your partner, not collecting business cards.
If you're looking for a transformational experience that honors both your ambition and your partnership, you're in the right place.
Begin Your Journey
Apply to Join the Founding Cohort
September 2026 marks our inaugural gathering. As a founding member, you'll help shape the future of this experience and join an exclusive group of couples committed to extraordinary growth.
Founding Member Benefits
- • Priority access to all future Life Academy gatherings
- • Input on curriculum and experience development
- • Lifetime membership in the alumni community
- • Special recognition at future events
Space is limited to 12 couples. After reviewing your application, we'll schedule a brief call to ensure this experience is the right fit for you and your partner.
The Investment: Life Academy is a premium, all-inclusive experience reflecting the caliber of facilitators, setting, and intimacy of this gathering. Full pricing and payment details are shared during your discovery call.