Fiona Macintyre took a vacation to clear her head. She came home with a company.
It was a gorgeous sunny afternoon in 2014 when Fiona Macintyre set foot on Necker Island for the very first time. Just the day before, she was in Australia, where she lived at the time.
"I needed a break from my work as a partner of a sustainable energy company," recalled Fiona. She decided to treat herself to a vacation on a beautifully serene spot in the British Virgin Islands, where she hoped to relax, unwind, and set her personal and professional priorities for the year ahead. After a few days of clear blue waters, lush greenery, pristine beaches, and splendid company, her vision began to focus.
To be honest, the day my vacation ended is when my journey truly began.
Fiona's new venture, Forming Impact, was born on Necker Island, crystallized during that desperately needed getaway.
"I realized my personal experience on Necker Island must somehow be shared with others," she said. "I wanted to seek out other people who share the same language, which is a desire to create memories, build friendships, and create a better world, all at the same time."
After leaving Necker Island, Fiona shared her vision with a friend and world-famous world-changer, Sir Richard Branson. Armed with Sir Richard's wisdom and words of encouragement, Fiona's mission began to take shape.
Today, Forming Impact is a full-fledged organization with the sole objective of bringing together a global community of entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists, investors, creative minds, and thought leaders. These people are driven to form bonds, build friendships, and nurture projects that create sustained positive impact.
"Drawing from my businesses, my travels, and my personal experiences, I create and host personalized events in truly exceptional places that enable guests to connect with like-minded people while disconnecting from the pressures of our daily lives," she said. Each retreat is designed to help individuals explore their true purpose and join forces to make a difference in this world.
It should be no surprise that Necker Island is one of Forming Impact's flagship experiences, but now it's one of many exclusive settings where Fiona hosts her unique retreats.
"Our last event was on Bawah Reserve, a cluster of islands in the Indonesian Ocean," said Fiona. "This particular group was focused on starting conversations to drive sustainable climate and ocean practices, but through the lens of cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies."
Fiona aspires to establish Forming Impact as a way of life for its members. "We all have the opportunity to create a life we want to live and a world that we would be proud to leave behind," she said. "It's up to us. Just step out, live life today, and make it happen."
Fiona's Favorite Beaches for Retreats
Turtle Beach, Necker Island — British Virgin Islands. Not surprisingly, Fiona's favorite beach spot is nestled at Forming Impact's flagship gathering location. "It's everything I could ever imagine a paradise island could be," she said. "The blissful surroundings, crystal waters, and thought-provoking environment allow you to immerse yourself completely in its magic. It's heaven on earth."
Bawah Reserve — Indonesian Ocean. "Not all those who wander are lost, but if I could get lost on an island to refocus and relax, this might be that location. Eco-luxury, in every detail, untouched and pristine, it's sensational in all senses of the word."
Habitas — Tulum, México. "A place to call home, to switch off, work on your well-being, and enrich yourself from the inside out. Habitas has a jungle vibe nestled on a beach, bringing lush greenery, white sands, and the blue ocean together in harmony, a pocket of Eden just a short distance away from big cities."
Como Parrot Cay — Turks & Caicos. "A holistic hideaway, nestled on its beautiful private island, is rich in hidden coves, pristine beaches, and reefs. This paradise is a wonderful spot for wellness and reconnection."
To learn more about Fiona and Forming Impact's retreats, visit formingimpact.com.
Originally published in Beach Happy Magazine, Issue 4
