Unlocking Human Transformation: How Elise Madrick and Cerenè Help Leaders Reinvent Themselves

Are you feeling stuck in your career, personal life, or just craving a fresh start? Meet Elise Madrick, founder and CEO of Cerenè, who is on a mission to help leaders and professionals transform into the best versions of themselves. In this Gildre Spotlight feature, we dive into Elise’s journey and the life-changing impact of Cerenè’s executive experiences.

From Small-Town Indiana to Global Human Transformation

Elise Madrick’s story begins in Zionsville, Indiana—not exactly the typical breeding ground for entrepreneurs. With a background in social work and executive education at Kellogg School of Management, Elise spent years helping thousands of leaders worldwide. But her real transformation began during a difficult period in her personal life, where she realized that genuine change requires more than knowledge—it requires a complete metamorphosis.

Elise’s journey went from individual therapy work to advocacy in child welfare, then to large-scale executive education. But it was a personal low point—feeling stuck in an unfulfilling marriage and lifestyle—that pushed her to seek deeper change. “I needed to become a totally different human,” Elise shares. Through this struggle, she discovered the power of leaning on others, stepping outside her comfort zone, and embracing transformation as an ongoing process.

The Power of International Experiences

Elise’s breakthrough came during a six-week “Eat, Pray, Love” style journey overseas. Stepping outside her familiar environment, she discovered the freedom to redefine herself. International travel, she explains, disrupts our routines and mindset, making it easier to adopt new habits and perspectives. By changing your context—your environment, social circles, and even the rules you live by—you open doors to transformation that are hard to unlock at home.

Travel, according to Elise, is much more than seeing new places. It’s about changing the four key contexts that shape us: systems (rules), spaces (physical environments), social (people around you), and mindset. Removing yourself from your usual context makes it easier to see new possibilities, break old patterns, and reinvent yourself.

Change vs. Transformation: Why Mindset Matters

At Cerenè, the focus is not just on surface-level change but on true transformation. Elise distinguishes between the two: change is typically past-based and incremental, while transformation is future-oriented and involves becoming a new person. This process often requires help from others—mentors, friends, and even near-strangers—who can see possibilities and blind spots you might miss yourself.

Elise urges people to seek transformation, not just change. “If you want to become a new human, you have to enroll others to help illuminate your blind spots,” she says. Asking for help, though difficult due to pride or fear, is crucial for growth.

The Cerenè Approach: 108 Days to a New You

Cerene`’s flagship experiences are more than retreats—they’re immersive journeys. Participants engage in eight-day, in-person programs in inspiring locations like Morocco and France, followed by 108 days of guided skill-building and community support. The methodology draws on ancient practices (like the 108 beads of a mala) and modern neuroscience to ensure lasting, meaningful growth.

Key components include:

Context Shifting: Placing participants in new environments to encourage fresh perspectives.

Community Support: Regular touchpoints, group challenges, and personalized coaching.

Skill Journeys: Each member selects a new skill to master over 108 days, building confidence and resilience.

Transformation Framework: Each 108-day journey is broken into phases—cocoon (self-discovery), emergence (action), and mastery (teaching others).

Curated Locations: Experiences are thoughtfully designed around adventure, philosophy, and cultural immersion—whether it’s exploring Morocco’s vibrant culture or crafting stories in a centuries-old French castle.

Real transformation stories, like that of a participant who reignited his childhood passion for acting after decades in a sales career, demonstrate just how powerful this approach can be.

Who Should Join Cerenè?

Cerenè is designed for curious professionals in transition—whether you’re starting a business, navigating a career shift, recovering from personal setbacks, or entering retirement. The community includes founders, executives, and lifelong learners who are committed to personal growth and supporting others.

Elise emphasizes that Cerenè’s community thrives on diversity of experience and a shared desire for growth. Members are often in the midst of significant transitions: career changes, relationship shifts, or new stages of life. Cerenè is a space for anyone ready to challenge themselves, try new things, and support others on the same journey.

Practical Steps to Start Your Own Transformation

Elise shares actionable tips anyone can try:

Ask for Feedback: Reach out to friends or colleagues and ask, “What do you see for me that I might be missing?” You might be surprised by the possibilities they offer.

Identify Patterns: Notice what consistently triggers joy or discomfort in your life and explore why. Self-inquiry is a powerful first step.

Enroll Support: Don’t go it alone—invite others to help illuminate your blind spots and cheer you on. Surround yourself with people who can see your potential.

Experiment with New Contexts: Even small changes in your social circles, workspace, or daily routines can spark new insights.

Adopt a Skill-Building Mindset: Commit to learning a new skill for a set period (like Cerenè’s 108-day runs) to build confidence and momentum.

Final Thoughts: Transformation Takes a Village

Elise’s biggest piece of advice? Ask for help. Human transformation is not a solo journey. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or someone simply craving change, surrounding yourself with supportive, insightful people is key. Pride and fear of vulnerability often hold us back, but reaching out can be the catalyst for meaningful growth.

If you’re interested in reinventing yourself or supporting others on their journey, explore Cerenè’s executive experiences at https://www.cerene.life/experiences and connect with Elise to learn more.

Ready to become unrecognizable in the best way? Your transformation starts now.

Listen and watch the full episode here.