I was thrilled to receive the opportunity to participate in the first-ever Global Residents Leadership Retreat organized by the AUA. After applying through an open call from the British Association of Urological Surgeons and undergoing a selection process in November 2022, I was selected for this prestigious retreat. In my role as the Cochair of the BURST (British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training) Research Collaborative throughout the past year, my leadership abilities have been tested and recognized. However, I felt attending a formal leadership workshop would further enhance my skills and enable me to become a more effective leader in the clinical setting as I near the completion of my training. I was immensely grateful for the generous financial support offered by both the AUA and the British Association of Urological Surgeons, which made it possible for me to attend the retreat. It filled me with tremendous excitement as I joined a diverse group of 40 residents from across the globe on April 27, 2023.

Prior to the workshop, we were provided with a wealth of highly informative educational materials. Additionally, we received regular communication detailing what we could expect throughout the duration of the workshop. The 1-day workshop was structured into 3 insightful sessions: Role of the Leader, Effective Communication, and Leadership Agility.

The first session, which delved into the Role of the Leader, comprised engaging group activities. Through these exercises, we had the opportunity to collaborate with various individuals in the room. This session explored the distinctions between management and leadership, provided strategies for overcoming common challenges and obstacles when assuming new leadership roles, imparted practical leadership skills applicable to work scenarios, and equipped us with tools to enhance our leadership effectiveness and foster better connections with team members (Figure 1). I found this part of the workshop immensely enjoyable and enlightening, as it equipped me with valuable insights and practical knowledge that I could readily apply in real-life situations. Furthermore, it offered a wonderful opportunity to connect with inspiring residents from around the world.

Figure 1. Focusing and planning during the “Jewel Challenge.”

The second session focused on Effective Communication and commenced with a pre-workshop questionnaire examining the DISC ([D]ominance, [I]nfluence, [S]teadiness, and [C]onscientiousness) communication styles. During the various challenges I saw how our group demonstrated remarkable synergy despite possessing diverse yet complementary leadership communication styles, which accounted for our ability to work effectively as a team. By discussing these communication styles and witnessing them in action, I gained valuable insights that will help me apply this knowledge in practical scenarios and appreciate the diverse strengths of team members in any given situation.

The third session focused on Leadership Agility, delving into essential topics such as the necessity of adaptability in navigating a rapidly changing environment, the significance of assessing and managing uncertainty, and the exploration of best practices for fostering flexibility, adaptability, and swift response to address both challenges and opportunities. After getting a basic understanding of leadership through the day, this session prepared us for the unforeseen challenges in leadership, discussing topics such as COVID, adapting to new situations, and being flexible.

For the concluding session, we were incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to listen to an extraordinary panel of urology leaders on their Lessons for Leadership, including Dr Margaret S. Pearle, Dr J. Brantley Thrasher, Dr Stephen Y. Nakada, and Dr John Denstedt. Their insightful discussions centered around their own leadership journeys and what leadership means to them. Their talks were filled with invaluable pearls of wisdom, accompanied by compelling examples of leaders throughout history. It left us inspired, awestruck, and humbled by their expertise. This final session served as a brilliant conclusion to an exceptional workshop, vividly demonstrating how the knowledge and skills we acquired throughout the day can be effectively applied to pave the way for becoming world-class leaders in our respective fields.

Attending the leadership retreat, my primary aim was to cultivate effective leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of what it truly entails. Not only did this retreat exceed expectations, but I also returned with something even more valuable—numerous friendships with urologists from all corners of the world. It became evident that regardless of our geographical locations, urologists are bound together by shared qualities of friendliness, humility, and an unyielding drive for growth and improvement. One particular highlight was the exceptional group of strong and inspiring female leaders in urology with whom I had the privilege of connecting (Figure 2). Spending the day alongside these remarkable individuals made me realize that our challenges and ambitions transcend borders, resonating universally. It left me feeling empowered and fascinated. In addition to the outstanding program offered, this camaraderie among like-minded urology residents was the most cherished aspect of my retreat experience.

Figure 2. Truly global group of female residents at the Leadership Retreat.

I appreciated the added opportunity to attend the AUA for the first time following the retreat. It was an amazing experience, and I have come back with a wealth of knowledge. Overall, this opportunity has been truly transformative. I sincerely hope that many others will have the chance to partake in this remarkable journey in the future.