Purpose Prototype:

A Personal Design Retreat

During this immersive, self-paced 2-day Retreat, we will design your purpose prototype - a roadmap of how your values + lived experiences + passion powerfully fuse into your unique path to impact
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person sketching a personperson sketching a person

Visioning should not be something we only do once a year at Instagram-worthy vision board parties,

nor should our vision be confined to rigid five-year plans.

We should instead design purpose prototypes.

let me explain:

What exactly is a purpose prototype?

It's a living, breathing, digital document that captures all the layers of who you are and the evolution of who you are becoming.
Typical visioning tools force you to commit to one path, but the prototype allows you to map multiple possibilities without pressure, evolve your vision based on real experience, test different ideas, and stay true to your core while exploring new ways to use your gifts to create the impact that only you can.
Your purpose isn't one single thing, or a "destination". It's multiple possibilities woven throughout your life journey - and your purpose prototype is the ever-evolving roadmap.
woman looking at computerwoman looking at computer

Typical Visioning Tools vs. The Prototype

static collage of clippings

Vision Board

Static images on a board
Disconnected dreams and wishes
No clear path to action
Gets dusty on the wall (do you even hang it?)
Only touch it once a year
Not Actionable Enough
*the vision board is too big picture to incorporate the details that matter - but maybe you did that on purpose?

Dynamic, Multi-layered Blueprint

Purpose Prototype

An inspirational and tactical visual tool
Reveals your natural zones of genius
Displays your unique impact patterns
Shows your evolution over time
Updated as frequently as you change
Begin Building Yours
*the protoype isn't a prediction, it's a living breathing document of possibility
What we're building together

static, inflexible roadmap

5-Year Plan

Flat, lackluster, uninspiring document
Creates pressure instead of possibility
Rigid timeline of goals
Becomes outdated quickly
Only touch it once every 5 years
Not Flexible Enough
*the 5-year plan becomes obsolete when life zigs when you expected it to zag

Think of your prototype like a scientist's lab notebook meets an artist's sketchbook meets a strategist's roadmap.

Designed for Interaction and Iteration
It's not something you create then store away until next year. It grows with you, guides your decisions, grounds your ideas in purpose, and holds what you're sure about and curious to explore.

It gives you enough clarity and flexibility to move forward without having everything figured out.
woman with coffee looking at laptopwoman with coffee looking at laptop
Your purpose prototype continues to evolve right alongside you
you build your prototype by visioning

What Visioning Really Is (And Why It's Not What You Think)

Visioning, by definition, is the process of creating a clear, magnetizing picture of your desired future state or long-term aspirations.

It involves imagining and communicating where you want to go or what you want to achieve.

Visioning isn't about creating a perfect picture of the future.
It's not about forcing yourself into a predetermined path.
It's not about matching someone else's definition of success.

Visioning is an act of radical self-discovery.

It's the practice of listening to the deepest parts of yourself, uncovering the truth behind your preconceived expectations of yourself, mapping the landscape of your potential, and creating a living blueprint of who you are becoming.

from dreams to reality written in a notebookfrom dreams to reality written in a notebook
blocking out the noise

Visioning Matters Now More Than Ever

We are constantly being bombarded with noise, societal expectations, and rapid change.
  1. Social media is the biggest source of noise (and anxiety for a lot of us), relentlessly serving up content we did and didn't ask for
  2. Some of us are living out someone else's dream, knowing deeply we are destined for more
  3. It's ingrained in us to chase goals - not purpose, meaning and fulfillment
  4. Success is determined by external metrics and possessions versus our own internal alignment

Visioning is your literal blocking of this noise.

When you vision, you:

  1. Redefine what success means to you personally, and courageously reject societal expectations
  2. Reveal the unique ways you're designed to create impact
  3. Build resilience by connecting with your deeper purpose
  4. Create a vehicle for life-aligned decision-making

Your vision isn't something you create, it's something that's uncovered - because it's already alive inside you.

woman visioning, writing in notebook
here's the truth:

We both already know your soul is screaming for more.

Not more stuff. Not more accolades. Not more boxes checked off someone else's definition of success.
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More meaning. More impact. A life and work that makes your heart race and your spirit energized.‍

And if we're honest –  in a world that's desperately hungry for vision, for leadership, for new ways of thinking and being – that fierce knowing inside you isn't just a dream. It's a responsibility.
We are living in a time of unprecendented possibility:
Traditional career paths are dissolving
New problems need new solutions
The rules of success are being rewritten
People are craving authentic connection and impact
Those who can adapt and create with purpose are becoming tomorrow's leaders
The world isn't just changing – it's being reimagined.
And that's exactly why your unique vision, your distinctive way of seeing and solving problems, is needed now more than ever - and your prototype is the visual representation of it.
woman looking out the windowwoman looking out the window
people at dining table readingpeople at dining table reading

Visioning Before Building Changes Everything

Woman writing in notebook next to her laptopWoman writing in notebook next to her laptop
Everything we work on together starts with vision
When you have vision, your ideas are no longer random thoughts, but become intentional pathways to your purpose
The truth is most people's ideas fail not because of poor execution, but because they're building without vision.

We live in a culture obsessed with ideation. With "failing fast." With throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. People are chasing ideas that look good, sound good, might even make good money – but have no roots in their deeper purpose.

When your ideas aren't rooted in your vision, you end up with projects that succeed on paper but still leave you feeling empty, businesses you don't actually want to run, and a life that looks perfect to everyone except the person living it.

Your vision is more than a pretty picture of the future, it's your internal compass.

When you start with vision, your ideas flow from purpose and not panic. Without vision, ideas are just shots in the dark.

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disclaimer:

Every idea you birth is either a step toward your vision or a beautiful distraction from it.

There is no neutral ground.

The Power of
Vision-Aligned Ideation:

When you get clear on your vision before you start brainstorming projects, mapping strategies, planning launches and designing futures:

Your Ideas Have Roots

They grow from your soul
They align with your values
They serve your bigger purpose
They energize instead of drain

Your Decisions Have Clarity

No more second-guessing opportunities
No more saying "Yes" and instantly regretting it
No more building someone else's vision for your life
No more confusion about next steps

Your Impact Has Depth

It flows naturally from everything that you are
It creates ripples that align with your values
It fulfills you as it serves others
It builds a legacy you are proud of
For the ones who know, deep in their bones, that there's more to their story. For those ready to turn that knowing into impact.

Join Me Inside Purpose Prototype

A powerful, intimate, self-paced 2-day retreat experience designed to help you map your path to meaningful impact, while embracing the beauty of iteration.

This isn't another "visualize and hope" workshop. This isn't about mapping out another project or business plan. This is about mapping out YOU – your desires, your gifts, your unique way of seeing the world.

This is about creating a vision for your life that's so authentically aligned, it feels like coming home to yourself.

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a person drawing a persona person drawing a person

Let's Walk Through Your Purpose Prototype Retreat Experience

The first thing you'll receive is your retreat planning guide to help you book your stay (if you choose to retreat inside a hotel, which I highly recommend), design your work spaces, pack the essentials, and build your support system.
The Power of Creating Intentional Space
This isn't another course you squeeze between Zoom meetings, or another program you try to absorb while multitasking. This is your permission slip to take a hard stop. To breathe. To create space for this heart work.
Let's be honest: When was the last time you gave yourself permission to dream beyond the daily grind? To sit with your thoughts without interruption? To imagine possibility without the bias of what your current situation is in front of you?

You owe it to yourself to take 2 days to explore the impact you have been put here to make - because you haven't even scratched the surface. So go ahead and book that hotel you've been eyeing, stock up on your favorite snacks, and get ready for the unfolding that lies ahead.
woman sitting at kitchen table eating coffee with her dogwoman sitting at kitchen table eating coffee with her dog
This retreat is your permission slip to take a 2-day break from the busyness of your every day life and spend some intentional focus time on your vision for the future.

Your Retreat Itinerary

Retreat Day 1
Retreat Day 2
Post-Retreat
retreat day 1

Soul Sketches - Your Personal Design Origin Story

Where your true self emerges

Forget everything you've been told about who you're supposed to be. This is where we walk through your life to find pieces of your authentic purpose - not just what you've done, but who you've been in your most fulfilling moments.  You'll discover patterns in your life story that reveal:

The moments when you've felt most alive and unstoppable
Where you naturally create meaningful impact without trying
Which dreams keep recurring, even when you try to ignore them
What the world needs that you're uniquely designed to offer
man drawing in notebook
Every pattern, every passion, every "failed" attempt has been preparing you for what you're about to build
retreat day 2

Legacy In Motion - The Purpose Prototype Journey

Where your vision takes shape

This is where your authentic self meets your future possibility. You'll craft your purpose prototype – not a rigid roadmap, but a living blueprint that grows and evolves as you do. We will:

Map your unique path to impact
Brainstorm experiments for your boldest ideas
Build bridges between who you are and what you're here to create
Design an accountability system for building out your prototype into tangible impact
woman writing on board
Your purpose isn't a destination - it's an evolution

Concept Catalyst

A 30-day Idea Development Sprint

During this collaborative sprint, you’ll select your most promising idea from your Purpose Prototype visioning work (no more guessing which idea you should pursue), brainstorm transformational elements to deepen and strengthen your idea, and ultimately merge the most impactful elements into your final concept to implement after the sprint.

Here's what you'll experience:

Creative brainstorming
Developing your highest-impact idea into a tangible concept
Collaborative problem solving
Building an idea execution roadmap
two ladies working and collaborating together
Here is where your purpose is converted into an executable plan

What You'll Receive In Your All-Inclusive Visioning Retreat:

Thoughtful Retreat Planning Guide
Your guide helps you clear the noise physically and mentally so you can vision from a clean slate with a focused mind. This is dedicated time to focus on YOU
Inspiring Reflection Frameworks
Soul-stirring videos and exercises lead you to the intersection of what lights you up, what the world needs, and what you're uniquely designed to create
Private Visioning Space
Receive lifetime access to the workshop content while visioning alongside fellow visionaries and changemakers, as visioning is a lifelong practice
Digital Visioning Tools
Each exercise includes a digital visioning template. Or you can mirror the template in your notebook or flip chart if you prefer to physically write everything down

Transform your life from a series of "should-dos" into a bold expression of what you know is possible.

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Our vision should be a living, breathing, blueprint of who we aspire to be at any point in our lives, not some static, picturesque snapshot of "who we want to be this year”.

The Purpose Prototype Retreat is not you creating a Pinterest board version of your life. That only skims the surface because as it is all about what you have, not who you want to be.

Doing that is only focusing on the Instagram-worthy moments of your life, without diving into the messy pieces of your life that make up the beautiful masterpiece that is you.

woman making a diagram in a notebookwoman making a diagram in a notebook
Your vision should evolve as you do
laptop surrounded by plantslaptop surrounded by plants

This Retreat Is Designed For You If:

You're tired of a living a life that looks good but doesn't feel fully yours
You're longing to create meaningful impact but feel stuck in the "how" and need clarity
Traditional goal-setting methods leave you feeling boxed in or overwhelmed
You're ready to move beyond vision boards into actual, soul-aligned action
You feel the urgency of now and know it's time to move
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Purpose Prototype launches Monday, April 21st
Book your retreat prior to April 21st, and receive a free, 20 minute, 1:1 Visioning Call with DeAnna
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Design Your Purpose Prototype

Invest $300* to build your living, breathing blueprint for impact.
*Payment plans available on payment tab
Included in your investment:
Retreat planning guide
Lifetime access
Soul-stirring prompts
Visioning exercises
Community space
Digital visioning tools
Due to the immediate access nature of this retreat, it is not refundable. However, if for any reason you are unsatisfied with your retreat experience, please email support@thevisionry.com and we will work together to correct that!
from my heart to yours

I created this retreat because I've walked this path (still walking) of knowing there's more to life than what's visible on the surface.

I see you. The real you – not just who you've been, but who you're becoming. I created this retreat because I've walked this frustrating path of knowing you're meant for more, but then become overwhelmed by the thought of "how". I've witnessed the impact that results when amazing people like you stop trying to fit their larger-than-life vision into society-approved boxes, and explore who they really are and what they're here to do.

Through years of soul-searching myself, and through working with purpose-seekers like you, I've discovered that our most powerful impact often emerges not from perfect plans, but from purposeful prototypes – living documents that grow and evolve as we do.

This retreat is your invitation to step into your purpose with grace, clarity, and permission to evolve.
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No pressure for perfection.
No rigid timelines.
Just you, your dreams, and two uninterrupted days to help them take shape.

- DeAnna McIntosh

P.S. Remember: Your purpose isn't a destination to reach, but a path to walk. Let's map yours together.
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DeAnna McIntosh - Intrapreneurship, Creativity, Innovation ExpertDeAnna McIntosh - Intrapreneurship, Creativity, Innovation Expert
DeAnna McIntosh, Idea-to-Execution Strategist

FAQ

Here are some common questions you might have.
How long do I have access to the retreat?
For as long as this business exists :-). Visioning is lifelong work, so I felt your access should be too.  The retreat is designed to be completed in two days so you can have a small chunk of time to takeoff or take a weekend away and create a retreat environment to do this work in.  But again, this is just your initial pass of the prototype. You will continue updating it as time goes on.

From there, whenever you have an idea you want to pursue, you'd just join the next Concept Catalyst sprint to develop it. We hope to build out many ideas with you inside our sprints throughout your lifetime!
Is this retreat only offered virtually?
This retreat is occasionally offered in person, but is always available virtually. If you'd like to request this retreat to be in person in your city, or even host it as a part of a larger event you're having, email support@thevisionry.com!
Do I need a special software for this?
The two software tools we will be using are Miro and Notion. The free plans for both have enough features for the work we will be doing.
If I need additional support during the retreat, what are my options?
Great question!  Your retreat materials are housed inside our community idea space, so at any time you can post your questions / thoughts inside and get feedback from other Visionaries doing this work alongside you.

Can you ask if anyone wants to join an impromptu brainstorming session with you? YES!
Can you share your diagrams / work and get feedback? YES!
If you'd like 1:1 time to review anything with DeAnna, that investment option will be available as well inside!
What is the next step after I finish my retreat visioning work?
After you complete your visioning work (well, come to a stopping point, as it's constantly evolving), and have some strong ideas you are interested in pursuing, you can join the Concept Catalyst 30-day idea development sprint. During the sprint you'll select most promising idea from your visioning work, brainstorm transformational elements to deepen and strengthen your idea, and ultimately merge the most impactful elements into your final concept to implement after the sprint. If you want to make the commitment to build out your ideas now, you can invest in the next sprint now to reserve your space, and then this purpose prototype retreat is included in that investment.
Is this refundable?
No, due to the immediate access nature of this retreat, it is not refundable. However, if for any reason you are unsatisfied with your retreat experience, please email support@thevisionry.com and we will work together to correct that!
the truth about this work
While the retreat is two days, the evolution is ongoing. This isn't about having all the answers by the end of Day 2.
This is about creating a strong foundation for continued exploration, building a prototype you can test and refine, starting a conversation with yourself that will continue to unfold, and setting in motion the questions that will guide your next chapter.

The work you do in these two days isn't the end – it's actually the beginning:
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It's you creating space to hear your own voice, perhaps for the first time in years.
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It's you laying the groundwork for every aligned decision and creation that will follow.
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The Visionist

This audio newsletter is your weekly permission slip to dream and reconnect with the vision inside you.

Your vision isn’t as deep or impactful as it could be because you’ve been limiting it to annual vision board parties full of wine and good intentions.

Every week we’ll explore a thought-provoking new prompt, concept, technique, or tool designed to spark transformative ideas. This isn’t just about ideating, it’s about reimagining the life you want to create and the impact you want to make.

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    I'm so glad
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    You're in the right place if you have been curiously questioning the status quo and are ready to develop and execute your groundbreaking ideas that will reshape the way work works, life is lived, and how impact is realized.

    DeAnna McIntosh
    Idea-to-Execution Strategist

    On this site, we explore:

    How to convert our strongest ideas into powerful assets for change and impact
    What creativity is (and isn’t), how it evolves throughout our lifetime, and why it’s critical to our success to activate it
    A new creativity and innovation process to build out your ideas and manage your innovation projects
    Using Intrapreneurship as an employee engagement + retention tool and innovation engine inside your organization

    Start Here:

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    We're In What I'm Calling The Great Adult Creativity Recession
    Read the breakthrough essay making people everywhere question everything – and finally take action on executing their ideas that matter.
    Visioning Shouldn't Be Confined To Annual Vision Board Parties
    Instead of making vision boards (too big picture and unactionable) or 5-year plans (too rigid and inflexible), we should make purpose prototypes.
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