Suggestions
Korneel Desmet
Co-Founder Re-Treated // retreats & mentoring
Korneel Desmet is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Re-Treated, a collective for self-inquiry and impact that organizes transformative retreats for ambitious individuals.1 He has been in this role since May 2018, focusing on curating adventurous journeys of introspection and personal transformation.1
Prior to Re-Treated, Desmet had a diverse entrepreneurial background:
- He co-founded and owned Global Adventures, a content creation company for adventure brands (2016-2023).1
- He co-founded Vuurwinkel, a consumer fireworks retail business (2010-2023).1
- He co-founded Visual FX Belgium, specializing in pyrotechnic spectacles for events (2008-2020).1
- He co-founded Movie FX, a special effects firm for the entertainment industry (2014-2018).1
- He served as Head of Growth at StoryMe, a video marketing company (2013-2017).1
Desmet's educational background includes studies in Business Management, Economics, and Communication at various European universities.1 He is multilingual, with proficiency in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish.1
Currently, Desmet describes himself as "Mentoring the very ambitious" and is committed to helping change-makers find the best in themselves through transformative gatherings and tools for inner growth.1 He is particularly focused on founder mental health, investing opportunities, nature conservation, and sensory experiences.12
Highlights
"Surround yourself with relentless humans. People who plan in decades, but live in moments. Train like savages, but create like artists. Obsess in work, relax in life. People who know this is finite, and choose to play infinite games. Find people scaling mountains. Climb together."
- Zack Pogrob
Team pic taken during the latest Re-Treated group experience in the Colombian jungle (we missed you Daniel Benedini!!!).
Super inspired by the relentless humans I'm surrounded by.
📸 by Juan Herrero cc Julian Pistone x Sabina De Duonni
Founder burn-out is real.
I get 2-3 phone calls a week (!!) from founders, CEO’s and investors who tell me they feel exhausted, overwhelmed and anxious.
Those who have taken it so far that their bodies are starting to fail, join us for a private retreat. It often takes them more than 6 months to get back to a place of vibrant health.
Those who are drained but haven’t completely broken down yet, I teach how to regulate their nervous systems.
It’s crazy to me that nervous system regulation isn’t taught at school.
I love how Manoj Dias from Open describes it, he says:
“We are walking, talking nervous systems…
Yes, we have muscles and bones, and organs too. But it’s our nervous system that sets the foundation for how we experience the world. Physically, mentally & emotionally.
When we’re disregulated, we can experience poor digestion, disrupted sleep, and have difficulty managing our emotions and relationships.
Our basic wellbeing depends on effectively regulate our nervous systems. Regulation is an ongoing proces where we utilize our breath and our awareness, to find balance.”
If you’re a hyper achiever and you want to learn how to regulate your nervous system, reach out. Don’t wait until your body collapses.
Photo taken by Arthur Chambre during a 2021 Re-Treated experience we hosted at Isla Baru, in Colombia.

