The Retreat Leaders Podcast

The retreat industry is evolving - and one of the biggest opportunities right now sits at the intersection of glamping and retreats.
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Sarah Riley, a UK-based glamping industry expert and co-organizer of The Glamping Show America, to explore how glamping and retreats are becoming one of the most powerful combinations in experiential hospitality.
Sarah has been working in the glamping and retreat space since 2010, helping entrepreneurs launch lifestyle businesses and navigate the realities of building glamping sites - from concept to permissions to profitability.
Together, Shannon and Sarah break down:
Why glamping and retreats naturally complement each other
How retreat leaders can use glamping to enhance guest experience and increase revenue
The realities of starting a glamping business (and why it's not as "cheap and easy" as people think)
Emerging trends in experiential travel and hospitality
How AI is driving people toward more authentic, in-person experiences
They also discuss Shannon's upcoming participation as a speaker at The Glamping Show America this September, where retreat leaders and venue owners can learn directly from experts in the glamping and hospitality space.
If you're a retreat leader, venue owner, or entrepreneur looking to expand your offerings or create more unique guest experiences, this episode will open your eyes to what's possible.
 
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Why glamping and retreats are a natural and powerful combination
• How glamping can increase occupancy and revenue for retreat venues
• The real costs and considerations of starting a glamping business
• Funding opportunities available for glamping projects (including crowdfunding)
• How AI is shifting consumer behavior toward in-person experiences
• Trends shaping the future of experiential hospitality
 
Key Takeaways
Glamping and Retreats Are a Natural Fit
Glamping enhances the retreat experience by combining:
nature
comfort
uniqueness
immersion
This creates a more memorable and desirable experience for guests.
 
Glamping Is Not a "Cheap" Business
There's a common misconception that glamping is easy to start.
In reality, it requires:
proper permissions
infrastructure
investment
planning
However, it also opens the door to unique funding opportunities not typically available to traditional accommodations.
 
Experiential Travel Is Growing Rapidly
Travelers are increasingly seeking:
unique environments
nature-based experiences
authentic, in-person connection
Glamping and retreats sit directly at the center of this trend.
 
AI Is Driving a Return to Human Connection
As AI continues to reshape the digital world, people are beginning to crave:
offline experiences
real human interaction
trustworthy environments
Retreats and glamping experiences provide exactly that.
 
About Sarah Riley
Sarah helps ambitious owners launch and grow their glamping businesses quickly and stand out in an increasingly competitive industry. From setting up your foundations to attracting consistent bookings, she shares the powerful (and often overlooked) strategies that give you a real edge… including hosting retreat events to maximise occupancy, even in the off-season.
With over a decade of hands-on experience running a boutique hospitality and retreats business, Sarah doesn't just teach this industry… she's lived it. Today, she's a professionally qualified business coach, marketing visibility specialist, and the founder of The Glamping Academy, helping thousands of entrepreneurs turn their ideas into profitable, lifestyle-led businesses.
She's also Co-Conference Director of Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, and a recognised voice in the global glamping space.
If you're ready to launch with confidence and momentum… Sarah offers a range of high-impact programmes designed to help you start quickly, attract your ideal guests, and build a business you truly love.
Because this isn't just about starting a business… It's about creating a lifestyle. 
https://www.glampingshow.us/  and https:glamping.academy 
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
Learn to Host Retreats
Join our private Facebook Group
Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
Get your legal docs for retreats
Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum 
Join our LinkedIn Group
Apply to be a guest on our show
 
Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!
 
Subscribe:
 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify
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TIMESTAMPS
Sarah Riley's Background & Glamping Show (00:01:11) Sarah shares her background in glamping, hospitality, and organizing the Glamping Show America.
Glamping and Retreats: The Perfect Match (00:03:23) Discussion on how glamping and retreats complement each other and enhance guest experiences.
Glamping Show Details & Experiential Industry (00:04:12) Information about the Glamping Show in September and the experiential nature of glamping and retreats.
Retreat Venue Models & Nature's Role (00:05:32) Exploring retreat venue options, the benefits of glamping, and the importance of nature in retreats.
What is Glamping? Definitions & Structures (00:06:35) Sarah defines glamping, describes various structures, and highlights the diversity in the industry.
Budget, Myths, and Setting Up Glamping Sites (00:07:30) Addressing misconceptions about glamping costs, permissions, and funding options for new sites.
Innovative Glamping Models & Imagination (00:10:10) Discussion on creative glamping models, moveable structures, and the limitless possibilities in the field.
Glamping Show Inspiration & Unique Structures (00:10:51) Shannon shares experiences from the Glamping Show, emphasizing the inspiration and unique accommodations available.
Nostalgia, Vintage Experiences & Human Connection (00:12:05) Exploring the appeal of vintage experiences, historical structures, and the desire for authentic human connection.
Impact of AI & Digital Overload (00:12:44) Sarah discusses how AI and digital technology are driving people to seek real-life experiences and offline events.
Generational Shifts & Offline Experiences (00:14:14) Analysis of generational trends, with Gen Alpha and others seeking more in-person, authentic experiences.
Pandemic Effects & Glamping Industry Trends (00:18:19) How the pandemic increased demand for nature-based, in-person experiences and affected glamping bookings.
Future of Hospitality & AI Entrepreneurs (00:20:01) Tech entrepreneurs investing in experiential hospitality, and the uncertain future of online trust and marketing.
Marketing, Visibility & Rapid Change (00:21:04) Challenges of marketing retreats and glamping venues amid rapidly changing digital algorithms and platforms.
Entrepreneurs Shifting to Experiential Businesses (00:22:06) Stories of entrepreneurs leaving digital businesses to create glamping and retreat centers focused on connection.
Balancing Digital Tools & Authenticity (00:22:51) The need for entrepreneurs to stay visible online while maintaining authenticity and adapting to digital changes.
AI as a Disruptor & Essential Tool (00:23:13) AI's dual role as a disruptor and a necessary tool for business owners, especially in hospitality and retreats.
Right-Brained Creatives & Data-Driven Marketing (00:24:52) The challenge for creative retreat leaders to embrace data-driven marketing, and how AI can help bridge the gap.
AI Adoption & Resistance in the Industry (00:26:07) Encouragement for retreat leaders to adopt AI, comparing its importance to the rise of the internet and social media.
Efficiency, Competition & AI in Hospitality (00:27:55) How AI can improve efficiency, reduce computer time, and help businesses stay competitive in hospitality.
Glamping Show USA: What to Expect (00:29:33) Sarah describes what attendees can expect at the Glamping Show USA, including exhibits, networking, and learning opportunities.

There is a powerful shift happening - and it's centered around midlife women.
Women who have spent years building careers, raising families, and showing up for everyone else are now asking a different question:
What do I want?
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down in person in Austin with the founders of SOL Women to talk about the rise of retreats designed specifically for midlife women - and why these experiences are more needed now than ever.
SOL Women creates holistic, supportive retreat experiences that help women reconnect with themselves, prioritize their well-being, and step into a new chapter of life with clarity and confidence.
Together, they explore:
The unique needs of midlife women
The role of retreats in holistic healing and transformation
The challenges of building a retreat business from the ground up
The unexpected rewards and growth that come from hosting retreats
This conversation is honest, grounded, and inspiring - whether you're a retreat leader, thinking about starting a retreat business, or simply someone who believes in the power of community and connection.
 
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Why midlife women are seeking retreats and community more than ever
• How holistic retreats support mental, emotional, and physical well-being
• The real challenges of building a retreat business
• The unexpected rewards of hosting retreats
• How retreats create lasting connection and transformation
Key Takeaways
Midlife Women Are Seeking Something Deeper
This stage of life often brings reflection, transition, and a desire for more alignment.
Retreats provide a space for women to pause, reconnect, and redefine what's next.
 
Retreats Are More Than a Getaway
Holistic retreats offer:
community
connection
healing
self-discovery
They create experiences that go far beyond relaxation.
 
Building a Retreat Business Isn't Easy - But It's Worth It
The founders of SOL Women share the real side of building a retreat business:
the challenges
the learning curve
the unexpected growth
And also the rewards that make it all worthwhile.
 
The Power of Community
One of the most impactful aspects of retreats is the connection created between participants.
Women leave feeling:
seen
supported
understood
And that ripple effect continues long after the retreat ends.
 
About SOL Women & Lauren & Nandita
SOL Women creates holistic retreat experiences designed specifically for midlife women.
Their retreats focus on supporting women through life transitions with a blend of wellness practices, community connection, and personal growth.
Nandita Mahadevan is a multi-industry business leader, Functional Medicine enthusiast, and Certified Health & Hormone Coach with a deep passion for women's health.
​After two decades climbing the corporate ladder in the health and wellness industry, she found herself burned out—her adrenals depleted, her health suffering. This wake-up call led her on a profound journey of self-discovery, pushing her to rethink wellness beyond just the clinical approach.
Her passion for women's health peaked during her own transition into perimenopause when she struggled to find the support she needed. While her background in Functional Medicine helped her understand the physical changes, the emotional and spiritual upheaval was something she had to navigate alone.
​This experience sparked the creation of Sol Women—a space dedicated to guiding women through all stages of womanhood, from hormones and health to emotional and spiritual well-being. Nandita lives in Bee Cave, Austin, with her two children, ages 13 and 8.
Lauren Colletti, FNP, is a Nurse Practitioner and Board-Certified Functional Medicine expert with a deep passion for women's health. With nearly 20 years in healthcare, she has helped thousands of women navigate hormonal shifts, thyroid and digestive issues, autoimmunity, fertility, menopause, and more.
​Trained by leading experts in women's health, genomics, peptides, and longevity medicine, Lauren is dedicated to simplifying the health journey and helping women feel confident in their bodies at every stage of life—without the overwhelm. Her personalized, root-cause approach focuses on building a strong foundation while using cutting-edge therapies to create lasting wellness. She believes women deserve more than one-size-fits-all solutions—they deserve to feel heard, understood, and empowered.
​As a wife and mother to three beautiful children—Hazel, Harrison, and Holland—Lauren is continually inspired by her patients and community. She is on her own journey to thrive through every phase of life and is passionate about helping others do the same.
Learn more:
https://www.solwomen.com
Special offer: $200 off our one day medical retreat in Austin - includes a female biomarker panel and lab review with a Functional Medicine provider ($1,200 in value).   Just mention this show!
 
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
Learn to Host Retreats
Join our private Facebook Group
Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
Get your legal docs for retreats
Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum 
Join our LinkedIn Group
Apply to be a guest on our show
 
Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!
 
Subscribe:
 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify
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TIMESTAMPS
Guest Introductions (00:01:38) Lauren Coletti and Nandita introduce themselves, their backgrounds, and their focus on supporting women in midlife.
The Gap in Women's Health Support (00:03:38) Discussion about the lack of holistic support for women in midlife and the importance of retreats and mindset.
Personal Experiences with Perimenopause (00:04:59) Nandita shares her transition into perimenopause and the need for mindset and community support.
The Power of Vulnerability and Connection (00:06:18) How vulnerability and retreats foster deep connections among high-achieving women.
Origins of Soul Women on Retreat (00:06:43) Lauren and Nandita recount meeting on a Costa Rica retreat and the birth of their business idea.
The Gender Gap in Medical Research (00:07:13) Discussion on how most medical research is based on men and the implications for women's health.
Women's Empowerment and Cyclical Strength (00:08:23) Exploring women's hormonal cycles as a superpower and the need for empowerment.
Importance of Female Connection (00:10:35) The unique need for women to connect with other women and the impact of retreats.
Retreats as Safe Spaces for Vulnerability (00:13:57) How retreats create safe environments for women to open up and accelerate healing.
Talking Openly About Midlife Transitions (00:14:38) The importance of discussing perimenopause, menopause, and emotional changes in community.
Transformation and Joy Through Letting Go (00:16:12) Letting go of emotional burdens at retreats leads to joy and lightness.
Rediscovering Playfulness in Midlife (00:16:26) Embracing a carefree, playful attitude during menopause and setting boundaries.
Boundaries and Self-Protection (00:17:27) Learning to set boundaries joyfully and protect personal peace during midlife.
Awareness and Support During Change (00:18:18) The need for awareness, support, and new tools as women navigate biological and mental shifts.
The Mental and Emotional Side of Menopause (00:19:32) Highlighting the mental challenges of menopause and the value of open discussion.
Structure of Soul Women Retreats (00:20:13) Overview of their one-day and three-day retreats, including functional medicine, mindset, and community.
The Power of Less Structure (00:21:18) Realization that less programming and more connection time enhances retreat experiences.
Deeper Connections in Multi-Day Retreats (00:22:33) Three-day retreats foster deeper bonds and ongoing community among participants.
Lasting Impact of Retreat Friendships (00:23:18) Retreats create lifelong friendships and support networks that are hard to quantify.
Vulnerability as the Root of Connection (00:24:20) Bonding through shared vulnerability, described as "joy bonding" rather than trauma bonding.
Overcoming Barriers to Attending Retreats (00:25:20) Addressing women's hesitations about investing in themselves and sharing vulnerably.
Intimacy and Size of Retreats (00:25:41) Smaller, curated retreats (10–15 women) foster deeper, more meaningful connections.
Meeting Women Where They Are (00:26:42) Retreats accommodate all comfort levels, allowing women to open up at their own pace.
The Need for In-Person Connection (00:27:03) Emphasizing the irreplaceable healing power of in-person gatherings in a digital world.
Human Connection and Community (00:28:05) Comparing human need for connection to herd animals and predicting the growing importance of retreats.
Upcoming Retreat Dates (00:28:29) Announcement of their next one-day and three-day retreats in Austin, Texas.
Unexpected Lessons from Hosting Retreats (00:28:58) Hosts share that less structure and more connection lead to better experiences and stronger bonds.
Letting Go of the Agenda (00:29:51) Learning to be present and allow organic connection rather than sticking rigidly to a schedule.
Processing Time and Brain Energy (00:31:01) Participants need downtime to process, as retreats are mentally and emotionally intensive.
Selling the Feeling, Not the Schedule (00:32:28) Encouragement to market retreats based on outcomes and feelings, not packed agendas.
Quality Over Quantity and Pricing Insights (00:33:33) Higher-priced, smaller retreats yield better experiences and conversions than larger, cheaper ones.
The Value of Transformation and Investment (00:34:34) Charging appropriately for retreats ensures energetic balance and attracts committed participants.
ROI of Retreats and Lifelong Impact (00:37:06) Focusing on the return on investment for participants—transformation, longevity, and ongoing support.
Lifelong Relationships and Support (00:38:10) Retreats are the catalyst for long-term partnerships and ongoing personal growth.
Closing and Contact Information (00:40:13) Host thanks guests, shares where to find more information, and closes the episode.

There's what your guests see at a retreat…
And then there's everything happening behind the scenes.
In this special edition of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail is joined by Alison and Erin (co-hosts of the Retreat Industry Forum) along with two of the Forum's featured panel presenters - Matt Quinones and Daesha Donze - to talk about the operational side of running successful retreats.
You can have an incredible concept, a beautiful location, and a powerful transformation…
But if your logistics and operations aren't dialed in, it will impact the entire experience.
Matt and Daesha bring a powerful combination of expertise:
Matt specializes in retreat logistics, coordination, and operations
Daesha focuses on brand alignment, design, and experience curation
Together, they help retreat leaders move from overwhelmed and reactive… to organized, intentional, and elevated.
In this conversation, they break down:
Why having a retreat coordinator is a game changer
How logistics impact guest experience and retention
The difference between a good retreat and a professionally run retreat
Why seasoned retreat leaders invest in support
How operations directly impact repeat business
They'll also be diving deeper into these topics at the Retreat Industry Forum in Denver this May, where they'll be leading a panel workshop focused on retreat logistics, operations, and execution.
If you want your retreats to run smoothly, feel elevated, and create raving fans - this episode is a must-listen.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Why logistics and operations are critical to retreat success
• The role of a retreat coordinator (and when you need one)
• How behind-the-scenes execution impacts guest experience
• Why seasoned retreat leaders invest in support teams
• How to move from reactive to proactive retreat planning
Key Takeaways
Retreats Are Not Just Experiences - They're Operations
A retreat is both:
a transformational experience
a logistical event
And both need to be handled at a high level.
A Retreat Coordinator Changes Everything
Having someone dedicated to logistics allows you to:
stay present as the leader
focus on your attendees
deliver your transformation
Instead of managing problems behind the scenes.
Guests Remember How Things Felt
Even when issues arise (and they will), what matters is:  how they are handled.
Strong operations = calm, professional experiences.
Brand + Logistics Must Align
It's not just about running smoothly.
It's about creating an experience that reflects your brand, your promise, and your audience.
Support Leads to Growth
The more support you have, the more you can:
scale your retreats
improve your experience
increase repeat bookings
About the Retreat Industry Forum
The Retreat Industry Forum brings together retreat leaders, venue owners, and industry professionals who are serious about building profitable and sustainable retreat businesses.
Hosted by Shannon Jamail, Alison, and Erin, this is a room designed to elevate the entire industry.
📍 Denver, May
🎟️ https://luxuryinbusinessretreats.mykajabi.com/retreat-industry-forum  Or jump on the Paris list: https://luxuryinbusinessretreats.mykajabi.com/retreat-industry-forum-Paris2026 
 
Info about Daesha: https://daeshadonze.com/designing-the-event-that-sells-your-brand
Info about Matt: https://www.admin-solutions.co/ 
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TIMESTAMPS
Panel Introductions (00:01:08) Shannon introduces her co-hosts and panel presenters: Allison, Aaron, Dasha, and Matt.
Forum Excitement & Paris Announcement (00:01:30) Discussion about excitement for the forum, past meetings in France, and upcoming Paris and Denver events.
Champagne & Budget Jokes (00:02:23) Lighthearted conversation about celebrating with champagne and the importance of budgeting for events.
Panelists' Backgrounds: Matt (00:03:29) Matt shares his experience in event planning, logistics, and his Disney production background.
Panelists' Backgrounds: Dasha (00:05:47) Dasha introduces herself, her retreat agency, and her focus on brand experience and personalized retreats.
Dasha's Unique Skills (00:06:58) Panelists discuss Dasha's talent for translating a host's brand into the retreat environment.
Panelists' Collaboration & Roles (00:08:26) Matt and Dasha explain their complementary logistics and design skills, and how they support retreat leaders.
Nuanced Retreat Logistics (00:10:35) Discussion on advanced logistics, moving beyond checklists to high-level details for seasoned retreat leaders.
Support Systems for Leaders (00:11:47) Emphasis on the importance of having a support team to hold and guide retreat leaders through challenges.
Delegation & Focus on Transformation (00:13:13) How having coordinators allows leaders to focus on guest transformation, not logistics or emergencies.
Multiple Coordinators & Scaling (00:16:34) Advice on hiring more than one coordinator as retreats grow, and the importance of local support.
Facilitator-to-Attendee Ratios (00:17:36) Rule of thumb: one facilitator per five attendees, and the need for adequate support staff.
Group Chat & Communication Tools (00:18:06) Recommendation to use group chats for attendee communication, freeing leaders from logistical distractions.
Boundaries & Leader Presence (00:19:31) Leaders should set boundaries, delegate logistics, and focus on delivering the retreat promise.
Emotional Impact of Logistics (00:20:12) Carrying logistical stress affects leader presence; most issues should be handled by coordinators.
Guest Experience & Repeat Attendance (00:21:17) How excellent logistics and guest care lead to repeat attendees and long-term business growth.
Luxury as Feeling Supported (00:22:31) True luxury is guests feeling cared for, not just material comforts, leading to loyalty and return visits.
Handling Issues & Teamwork (00:25:18) It's not about perfection; it's about how problems are handled and the value of a strong team.
Closing & Forum Invitation (00:26:27) Shannon thanks the guests, expresses excitement for the forum, and invites listeners to future events.
Outro & Resources (00:27:17) Podcast outro with reminders to subscribe, leave a review, and access free resources.

One of the biggest challenges in the retreat industry isn't marketing, pricing, or programming.
It's the gap between retreat leaders and retreat venues.
Retreat leaders struggle to find the right venues.
Venue owners struggle to fill their calendars with the right retreats.
And somewhere in the middle, opportunities are missed.
In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Emily Johnson, founder of Elevate Hospitality Collective, to talk about the disconnect between retreat leaders and venues - and how the industry can bridge that gap.
Emily brings years of experience in the hospitality industry, working with boutique hotels and retreat centers to help them attract wellness travelers and retreat leaders. Her work focuses on helping venues improve their positioning, marketing, and sales strategies so their spaces can move from empty calendars to thriving retreat businesses.
Together, Shannon and Emily explore the rapid growth of the wellness travel sector - projected to become a trillion-dollar industry in the coming years - and what both retreat leaders and venue owners need to understand to take advantage of that growth.
They also discuss practical strategies for retreat leaders who are selecting venues for their retreats and the common mistakes that create friction between hosts and properties.
If you host retreats, run a retreat center, or are thinking about entering the retreat industry, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how successful retreat partnerships are built.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Why there is often a disconnect between retreat leaders and retreat venues
• How boutique hotels and retreat centers can attract more retreat leaders
• The role hospitality strategy plays in filling retreat venues
• Why the wellness travel sector is growing so rapidly
• What retreat leaders should look for when choosing a venue
• Why boutique hotels can be a great starting point for new retreat leaders
Key Takeaways
The Retreat Industry Has a Partnership Gap
Many retreat leaders struggle to find the right venues while many retreat venues struggle to attract retreat leaders.
The challenge often comes down to positioning, communication, and expectations.
Retreat Centers Often Wear Too Many Hats
Many retreat centers operate with small teams that are responsible for:
marketing

sales

operations

guest services

event management

Specialized support can help these venues better position themselves and attract the right retreat leaders.
Wellness Travel Is Growing Rapidly
The wellness travel sector is projected to become a trillion-dollar industry in the next 5–7 years.
Retreat venues and retreat leaders who understand this shift will be better positioned to take advantage of the growing demand.
Venue Selection Matters
Emily and Shannon also discuss why retreat leaders should carefully consider where they host retreats.
They highlight:
why boutique hotels can be a great starting point

why specialized retreat venues may offer stronger alignment

why platforms like Airbnb or VRBO often create legal and insurance challenges for retreats

About Emily Johnson
Emily Johnson is the founder of Elevate Hospitality Collective, a consultancy that helps boutique hotels and retreat centers attract wellness travelers and retreat leaders.
With a background in hospitality strategy, Emily works with venues to improve their positioning, marketing, and sales strategies so they can move from empty calendars to thriving retreat businesses.
Her work focuses on bridging the gap between retreat leaders and retreat venues, helping both sides build stronger partnerships and more successful retreat experiences.
Learn more at:
www.elevatehospitalitycollective.com  or https://elevatehospitalitycollective.substack.com/ 
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
Learn to Host Retreats

Join our private Facebook Group

Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide

Get your legal docs for retreats

Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum 

Join our LinkedIn Group

Apply to be a guest on our show

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!
Subscribe:
 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify
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TIMESTAMPS
Emily's Background & Hospitality Experience (00:01:20) Emily shares her 20+ years in hospitality, her companies, and her transition into the retreat space.
Identifying the Gap: Retreat Leaders vs. Venue Owners (00:01:50) Discussion about the disconnect between retreat leaders seeking venues and venue owners struggling to fill their spaces.
How Emily Bridges the Gap (00:03:21) Emily explains her approach to helping venues define their brand, market effectively, and connect with facilitators.
Wellness Travel Industry Growth (00:05:28) Shannon highlights the explosive growth of the wellness travel and retreat industry, emphasizing its vastness and opportunities.
Matching Venues & Retreat Leaders (00:07:53) Emily discusses the importance of clear branding, storytelling, and ensuring the right fit between venues and retreat leaders.
Challenges for Small Venue Owners (00:08:05) Emily describes the struggles of small retreat centers, often run by owners wearing many hats, and the need for commercial strategy.
Importance of Proper Venue-Facilitator Match (00:09:03) The risks of mismatched bookings and the need for clear communication and expectations between venues and facilitators.
Retreat Industry Forum Promotion (00:10:09) Shannon briefly promotes the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event in Denver.
Contracts, Structure, and First-Time Retreat Leaders (00:11:09) Discussion on the importance of contracts, understanding venue policies, and advice for new retreat leaders.
Hotels vs. Retreat Venues for Beginners (00:12:31) Emily explains why hotels can be a good starting point for new retreat leaders due to flexibility and lower risk.
Warning Against Using Airbnb/Vrbo for Retreats (00:14:27) Shannon strongly advises against using Airbnb or Vrbo for retreats due to legal and insurance issues.
Venue Options & Flexibility (00:15:29) Discussion about different types of venues, buyouts, and the value of expert help in finding the right space.
Niche Marketing & Facebook Groups (00:16:02) Emily talks about the importance of niche marketing and the challenges of finding the right venue via Facebook.
Corporate Retreats & Experiential Travel Trends (00:17:11) Emily notes the rise of corporate retreats seeking unique, wellness-focused venues and the shift from traditional meeting spaces.
How to Connect with Emily (00:19:14) Emily shares where listeners can find her online and her focus on experiential travel and wellness venues.
Sales Strategy: Sell Before You Open (00:20:20) Emily and Shannon stress the importance of having a sales plan and booking venues before opening.
Episode Wrap-Up & Farewell (00:21:43) Shannon thanks Emily, wraps up the episode, and encourages listeners to subscribe and access resources.

Success in business isn't just about strategy.
It's also about proximity - who you're around, the conversations you're exposed to, and the standards of the rooms you choose to enter.
In this solo episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail shares why being in the right rooms can dramatically accelerate your growth as a retreat leader and entrepreneur.
For many years Shannon's business was doing well. But about five years ago, something shifted. She started attending conferences, joining masterminds, and intentionally placing herself in rooms with other high-level entrepreneurs.
The result?
Her business didn't just grow - it exploded.
Because the rooms you choose to enter quietly shape:
Your thinking

Your standards

Your opportunities

Your results

In this episode, Shannon breaks down the power of proximity and why retreat leaders who want to grow must intentionally place themselves in environments that challenge and expand them.
If you've ever wondered whether investing in conferences, masterminds, or industry events is worth it, this conversation will change the way you think about it.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
• Why proximity is one of the most powerful growth accelerators in business
• How the rooms you enter shape your thinking and expectations
• The hidden opportunities that come from simply being present in the right environments
• Why many entrepreneurs avoid high-level rooms
• How retreat leaders can intentionally create proximity that fuels their growth
Key Takeaways
The Rooms You Choose Shape Your Results
Who you spend time with influences:
the conversations you hear

the ideas you're exposed to

the standards you adopt

the opportunities you encounter

Growth accelerates when you intentionally surround yourself with people who think bigger and operate differently.
Proximity Changes Your Thinking
Most people believe growth comes from:
books

courses

information

Those things matter.
But often the biggest shifts happen through exposure.
When you're in the right room, you start hearing conversations like:
"How do we scale this?"

"What systems are you using?"

"What worked in your last launch?"

"What's your revenue goal this year?"

Your brain begins calibrating to a different level of thinking.
Standards Are Contagious
When you're around people operating at a high level, you start noticing things like:
professionalism

follow-through

preparation

attention to detail

For retreat leaders, this might look like seeing how others:
structure their retreats

communicate with guests

design experiences

price their offerings

market their events

Suddenly you realize:
"Oh… this can be done differently."
The Hidden Opportunities Proximity Creates
Some of the biggest opportunities in business don't come from marketing.
They come from conversations.
Many collaborations, referrals, and partnerships begin through simple interactions in the right rooms.
Examples include:
speaking opportunities

partnerships

referrals

introductions

collaborations

These opportunities happen when people know and trust you.
And trust is built through presence.
Why Entrepreneurs Avoid These Rooms
Many entrepreneurs hesitate to enter high-level environments because of:
Fear
"What if I'm not ready?"

"What if I don't belong there?"

"What if I'm the least experienced person in the room?"

Money concerns
investment in travel

conference tickets

mastermind memberships

Sometimes it's also ego.
But the truth is:
Being the least experienced person in the room is often exactly where growth happens.
If every room you're in feels comfortable, you're probably not stretching enough.
Not Every Room Is the Right Room
Discernment matters.
The best environments include:
Leaders who have actually built successful businesses

People willing to share real strategies and lessons

Collaborative energy rather than competition

Participants who take action

The right room should expand your thinking and challenge you to grow.
Why Retreat Leaders Need Proximity
The retreat industry can feel isolating.
As a retreat leader you are often:
holding space for others

leading the experience

making all the decisions

Being around other retreat leaders helps you:
share strategies

troubleshoot challenges

stay current with industry trends

learn what's working right now

You don't have to build your retreat business alone.
How to Create Intentional Proximity
You don't need to attend every event.
But you should choose a few strategic rooms each year.
Examples include:
conferences

industry forums

mastermind groups

retreats

workshops

Ask yourself:
Where are the people who are doing what I want to be doing?
Then make a plan to enter those spaces.
Even if it feels uncomfortable.
Final Takeaway
Proximity changes what you believe is possible.
When you see someone else building a thriving retreat business, scaling a company, or creating powerful experiences for their audiences, it moves from theoretical to real.
Growth isn't just about what you know.
It's about who you're around.
Choose your rooms carefully.
Because the right room can change everything.
If you're serious about growing your retreat business, this is exactly why we created the Retreat Industry Forum.
Rooms matter.
Who you surround yourself with matters.
And proximity to the right leaders can accelerate your business like nothing else.
Learn more at:
retreatindustryforum.com
The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:
Learn to Host Retreats

Join our private Facebook Group

Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide

Get your legal docs for retreats

Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum 

Join our LinkedIn Group

Apply to be a guest on our show

 
Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let's create a vibrant retreat community together!
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TIMESTAMPS
The Power of Proximity in Business (00:01:04) Explains why being in the right room and around the right people is crucial for business success.
Personal Experience with Masterminds (00:02:10) Shannon shares how joining masterminds and groups transformed her business trajectory.
How Proximity Changes Your Thinking (00:03:11) Discusses how exposure to growth-minded groups shifts your mindset and expands your thinking.
Raising Your Standards Through Community (00:04:31) Describes how being around high-achievers elevates your personal and professional standards.
Hidden Opportunities in the Right Spaces (00:06:52) Explains how in-person networking leads to collaborations, partnerships, and unexpected business opportunities.
The Importance of In-Person Presence (00:09:07) Stresses that real relationships and business growth happen through showing up in person, not just online.
Retreat Industry Forum Announcement (00:10:43) Brief promo for the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event in Denver, highlighting its unique value.
Why People Avoid Proximity (00:11:41) Explores common fears and excuses that keep entrepreneurs from joining high-level groups and events.
The Value of Paying to Be in the Room (00:14:05) Argues that investing money and time in quality events is essential for real business growth.
Choosing the Right Room: Good vs. Bad (00:16:08) Shares tips on discerning which events and communities are truly valuable and aligned with your goals.
Collaboration Over Competition (00:19:27) Highlights the importance of collaborative energy and networking over competition and ego.
Why Retreat Leaders Need Community (00:20:28) Explains why retreat leaders especially need supportive spaces to share strategies and avoid isolation.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action (00:22:13) Shannon summarizes her passion for in-person events and encourages listeners to get in the right rooms.
Podcast Closing (00:23:19) Outro with reminders to subscribe, review, and access free resources.