Hey hey, retreat bosses! Shannon Jamail here, and today I want to dive into something that has completely transformed not only my business but also my mindset as a retreat leader: Leveling the heck up.

This isn’t just about adding more pillows to your yurt or making your goodie bags extra bougie (though, hey, we love a kick ass goodie bag). I’m talking about something much deeper and more powerful: WHO you surround yourself with, who mentors you, and what environments you place yourself in.

Let’s Talk About That France Trip

Recently, I had the absolute joy of traveling to France, not just for croissants and champagne (though, yes please) but to teach and learn alongside some of the most incredible retreat leaders and industry pros from around the globe. I spent time with Erin Haag and other powerhouse women who are redefining what it means to host transformational and profitable retreats.

Let me tell you—that kind of energy? It’s contagious. But even more than that, the connections and conversations I had were invaluable. I came home with not just ideas, but aligned action steps and new partnerships. This is the kind of thing that doesn’t happen when you’re sitting alone behind your laptop googling “how to host a retreat.”

Genius Network Changed My Game

I’m also part of Genius Network—one of the most brilliant business networks on the planet. Being in a room with high-level entrepreneurs who are scaling, innovating, and investing in their growth? It pushes me to rise.

You know that saying, “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room”? Yeah. That hits hard. I want to be challenged. I want to grow. And I want the same for you.

So What Does Leveling Up Look Like for Retreat Leaders?

It looks like:

• Investing in mentorship and coaching
• Surrounding yourself with other retreat leaders who are doing the dang thing
• Attending events and masterminds that light a fire under you
• Having a space where your ideas are supported and your strategy is sharpened

Beware of the BS

Now, let’s get real for a sec. I’ve seen a lot over the last 15 years in the retreat space. And in the last 3 years or so, there are a LOT of new faces popping up saying they’re retreat coaches and mentors. And listen—I am ALL for it. I’ve never said (and never will) that my program is the only one out there. There are amazing people like my friends Erin Haag and Alison K. who truly walk the talk.

But I’ve also seen the other side. People teaching things they’ve never actually done. Folks who have only hosted one retreat—or none—and are suddenly selling themselves as experts. Even worse? I’ve seen content being straight-up copied and sold as original. Y’all. Do your research. Ask for referrals. Vet your mentors. If someone can’t back up what they teach with lived experience and integrity, run the other way.

Enter: The Retreat Leader Membership

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels, tired of launching retreat after retreat with inconsistent results, or just tired of feeling like you have to do it alone—I created something for you.

My Retreat Leader Membership is for no-BS leaders who aren’t here to play small. It’s a space for people who want to:

• Host transformational and profitable retreats
• Build a real business around their retreat work
• Learn what actually works in marketing, pricing, and filling retreats
• Get group coaching, support, resources, tools, and maybe even a kick in the pants (lovingly, of course)

You want to be a retreat leader? That means treating this like a business, not a hobby. That means saying YES to leveling up.

Final Thoughts

You don’t get to the next level by doing the same things and hanging with the same crowd. Surround yourself with excellence. Invest in your growth. Be bold enough to say, “I want more.”

Because that next-level version of you? She’s already waiting. You just have to show up.

Until next time, retreat leaders—keep showing up, keep leading with heart, and keep choosing to grow.

Love, Shannon

P.S. I just released a podcast episode that continues what this blog talk about… listen below!