Hi everyone! Last week, I promised I’d have something special for you today, and man, oh man, do I! Today, we’re interviewing prominent businesswoman and author Shannon Jamail. This total stranger, who is not my wonderful wife, is also a yoga teacher trainer, and professional retreat host. Ha! I kid of course as Shannon is also my partner here on The Retreat Ranch and recently published her book, The Retreat Leaders Playbook. This book is excellent for entrepreneurial minds and persons looking to turn their passion into a profitable reality. She’s eyeing me; I’ve gone on enough, lol. Let’s go!
Nathan: Hello again, Mrs. Jamail. Please tell us why you got into the business of hosting retreats.
Shannon: Hi Nathan! It’s a pleasure to join you in OUR home on The Retreat Ranch. *Smirks* During my years in corporate sales, I had opportunity in coordinating and hosting executive retreats for staff. This became one of my favorite things to do; I loved that the company retreats were such a transformative and motivating experience for those who attended (I am sure you remember a few of them yourself ;).
When I switched careers to working in mental health counseling, I incorporated my retreat experience into my business model because I recalled just how much it empowered individuals. Health-focused retreats can benefit everyone, reduce stress, and serve as a general mental reset.
Nathan: It’s great that you’ve turned a passion into something helpful and profitable. Is that why you decided to write The Retreat Leaders Playbook? By the way….love the name of the book 😉
Shannon: Ha the name fits right in doesn’t it? But yes, definitely that is why I wrote it! I would get asked for advice on planning retreats ALL THE TIME, and I realized I could reach more people with similar interests by publishing a book. My book, The Retreat Leaders Playbook, provides an overview of the retreat planning process. I’ve done my best to answer all those questions I’ve fielded throughout the years about hosting retreats. I’ve also designed a more in-depth course, The Retreat Leaders Academy (which offers unlimited email support!). But more importantly, I’ve also written my book so anyone who reads it can start hosting transformational retreats!
Nathan: I know writing can be labor intensive. What was that process like for you?
Shannon: I joke that I’ve been researching material indirectly since I planned my first retreat! While drafting the manuscript, I leaned on all I’ve learned (for good or for bad) on my journey as a retreat host.
I also facilitate and provide backend support from other hosts that I have either coached over the years or helped in coordinating their own retreats here at Retreat Ranch. You can learn so much through observation! Also, I’ve been lucky to mentor and host new retreat hosts from around the globe. I could pull on our many conversations and idea sessions as material for the book.
Nathan: What do you want your readers to learn from the book?
Shannon: Funny enough it isn’t the tools for hosting but the importance of improving your belief system. If you don’t believe you can achieve an idea, especially a new business, you won’t be able to sustain it. This is a high-stress job with beautiful payoffs, financially and otherwise. It would be best if you were all in, and I want to help you see that big picture, no frills.
Nathan: I think it’s almost time to go feed the horses, so final question! Tell us what upcoming retreats you have planned for the next few months.
Shannon: I’ll be hosting several exciting events at The Retreat Ranch: Horse Yoga (my new fav!), Yoga Vacation, and my signature event, Yoga & Wine ladies’ retreat. I also have my annual Destin, Florida Retreat in November and one in Tulum, Mexico, next year. To keep updated on all our upcoming events, subscribe to our MindBodyComplete and The Retreat Ranch newsletters. You can also check out the Retreats page on our websites, here and here.
You can purchase a copy of Shannon’s new book, The Retreat Leaders Playbook on Amazon or through The Retreat Ranch’s website.
