EP. 209 Opening a retreat venue in Tuscany with Franziska
Release Date: 02/13/2025
EP 229 How to Level Up as a Retreat Leader (and Build Profitable Retreats Like a Boss)
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this solo episode, host Shannon Jamail gets fired up and shares exactly what it means to level up as a retreat leader—and why it goes way beyond fancy goodie bags or extra plush pillows in your yurt. Fresh off a transformative retreat teaching experience in France and actively learning from high-level masterminds like Genius Network, Shannon lays out how growth happens through mentorship, aligned community, and being in the right rooms. She also gets real about the flood of new "retreat coaches" in the industry—and why it’s more important than ever to vet your mentors and follow...
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EP 228 Dealing with Objections as a Retreat Leader: Compassion Over Discounts
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerful solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader will face: objections. Especially the most common one—“It’s too expensive.” But before you spiral into discounting or self-doubt, Shannon shares a refreshing and aligned way to navigate objections with confidence, compassion, and curiosity. This episode is your permission slip to stop taking objections personally and start using them as powerful conversations rooted in leadership. What You’ll Learn: Why “it’s too expensive” usually isn’t about money The #1 thing NOT to do when...
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EP 227 Sell It Like a Retreat Leader: Why Sales Should Be Your Superpower with Dora Rankin
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this bold and enlightening episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Dora Rankin, a business growth coach and sales strategist who isn’t afraid to tell retreat leaders the hard truth: you’re likely spending way too much time on marketing and not enough on sales. Dora breaks down the key differences between sales and marketing (hint: they are NOT the same thing!) and explains why retreat leaders should be spending at least 70% of their business-building time focused on actual sales activities. From connecting directly with potential guests to having powerful...
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EP 226 Delegate & Elevate: Why Every Retreat Host Needs a Coordinator with Daesha Donze
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerhouse episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with luxury retreat designer and director Daesha Donze to talk all things logistics, style, and sanity-saving support for retreat hosts. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle planning, hosting, and actually enjoying your own retreat—this episode is your permission slip to hand over the clipboard and reclaim your energy. Episode Highlights: Why hiring a retreat planner or coordinator is a total game-changer (Spoiler: so you can finally enjoy your own retreat) How Daesha tailors each...
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EP 225 Boundaries, Burnout & Breakthroughs: Retreat Wisdom with Lesley Martin
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail welcomes trauma therapist and retreat coach Lesley Martin for a raw and insightful conversation about the emotional resilience and energetic boundaries required to lead transformational retreats. Lesley and Shannon dive deep into the often overlooked emotional toll retreat leaders face, especially when carrying their own unhealed trauma or managing the weight of participants’ needs. They discuss how coaching and self-reflection can help retreat leaders grow beyond the therapy room, create healthier emotional...
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EP 224 The Power of Story: How to Sell Out Retreats with Authentic Marketing featuring Renee Frojo
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this inspiring episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with journalist-turned-content-marketer and storytelling coach, Renee Frojo, to explore how powerful storytelling can transform your retreat business from “meh” to sold out. Renee shares her journey from the newsroom to coaching B2B and B2C entrepreneurs on connecting with their audience in the most human way possible—through story. After selling out her very first international retreat in Costa Rica using just stories and intention (not a massive follower count), she’s now hosting her second...
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EP 223 Hug the Cactus: Leadership, Conflict & Fierce Clarity in Retreats with Adrian Koehler
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail welcomes executive coach and consultant Adrian Koehler, a leadership expert with a bold approach rooted in emotional intelligence and unapologetic honesty. From "hugging the cactus" to "riding the elephant," Adrian shares what it really takes to lead high-impact retreats and teams—spoiler: it’s not all good vibes and holding space. Episode Highlights: Leadership Beyond the Feel-Good: Adrian and Shannon break down why retreat leaders need more than intuition and good intentions—they need structure, clarity, and...
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EP 222 Mastering Sales as a Retreat Leader: Techniques and Insights with Jacob Hicks
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Episode Summary: Join us on the Retreat Leaders Podcast as we dive deep into the art of selling with Jacob Hicks, a seasoned success coach with a decade of sales experience. In this enlightening episode titled "Mastering Sales as a Retreat Leader: Techniques and Insights with Jacob Hicks," Jacob unpacks the essential skills every retreat leader needs to thrive in the competitive world of retreats and personal development. Episode Highlights: Sales Mindset for Success: Jacob stresses the importance of adopting a sales mindset, explaining that everyone in business, regardless of their role, is...
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EP 221 Overcoming Subconscious Blocks in Retreats with Terrie Christine
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
In this enlightening episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, host Shannon Jamail sits down with Terrie Christine, an intuitive energy healer whose transition from a corporate career to mastering the subconscious realm has transformed many lives. This discussion dives deep into how Terrie uses her unique skills to help individuals overcome subconscious blocks that hold them back from living fully empowered lives. Episode Highlights: Journey to Healing: Terrie shares her personal evolution from confronting childhood wounds and past emotional traumas to discovering her true calling in energy...
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EP 220 Move, Market, Connect: Dynamic Retreat Strategies with Ricardo Topete
The Retreat Leaders Podcast
Dive into an energizing episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast where host Shannon Jamail connects with Ricardo, a vibrant videographer, photographer, and dance enthusiast from Philadelphia. Explore how Ricardo uses dance as a powerful tool for fostering community and connection in retreat settings. Episode Highlights: Embracing Dance in Retreats: Shannon and Ricardo delve into the transformative power of social dancing, particularly Latin styles like salsa and bachata, to break down barriers and enhance bonding among retreat participants. They discuss the magnetic effect of dance in creating...
info_outlineJoin us as we explore the enchanting world of Borgo Belsedere, a 1000-year-old medieval villa in Tuscany, Italy, transformed into a modern retreat venue by Franziska Leissner and her team. Discover how they've melded sustainability with historical charm to create a unique retreat experience.
Venue Introduction: Franziska Leissner, a partner at Borgo Belsedere, delves into the history and transformation of the villa. Originally a medieval structure, the villa has been lovingly renovated to serve as a serene retreat location while retaining its Tuscan authenticity.
Development Journey: The transformation journey began 1.5 years ago, with Franziska initially joining as a volunteer before recognizing the site's potential as a retreat venue. She discusses the collaborative efforts with co-partner Dorothea and property owner Martin to renovate 11 guest rooms and develop communal spaces, including a new piazza and over 1000 new plantings. The project's ambitious timeline aimed to welcome guests within six months of commencement.
Retreats and Success: Shortly after the renovations, Borgo Belsedere hosted seven successful retreats, showcasing the venue's appeal. Franziska shares insights into the marketing strategies employed before the venue's completion, including video tours that helped build trust and anticipation among potential guests.
Facilities and Offerings: The venue features 11 versatile rooms that can accommodate up to 22 guests, an industrial kitchen, and the option for guests to engage local caterers or bring their own chefs. Borgo Belsedere enriches guests' experiences with local activities such as truffle hunts, wine tastings, and cooking classes. Franziska highlights ongoing developments, including the addition of a pizza oven to enhance event offerings.
Looking Forward: Plans for expanding Borgo Belsedere's facilities continue, with a focus on integrating more amenities and services to enrich guest stays. Franziska invites listeners to book their retreats and experience the unique blend of history and modern luxury that Borgo Belvedere offers.
About Franziska Leissner
Business & Property Development / Management
Franziska and her business partner Dorothea are the visionary minds driving the transformation of Borgo Belsedere into a unique retreat and event destination. With a shared background in international strategic business, they quickly identified the hidden potential of this magical Tuscan estate. Their expertise extends from property development and construction management to interior design, as well as holistic business and brand building including marketing, sales, and operations.
Dorothea draws on over 12 years of international experience in business and brand building, including co-founding an NGO promoting art and culture. Franziska brings over seven years of international experience in marketing, driving product positioning across different industries and leading strategies that strengthen brands and empower teams. Together, they are creating a retreat location that seamlessly blends creativity, functionality, and inspiration—a place where connection and growth thrive.
Learn More:
https://www.borgo-belsedere.com/
Instagram: @borgo_belsedere
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