Happy Hour Podcast

Welcome to "Retreats with a Purpose: How to Make a Difference While Making a Profit," where we delve into the compelling ways retreat leaders can weave social responsibility into their business models. This episode is dedicated to those who see the potential for retreats to serve not just as gateways to personal growth but as platforms for meaningful societal contributions.

Partnering with Non-Profits First up, we explore the strategic partnerships between retreats and non-profits. Learn how aligning with a cause that resonates with your retreat's theme can amplify the impact on both your attendees and the non-profit's goals. For instance, a mindfulness retreat could partner with a mental health organization to deepen the impact through combined efforts in wellness promotion. These partnerships not only enrich the retreat experience but also extend the reach and effectiveness of the non-profit's mission. We'll share success stories, like a retreat that included conservation efforts, enhancing participant engagement and helping the local environment.

Implementing Scholarship Programs Next, we discuss the transformational power of scholarship programs. Offering scholarships makes retreats accessible to those who might otherwise miss out on such life-changing opportunities. We'll cover how to set up a scholarship fund, including eligibility criteria and funding strategies. Success stories from scholarship recipients will highlight the profound impact these opportunities can have on individuals and their communities, showcasing the ripple effect of generosity.

Sourcing Locally and Ethically Our third segment focuses on the importance of local and ethical sourcing. This practice not only supports local economies but also ensures that retreats offer authentic and sustainable experiences. We'll talk about how to choose local vendors and ethical suppliers that align with your retreat's values, and share case studies that demonstrate the positive effects of these choices on both the retreat experience and local communities.

Community Service Activities Integrating community service into retreat programs can profoundly enrich the retreat experience, turning a simple getaway into a deeply fulfilling journey. We'll explore different types of service activities that fit various retreat themes, such as environmental initiatives or educational programs. Feedback from both participants and local communities will highlight the mutual benefits of these integrations.

Financial Donations Lastly, we'll tackle the role of financial donations in enhancing retreat appeal and impact. Allocating a portion of profits to charitable causes not only supports community projects but also positions your retreat as a socially responsible choice for potential attendees. We'll discuss effective strategies for marketing this aspect and share examples of how these donations have made lasting impacts.

This episode is packed with insights from fellow retreat leaders who have successfully integrated these socially responsible practices into their operations, proving that it's possible to make a profit while making a difference. Join us to learn how you can transform your retreat into a powerful force for good.

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Join our In Person Mastermind
• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

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:

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Join 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 

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

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

Join host Shannon Jamail as she delves into the nuanced world of retreat pricing with expert Erin Haag. They explore the dynamic between price-conscious and value-driven buyers, and the strategies for setting retreat prices that reflect the true value of the experience.

Retreat Pricing Insights:

• Price vs. Value Shoppers: Erin outlines that retreats priced under $5,000 tend to attract price shoppers focused on budget, whereas retreats with a higher price tag draw in those who value the experience over cost. Shannon reflects on her own pricing strategies that range from $3,000 to $7,000, aligning with the type of clients she aims to attract.
• Impact of Economic Fluctuations: They discuss how premium-priced retreats remain stable even during economic shifts, highlighting the resilience of targeting value-driven consumers.

Strategic Pricing Approaches:

• Setting Higher Prices: Erin and Shannon talk about the importance of pricing retreats to not only cover costs but to ensure profitability. This approach helps in adequately supporting attendees and sustaining the business.
• Consultation and Profit Goals: Erin shares her consulting firm’s strategy aiming for at least $25,000 profit per retreat with a 50% margin, advocating for setting ambitious financial targets to reflect the value offered.

Industry Pricing Norms:

• Valuing Services Appropriately: The discussion underscores the importance of not undervaluing one's services. Erin emphasizes the broader impact of appropriate pricing, particularly how women reinvest in their communities.
• Gender Disparities in Pricing: Observations are shared about how male retreat organizers often set higher prices for similar offerings, stirring a conversation about recognizing and asserting the worth of one's services.

Overcoming Pricing Challenges:

• Addressing Low Pricing Issues: They highlight how underpricing can lead to cancellations and insufficient profitability. By evaluating past data and acknowledging the comprehensive effort required to plan and execute retreats, retreat leaders can better understand their value.
• Advice for Retreat Leaders: Erin provides practical advice for aligning price with value, ensuring that the transformative experience promised at retreats is effectively communicated and priced.

Concluding Thoughts:

• Value Beyond Price: The episode wraps up with a focus on how retreats provide transformational experiences far exceeding the offerings of typical vacations or trips. This unique aspect should be a major factor in pricing strategy.
• Direct Engagement with Erin: Shannon closes by discussing how listeners can connect with Erin to refine their marketing strategies to appeal to value-focused demographics.

Learn More: Listeners interested in improving their retreat pricing strategies or seeking personalized advice can reach out to Erin through provided contact details in the show notes.

Connect with Erin

https://luxuryinbusinessretreats.com/

Instagram: @pricingoverhaul

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

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

Join us in this enlightening episode where Nikki Rausch, a veteran sales professional, unravels the intrinsic link between sales and retreat leadership. Nikki delves into the art of selling as a crucial skill for retreat leaders, breaking down common sales pitfalls and emphasizing the strategic engagement of potential buyers.

Embracing the Sales Role Nikki points out that many retreat leaders may not recognize themselves as salespeople, yet mastering sales techniques is essential for the success of their events. She stresses the importance of seeing every retreat leader as inherently involved in sales, encouraging a proactive approach to acquiring sales skills.

Navigating Sales Strategies and Pitfalls Throughout the discussion, Nikki identifies key mistakes retreat leaders make, such as skipping essential sales steps and failing to notice buying signals. She advocates for cultivating curiosity to build interest and securing explicit permission from prospects, ensuring meaningful and respectful interactions.

Audience Targeting and Client Selection Nikki uses the analogy of retreats being like a pristine liquid that should not be muddied by "dirt," representing misaligned attendees. She underscores targeting the right audience to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the retreat. The concept of "bless and release" is introduced for clients who do not fit, advising retreat leaders to maintain the quality and specific focus of their retreats without compromise.

Empowering Retreat Leaders with Resources To help retreat leaders enhance their sales acumen, Nikki offers a free ebook, "Closing the Sale," available through her website. This resource is designed to bolster confidence in consultation calls and refine the sales approach, tailored specifically for retreat leaders aiming to perfect their craft.

By the end of this session, retreat leaders are encouraged to acknowledge their role as salespeople, clearly define their target audience, and utilize Nikki's expert strategies to elevate their retreat offerings. Don't miss out on transforming your retreat leadership with seasoned sales strategies from Nikki Rausch!

About Nikki:

Nikki Rausch integrates her 25+ years of experience selling to such prestigious organizations as The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Hewlett-Packard, and NASA, sharing with her clients the same approaches that led to her shattering sales records in her industry and receiving multiple “top producer” awards along the way.

A business degree from the University of Washington and her master certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming mesh perfectly to create a powerful foundation upon which Nikki built tremendous sales skills and now provides enormous benefits for her clients.

Nikki has received numerous sales awards, shattered sales records across industries, and was featured in Female Entrepreneur Magazine. A sought-after speaker, she regularly shares the results of success through illuminating keynote addresses and business-changing workshops. Her robust Sales Maven Society ignites game-changing outcomes for clients. Many of whom have also reaped the benefits of her immersive VIP consultations.

Nikki’s three popular books are available on Amazon. And her podcast, Sales Maven, can be found on your favorite podcast platform.

Connect with Nikki:

https://yoursalesmaven.com/ 

Instagram: @your_sales_maven 

Free Offering from Nikki: https://yoursalesmaven.com/retreat   

Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: https://mindbodycomplete.com/wait-or-interest-list-rlp/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

In this enlightening episode, Shannon Jamail sits down with Shelly Swierz, a seasoned yoga instructor and the visionary behind Topia Boutique Retreat Center in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Shelly brings over 15 years of yoga teaching experience and shares invaluable insights into the world of retreat hosting.

Topia's Mission and Setting Topia Boutique Retreat Center is dedicated to facilitating profound community connections for leaders. Nestled near the Pacific Ocean and conveniently close to Cabo San Lucas airport, the center is designed to support retreat leaders fully, from planning stages to execution, ensuring a seamless experience.

Common Mistakes by Retreat Hosts Shelly discusses the pitfalls many retreat hosts encounter, such as overlooking the importance of building personal relationships and engaging deeply with their community. Other common mistakes include poor timing for retreats, inadequate guest preparation, and relying too heavily on social media for promotion rather than fostering real-life interactions.

Best Practices for Hosting Retreats The conversation shifts to best practices that can dramatically improve the success of a retreat. Key strategies include:

• Over-communicating with guests to prepare them fully for what to expect,
• Choosing the right dates avoiding major holidays or adverse weather conditions,
• Engaging in one-on-one conversations to build trust and ensure alignment of expectations.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuances of retreat hosting and how to elevate their offerings to create unforgettable experiences for participants.

Connect with Topia

topiaretreat.com 

Instagram: @topiaretreat 

Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: https://mindbodycomplete.com/wait-or-interest-list-rlp/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify 

In this enlightening episode, host Shannon Jamail sits down with Kyera Kacey, a trailblazer in the personal development industry since the age of 17. Kyera, who opened her first office at 24 and launched her retreat business in 2022, dives into the details of her unique approach to retreat planning. The discussion kicks off with her debut retreat in Ireland, which she daringly announced with minimal prior planning and impressively sold out very quickly.

Kyera discusses her pricing strategies, which began at $17,000 for her initial retreat, scaling up to $55,000 for subsequent luxury experiences. She shares insights into the importance of self-belief and conviction in achieving sales success, integrating her 'Rich Bitch' methodology and leveraging the 'power of nine' to cultivate financial abundance and self-worth.

The conversation also covers her recent luxury retreat in Tulum, which provided a transformative experience for a small group of women, incorporating elements like private mentorship and mastermind sessions. Kyera emphasizes the importance of creating retreats that genuinely make a difference, urging retreat leaders to transcend limitations and focus on service rather than just profit.

Shannon and Kyera discuss the nuanced dynamics of pricing and the importance of maintaining a reciprocal relationship with money. The episode wraps up with a discussion on their personal experiences in Tulum and the attitudes encountered in some retreat-hosting communities.

Key takeaways for retreat leaders include embracing innovative strategies, understanding the profound impact of self-belief in setting prices, and the importance of creating meaningful, transformative retreat experiences.

About Kyera:

Kyera Kacey is a bold, unapologetic force in personal and professional transformation. Known for her no-BS approach, she combines fierce love with intuition and decades of experience, inviting her audience to break through their most profound barriers.

Kyera isn’t afraid to tackle taboo topics or challenge societal norms—she shows up exactly as she is: provocative and powerful.

At her events, expect raw, unfiltered truth, explosive energy, and a transformative journey that will forever change you.

Connect with Kyera:

www.kyerakacey.com 

Instagram: @kyerakacey

Free Offering from Kyera: https://www.kyerakacey.com/kyera-in-your-pocket 

Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: https://mindbodycomplete.com/wait-or-interest-list-rlp/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Hey everyone! Today’s episode is especially exciting because I’m sharing something I’ve been pouring my heart into for quite some time – my Manifestation Course: Unlock Your Power, Attract Your Desires, and Manifest a Life You Love in Just 7 Days!

If you’re a retreat leader, coach, healer, or anyone guiding others toward their dreams, you’ll want to stick around for this episode. Manifestation isn’t just for personal goals – it’s a powerful tool to enhance every area of life, including your career, business, and the experiences you create for others.

What is Manifestation?

Let’s start by diving into what manifestation really is. Manifestation is about more than just visualizing what you want or setting an intention. Those are important steps, but true manifestation involves aligning your energy, setting focused intentions, and taking inspired action. It’s a powerful process that connects your thoughts, emotions, and actions to the outcomes you desire.

If you’re listening to this, you’re probably someone who’s already dedicated to growth, both for yourself and for others. You might be leading retreats, building a community, or simply trying to grow your own personal life in alignment with your purpose. Manifestation can be a game-changer – not just for personal goals, but for creating the career, impact, and experiences you want for your clients and participants.

My Journey with Manifestation

Now, I’ll be honest – this wasn’t always something I felt confident about. Over a decade ago, I doubted my worth, felt overwhelmed by my goals, and struggled to believe I could actually create the life I envisioned. I remember feeling paralyzed by all the "what ifs" and waiting for that “perfect moment” to come along. And I know so many of you have felt that too.

But everything changed when I slowly developed a structured approach to manifesting, a way to move beyond just dreaming and into doing. And here’s the real kicker – over the past ten years, I’ve been able to manifest almost everything I desired, from my dream retreat center to building a fulfilling career that supports not only me but my family and all the incredible people I’ve met through this work.

And that’s exactly why I created this course. To teach YOU how to manifest whatever it is you want for yourself and the people you serve.

Why Manifestation is Powerful for Retreat Leaders

Now, I want to speak directly to my fellow retreat leaders. You all are visionaries, people who hold space for others to grow, heal, and transform. But to truly serve from a place of abundance and alignment, we need to be clear and intentional about our own path. Imagine how powerful it would be to walk into every retreat you lead with the confidence that you’re aligned with your purpose, your desires, and your own personal abundance.

Manifestation isn’t just a personal practice; it’s also a practice that can elevate every retreat experience. When you’re aligned, your energy will attract clients who are aligned with you. You’ll create a space that draws in exactly the right people, the right opportunities, and even the resources you need to bring your vision to life. That’s the beauty of manifesting – it’s not just about “getting things,” it’s about creating a life and a career that’s fully aligned with who you are and what you’re meant to do.

What’s Inside the Course

So let’s talk about what’s inside this course. I’ve broken down the exact steps that have worked for me – steps that I’ve spent the last five months testing and refining with a group of incredible individuals. Here’s what you can expect:

1. A Prep Work Guide
   This is where you’ll start. We get you grounded and help you set strong intentions for the journey. It’s all about creating the mental and emotional space for manifestation, so you’re ready to dive deep.
2. A Step-by-Step Manifestation Guide
   This is the roadmap. Every day, you’ll have a specific, simple activity to keep you on track and ensure your energy is aligned and your focus is sharp. This isn’t about guesswork – it’s a structured approach that makes manifestation achievable and tangible.
3. 7 Days of Videos, Meditations, and Worksheets
   Each day, you’ll also get a video and guided meditations to reinforce the day’s theme, along with a worksheet to help you reflect and clarify your intentions. These tools are designed to get you fully engaged and connected with your goals.
4. Additional Resources
   Beyond the core course, I’ve included activities and exercises specifically for identifying and releasing blocks that may be holding you back. These are the same tools I use whenever I feel like I need to realign or reconnect with my vision.
5. Lifetime Access
   And this is a big one – you get lifetime access. That means anytime you want to go through the course again or need a refresher, it’s there for you. Plus, as I add new modules and content, you’ll receive those updates automatically.

How Manifesting Can Transform Your Life – and Your Retreats

I want you to imagine for a moment what it would feel like to move through your days knowing that everything you want is flowing toward you, that you’re completely in alignment with your vision, and that you have the power to create not only a life you love but also experiences that empower and transform others. For retreat leaders, this is a game-changer.

Think about the impact on your retreats – the energy you bring, the clients you attract, the opportunities that come your way. When you’re manifesting from a place of abundance and alignment, it’s like a magnet. Your energy is contagious, and people feel that they are a part of something bigger than themselves.

How to Get Started

Now, here’s the best part: for y’all I’m offering 25% off the course using code MANIFEST25. I want you to experience the power of manifesting for yourself, and I’m so excited to be able to share it at this special rate.

So, if you’re ready to take your dreams from “someday” to “right now,” join me on this journey. This course will guide you every step of the way, giving you the tools and confidence to manifest the life – and the career – that you deserve.  Let’s make 2025 YOUR year.  Visit retreatleadermanifesting.com 

I know that when we’re aligned and abundant, we can create spaces of healing, growth, and empowerment for others. I can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll manifest, both for yourself and those you serve.

Thank you so much for joining me today, and as always, I’m sending you so much love. Let’s start manifesting the life you love – together.

Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: https://mindbodycomplete.com/wait-or-interest-list-rlp/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Overview: In a captivating session of the Retreat Leaders podcast, host Shannon Jamail engages with Mellissa Tong, the storytelling maestro and visionary behind Duck Punk Productions. Mellissa shares her expert insights on the transformative power of storytelling in business and its critical role in connecting with audiences to drive sales.

Mellissa's Journey and Duck Punk Productions: Mellissa Tong, renowned for her storytelling prowess, introduces listeners to Duck Punk Productions, a company that tailors its services to a diverse client base including big corporations, mid-sized companies, and entrepreneurs. The company's offerings span from creating impactful TV commercials and branded content to providing fractional CMO services and storytelling training.

The Art of Storytelling in Business: Mellissa discusses the essential nature of storytelling in today’s business landscape, especially for retreat leaders. She breaks down the four crucial stages of the sales cycle—connection, reaction, transformation, and action—and explains how compelling storytelling navigates these phases to captivate and convert audiences.

Deepening Audience Engagement Through Stories: With her background in TV news as a foundation, Mellissa emphasizes the importance of crafting stories that are not only engaging but also perfectly aligned with the target audience. She highlights how data-driven companies can leverage storytelling to render complex information more relatable and digestible.

Empowering Through Education: Looking ahead, Mellissa is excited about the launch of her Story Selling course next month. This course promises to equip individuals with the skills to craft and narrate personal stories across various formats, enhancing their effectiveness in both personal and professional interactions. She supports this educational journey with a dedicated Facebook group, fostering a community of continuous learning and support.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Shannon commits to enriching the podcast show notes with additional resources including a link to Mellissa's LinkedIn article and the upcoming Story Selling course.
• Mellissa plans to extend a special discount code for the course exclusively for podcast listeners, ensuring that the audience can immediately benefit from her vast expertise.

Conclusion: The episode wraps up with Mellissa reinforcing the value of storytelling in building deep, meaningful connections with audiences, a skill indispensable for anyone in the business of influence, especially retreat leaders looking to attract and engage their ideal guests.

About Mellissa:

Mellissa Tong's journey is a testament to life’s unpredictable paths. Beginning her career in music, she mastered the piano and conducted children's choirs, believing music was her destined path. With a passion for English Literature as well, Mellissa balanced her artistic pursuits with academic rigor, exploring comparative literature alongside her musical endeavors.

Despite a seemingly fulfilled life, Mellissa felt a disconnect, stemming from her upbringing in Hong Kong where emotional expression was stifled. This feeling of isolation fueled her lifelong dream to study abroad, leading her to the United States in 1991. It was here that Mellissa's career took a pivotal turn. Initially feeling out of place, her breakthrough came when she joined a satellite TV station as a newscaster. Tasked with crafting human interest stories, Mellissa honed her skills in interviewing and storytelling, discovering the profound power of connection through narrative.

This experience was transformative, guiding her to found DuckPunk, initially aimed at film and documentary storytelling. Over time, DuckPunk evolved into creating compelling TV commercials and branded content for major brands like Nissan, Verizon, and McDonald’s. Recognizing the shifting landscape during the pandemic, Mellissa pivoted DuckPunk into a StorySelling agency, emphasizing the necessity for deeper connection and authentic storytelling in commerce.

Today, Mellissa uses her unique journey and storytelling prowess to help businesses stand out, connect deeply with their audiences, and drive meaningful engagement. Her story—from a young musician to a leading voice in commercial storytelling—illustrates how our greatest challenges can lead to our most significant achievements.

Connect with Mellissa

https://www.duckpunk.net/

LinkedIn Article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/4-stages-sales-cycle-mellissa-tong 

Instagram: @duckpunkproductions 

Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: https://mindbodycomplete.com/wait-or-interest-list-rlp/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

Unlock the Power of Podcasts: In an engaging session with Shannon Jamail, Julie Fry, the visionary behind Your Expert Guest, unveils the transformative role of podcasts in reaching precise target audiences. Julie illuminates how strategic podcast guesting can create meaningful connections and open up new avenues for entrepreneurs.

Strategize Your Guest Appearances: Julie shares invaluable tips on becoming an exemplary podcast guest, emphasizing the necessity of detailed research on hosts and programs to tailor compelling pitches. She advocates for the importance of not just participating but adding value to the discussions, and suggests direct calls-to-action like booking calls to actively engage listeners.

Leverage Expert Services: Delving into the professional support her company offers, Julie outlines services tailored for potential podcast guests, including creating customized pitch lists and handling guest booking processes. This segment offers insights into making strategic choices between a DIY approach to podcast guesting and opting for expert services.

About Julie:

Julie Fry is the spirited CEO who thrives on making connections through podcasting. With a deep love for the great outdoors and a knack for making people laugh, Julie embraces every opportunity to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, whether it's hiking, kayaking, or braving the icy waters of the Polar Bear plunge—an event she's conquered 19 times! When she's not orchestrating perfect guest-host matchups or indulging in her favorite SNL sketches and Conan O’Brien laughs, Julie is deeply committed to her community. Her passion for local causes shines through her extensive volunteer work, aiming to foster inclusion and joy in her surroundings. Despite her profound influence in the podcast world, Julie admits to never having listened to a True Crime podcast, preferring to impact lives through laughter and connection.

Connect with Julie

https://yourexpertguest.com/about/

Instagram: @yourexpertguest

Our In Person Mastermind is coming in 2025! Get on the list now: https://mindbodycomplete.com/wait-or-interest-list-rlp/

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

Our Retreat Leader Memberships are BRIMMING with tools, processes and templates to help you skyrocket your business!  Want live coaching?  Our memberships have that too!  Plus when you join our memberships you get access to our HIGH demand Retreat Leader Academy (that only opens up twice a year...unless you are a member- you can grab it anytime!).  

Other ways to grow:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 

Subscribe:

 Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify