

We just wrapped our very first Next Level retreat in Bali and it was one of the most powerful weeks we’ve ever had in business.
In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes and sharing the 5 biggest things that made it so damn special.
Whether you’re planning your own retreat or just craving a peek into how we pulled it off – this one’s for you.
What you’ll learn:
- The #1 runsheet mistake we made (and what we’ll do differently next time)
- Why white space – not packed schedules – led to real breakthroughs
- What surprised me most about what our members actually needed
- The tiny hire that would’ve saved us big stress
Inside Our First Bali Next Level Retreat
We just wrapped our very first Next Level retreat in Bali—and I’ve got to tell you, it was truly one of the most beautiful, transformative weeks we’ve ever had in business.
I’m proud that our members could take time off from their business.
That they could bring their partners or kids and still feel fully present.
That they could relax and be supported—not just in life, but in their business too.
But mostly?
I’m proud that so many of them are now building businesses that support their life… not businesses that run their life.
That’s the point, right?
So today, I want to pull back the curtain and share 5 things we did right—things that made this retreat so powerful, and things we’ll absolutely be repeating for our next one.
Whether you’re planning a retreat yourself, or you just want a behind-the-scenes look at how we pulled it off—this one’s for you.
Let’s dive in.
1. Design the Run Sheet with Intention
Retreats aren’t conferences.
You don’t need back-to-back keynotes and zero breathing room.
The way you design the days matters.
Not just what you teach—but when you teach it.
We were intentional about building in white space:
Time to rest, to think and to connect.
And it paid off—because some of the most powerful breakthroughs didn’t happen during workshops… they happened poolside over coconuts.
Now, we did make one mistake here:
With our Inner Circle group, we opened the final day with a super emotional breathwork session. It was powerful… but then we tried to dive into strategy right after.
And let me tell you—no one wants to map out their marketing funnel when they’ve just been sobbing on the floor.
So now we know: run sheet design isn’t just about content—it’s about energy flow.
Takeaway: Protect the white space. Design for energy, emotion, and integration.
2. You Don’t Need to Overprepare—They Just Want Proximity
Before the retreat, I kept thinking I needed to prep big, shiny presentations.
But when we got there, I realized: that’s not what this is about.
Our members weren’t looking for a keynote—they were looking for connection.
With me and with each other.
The most powerful moments came from the simplest sessions.
We asked, “What’s the constraint in your business right now?” and solved it.
We mapped out funnels on giant Post-its and gave a real-time feedback.
And we had deep convos over breakfast, dinner, coconuts by the pool.
They didn’t want polish. They wanted proximity.
Takeaway: Be present. Be accessible. That’s where the transformation happens.
3. Delegate (and Hire a Runner!)
Shoutout to our amazing event coordinator, Andrea Cross—she was incredible.
Having someone manage the logistics? Game changer.
But if we do Bali again, we’ll definitely hire a local runner next time.
Someone who knows the island, speaks Bahasa, can zip around on a scooter and grab whatever we need—groceries, smoothies, medicine, you name it.
There were a few times when we were stuck waiting on food or supplies, and a runner would’ve solved that in minutes.
Takeaway: Delegate early—and think about the on-the-ground support you’ll need to stay in flow.
4. Keep It Intimate
One of the best decisions we made?
We kept it small.
Every single person got time in the hot seat.
Every voice got heard.
No one got lost in the crowd.
And because it was such a close group, the connections were instant.
People left with new friendships, business breakthroughs, and a whole new level of confidence.
Takeaway: Start small. The intimacy is what makes it unforgettable.
5. Location Matters More Than You Think
Bali wasn’t just a pretty backdrop—it completely changed the energy of the retreat.
People felt relaxed. Present. Inspired.
It wasn’t just another business event. It was a reset.
The setting shaped the experience.
And the transformation started the moment they landed.
Takeaway: Choose a location that supports the transformation.
The right environment does half the work for you.
More Than a Retreat—A Reminder of What Matters
This retreat was honestly one of the highlights of my career.
Not because everything was perfect—but because the people were.
The energy. The conversations. The space to dream.
This is what freedom looks like—
Running a business that supports your life.
Taking time off without stress.
Having a community that actually gets you.
So if you’re dreaming of attending a retreat like this—or running your own one day—I hope this gave you a glimpse of what’s possible.
And if you were there in Bali with us?
I’m just so glad we got to share that experience together.
Here’s to more magic like that.
See you next time 💛
Review & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts
“I think My Business Playbook is the best thing since sliced bread.” – If that sounds like you, please subscribe to and review the show! (Or even if you think My Business Playbook is just the best thing since, I don’t know, sliced ham.)
Seriously though, your love and support enable me to create more podcasts, with more amazing guests who can teach you and me so, so much about business. (And it also makes me feel pretty good about myself…)
So click here, scroll to the bottom, give us a bucketload of stars, write a heartwarming review, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss a THING about business.

