Welcome to another episode of the Retreat Leaders Podcast, where today's guest, David Schafran, shares his unique journey from healthcare technology to founding Somo Loco, a company dedicated to dance immersions and retreats. Join us as we delve into how David transitioned to a more embodied practice and the crucial role of partnerships in growing a retreat business.

Episode Highlights:

• From Tech to Dance: David discusses his shift from running a tech company to embracing the transformative power of dance and embodied wisdom. He explores how integrating physicality with meditation and dance can deepen personal and communal wellness experiences.
• The Power of Partnerships: Learn how David leverages partnerships rather than just personal networks to spread the word about Somo Loco. He emphasizes the significance of collaborating with aligned individuals and entities to enhance the reach and impact of his dance retreats.
• Challenges of Scaling Retreats: David shares insights into the complexities of scaling a retreat business that operates immersions every week of the year. He talks about overcoming control issues, ensuring quality, and aligning with the right people to maintain the integrity of the retreat experience.
• Strategic Marketing for Retreat Leaders: Dive into effective marketing strategies that focus on partnerships and collaborations. David highlights a successful case of working with a UK blogger, which significantly boosted interest in his retreats. He also discusses the benefits of involving influencers and setting clear expectations for content creation.
• Soma Loco's Unique Offering: Discover more about Soma Loco's retreats, which feature dance immersions in vibrant styles hosted in captivating cities like Medellin and Barcelona. David explains how these locations enrich the retreat experience, making them unforgettable for participants.
• Building Sustainable Retreat Practices: Shannon and David discuss the importance of developing sustainable practices to prevent burnout among retreat leaders. They explore how focusing on broader business strategies rather than individual branding can lead to more effective and resilient operations.

Join Shannon Jamail and David Schafran as they uncover the magic of effective retreat marketing through powerful storytelling, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to community and personal transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned retreat leader or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you elevate your retreat business.

Stay tuned to learn how to incorporate these strategies into your own retreat offerings and ensure your operations are not just profitable but also profoundly impactful.

About David

David Schafran is a serial entrepreneur, innovator, dancer, and armchair philosopher with a passion for uplifting people.

 

David started his first company at 26 with a high profile MIT professor and billionaire famed Silicon Valley Investor. After burning out helping over 5 million people access eye care over 130 countries with novel eye testing technology, David went and danced salsa full time in Medellin, Colombia, a move that changed his life. 

He is now the founder of Somoloco, a dance and cultural immersion company based in Medellín, Colombia, where travelers experience the joy, connection, and energy of Latin dance and culture. 

David’s work has been highlighted by renowned investor Vinod Khosla, and his career reflects a commitment to blending innovation, human connection, and real-world impact. Whether launching cutting-edge tech, designing transformative travel experiences, or building community-centered solutions, David’s mission is to spark joy, connection, and resilience in every project he touches.

 

You can find him dancing in Medellín, building new ventures in NYC, or exploring what’s next at the intersection of culture, technology, and community.

Connect with David

somoloco.com 

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