What if the very moment you finally step into your “bigger” self, the promotion, the visibility, the dream client, the next level, then your mind suddenly whispers… “Go back.”

What if the success you prayed for feels so overwhelming, so unfamiliar, that you find yourself shrinking right when life is asking you to rise?

If you've ever felt that tug-of-war between expansion and retreat, this episode is going to change everything.

Today, we had a powerful conversation with Lori McDowell—retreat strategist, bestselling author, international speaker, and the brilliant founder behind Reimagine U Strategies. Lori has spent decades turning ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, helping leaders step into their fullest expression through transformational retreats around the world.

From navigating fear of success, to sustaining momentum once you reach your next level, to creating communities where women lift—rather than limit—each other… Lori shares wisdom that lands deeply, challenges your limits, and invites you into a life where you rise and bring others with you.

Get ready for mindset shifts, soul-level truths, and a new understanding of what it means to hold your greatness without shrinking.

This episode might just be the permission slip you've been waiting for. Tune in now.

✨ About the Guest ✨

Dr. Lori McDowell, Retreat Strategist, is an international speaker, best-selling author, and founder of Reimagine U Strategies. She is the creator of Done-For-You Transformational Retreats, helping business leaders scale impact, income and fun, by turning their vision into powerful, soul-aligned gatherings. Her mission is to turn the ordinary into extraordinary, building extraordinary lives and changing the world one gathering at a time.

Lori handles everything from venue sourcing and agenda design to logistics and on-site support, so her clients can focus fully on transformation and connection —without the stress or overwhelm of planning. With decades of experience in engineering, leadership, and event design, she brings a unique mix of strategy, creativity, and heart to each retreat she designs. A passionate believer in the ripple effect, Lori knows that when women and business leaders create intentional spaces, they don’t just serve their clients—they spark movements that can change the world.

📢 Important Links 📢

Connect with our Guest:

https://reimagineu.net/

https://www.instagram.com/lori.mcdowell.5/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimcdowell/ 

https://www.facebook.com/lori.mcdowell.5/ 

https://www.youtube.com/@drlorimcdowell 

Connect with Women Thrive Media:

Women Thrive Summit: https://womenthrivesummit.com/

Become a Guest on the Women Thrive Podcast: https://womenthrivemedia.com/podcasts

Women Thrive Book: https://womenthrivesummit.com/book/

Women Thrive Magazine: https://womenthrivemagazine.com/magazine/

➡️ Show Highlights

(00:00) Introduction

(03:22) The Power of Retreats

(08:20) Overcoming the Fear of Success

(16:20) The Crab Pot Theory and Abundance Mindset

(20:40) Managing the Retreat Hangover

(26:04) What's Next for Dr. Lori McDowell

(34:22) Conclusion and Gratitude

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/women-thrive/exclusive-content