What is your area of expertise, who do you serve, and how do you serve them?

I am an award-winning entrepreneur and business consultant specializing in retreats. I help retreat planners and owners build profitable and transformational retreats by strategically planning each step of their vision and mission from conception to the optimization of their post-retreat revenue stream eliminating many costly mistakes and liabilities that take away from the joys and profits of their business.

Why would someone choose you over a competitor?

I have served thousands of clients since 2013.I have owned, operated and managed retreat properties for myself and others. My award-winning business organized, reserved and hosted retreats. I have consulted others on running their own retreats. The results for everyone were 4.5 to 5 star reviews from their guests throughout all those years.

This summer, my company RetreatBoss will be launching the most comprehensive certification course for any type of Retreat Planner from beginner to expert. It will teach you all the tips and tricks from pre-launch marketing, to pricing for profit and most importantly how to gain recurring revenue. It will provide you with all the templates and checklists needed to run a sold out retreat, including legal templates, retreat agendas and guides. RetreatBoss will also support its members post-certification with lead generation and problem-resolution.

Share a specific time you encountered an obstacle and describe how you overcame it.

In late 2012 I bought an Inn and converted it to a luxury addictions centre. Soon after I opened, I got very ill with stage-3 cancer. This diagnosis would not allow me to run this type of business. On my laptop in-between surgeries and treatment, I thought out-of-the-box and launched my retreat business. I built my website, launched my marketing and hired my staff while fighting the biggest battle of my life. This business I knew nothing about went on to win an award and has become my passion.

Share a short story about your best (or favorite) case study.

There’s nothing more beautiful than to witness a breakthrough during a retreat. There was a young lady who came in very closed and angry. I could feel her pain. During the first night of the retreat, I include in my program a Mastermind technique that gets to the core of each persons’ mindset blocks. This lady broke out of her cocoon that night and she had a mindset shift that turned her anger to acceptance and love for her journey and herself. A transformational experience that effected everyone who was present and helped transform each participant one by one within the 3-day retreat.

What advice would you give the “20-Year-Old-You” who’s eager to start in life?

When there’s passion and drive, you will succeed. Work with a mentor that does exactly what you want to do and gain the strategies and knowledge you need to succeed. Stay true to yourself and do not be influenced by what others are doing or saying.
Ask advice from experts, not people who have never done what you want to do. Do not have their limiting beliefs crush your vision.

Please describe a monumental time in your life that you’ll never forget.

When I had the launch party for my book Soul Shaker, it felt surreal. So many people showed up in support. The room was supercharged with so much positive energy. There were people I met for the first time and everyone in the room were so excited for me. Seeing the cover of my book and my picture in poster size everywhere and having people lining up for an autograph was a beautiful dream that came true. It was a humbling experience I will never forget.

List the direct links/URL to your social media profiles so people can follow you:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinekontos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retreatboss
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retreat_boss