The answer lives in this podcast
What format are Shari Leid's women's retreats, and who should attend?
Shari Leid runs women-only, three-day retreats capped at a maximum of 10 women, held twice per year. The retreats are designed for women ready to build a deeper connection to themselves, their careers, and their community — in that specific order — using her FLIP framework.
Intimate scale, intentional design
The cap of 10 participants is deliberate. Shari Leid has chosen to keep her retreats small to ensure every woman receives meaningful attention and can experience genuine connection within the group. This intimate format allows for the depth of work that her FLIP framework requires — moving beyond surface-level networking to real, lasting bonds.
As explained in the episode, the retreat structure spans three full days, giving participants time to move through the framework and practice the skills with fellow attendees. The twice-yearly schedule also reflects a sustainable business model that balances impact with consistency.
Who these retreats are for
Shari Leid's retreats are explicitly designed for women at a specific stage of readiness. They're not for everyone — they're for women who are genuinely committed to deepening three areas of their lives simultaneously: first, their connection to themselves; second, to their career trajectory; and third, to their broader community.
This intentional targeting means the women who attend arrive with a growth mindset. They're not looking for a spa weekend; they're looking for transformation. The FLIP framework, which Shari discusses in detail on the podcast, provides the structured methodology to achieve that transformation during those three days.
"A lot of us have a good life, but if we don't feel connected, we're letting that good life stop us from a great life."
Shari Leid — Attorney, author, speaker, and retreat leader. Shari built a portfolio career spanning writing, media contributions, and speaking before adding retreats. Her work is rooted in a personal journey of connection and belonging, inspired by her own story of being orphaned and found in a cardboard box with no identifying information. In 2023, she traveled across the United States sharing meals with a female stranger in every state, an experience that directly shaped the FLIP framework now central to her retreat offerings.
Key takeaways
- Shari Leid's retreats are women-only, three-day experiences held twice per year with a maximum capacity of 10 participants.
- The target audience is women ready to deepen their connection to themselves, their careers, and their community simultaneously.
- The small group size and structured three-day format allow for meaningful transformation work using the FLIP framework.
- Retreats attract participants with a clear growth mindset, not casual seekers of relaxation, but serious practitioners of human connection.
See also
What is Shari Leid's FLIP framework and how did it originate?
FLIP stands for a four-step formula designed to help people connect with anyone in under 60 seconds. It originated in 2023 when Shari traveled across the U.S. and shared meals with female strangers in every state.
Why did Shari Leid decide to add retreats to her speaking business?
Shari Leid explained that the speaking business can be unpredictable, with fluctuating lean and flush months, and she wanted more steadiness as a solo entrepreneur.
What is Shannon Jamal's personal example of overcoming objections to attend a retreat?
Shannon Jamal shares that over a year ago, her friend Erin invited her to teach at a retreat in France, and despite significant objections — travel, time away, cost — she went and it transformed her perspective on retreat experiences.