Coffee Chat #29 with Eric: When Business Leads to Personal Transformation

Sept. 16, 2025

This week, I share how a business discussion seven months ago led me to a transformative yoga retreat at an 800-year-old estate in Sintra, Portugal.

This episode is a bit longer because I sit down with two special guests and industry colleagues, Shawna Nichol, MBA and Todd Tomlin (from Memorii Journeys), the visionaries who turned last week’s trip into reality. 

Together, we chat about:

• How business connections can spark life-changing experiences that lead to personal transformation

• How experiential travel rewards with curated programming can level-up B2B incentive and loyalty programs

• The story behind creating a once-in-a-lifetime retreat in Portugal

It’s a reminder that business isn’t just about transactions — it’s about relationships, experiences, and the unexpected paths they open for us.

P.S. The photo montage at the end of the Coffee Chat encompasses both the full Sintra retreat itinerary and my front and back end time in Lisbon: The Moorish Castle, National Palace of Pena, Park and Palace of Monserrate, Quinta da Regaleira, Historic Sintra Center, the beach, and more. A quick thank you to the staff of Palácio Ludovice - Wine Experience Hotel and Santiago de Alfama - Boutique Hotel for warm, exquisite stays on the front and back end of the trip.

Till next week, Eric ☕️