Circle Activation Case Study | Women’s Mastermind Group
In January 2023, I initiated a pilot Mastermind Group Coaching Cohort as a complementary offering to the 1:1 coaching sessions I conducted throughout the fall of 2022. Recognizing a shift away from the traditional "guru model" of teaching, I observed a growing desire for more intimate and curated communities that fostered positive, reciprocal relationships. This led me to explore a structure that could resonate with a group of values-aligned individuals with whom I had previously engaged in coaching.
Discover: In the fall of 2022, I conducted interviews with 10 mid-career professionals who embodied the profile of individuals I aimed to support. These individuals, typically driven, impact-focused, and culturally diverse, expressed a desire for greater balance as they reached mid-life. Themes such as direction, authenticity, and community emerged consistently. While many were open to 1:1 coaching, there was also a clear inclination towards group support, where they could connect with peers facing similar challenges.
Design: Drawing insights from these interviews, I crafted a six-week pilot mastermind group in the winter of 2023, tailored to "entrepreneurially-minded, spiritually curious, heart-centered, and globally conscious individuals." The primary aim of this container was to provide a supportive environment conducive to accountability, thought partnership, and momentum. An informational session was held to gather feedback on key components such as format, frequency, and ground rules, ensuring the design aligned with participants' preferences and needs.
Deliver: Throughout the sessions, we maintained a balance between a consistent structure while also including diversity of content and focus. Each session commenced with a meditation or grounding exercise, fostering a sense of connection and presence. Additionally, we incorporated a "Show & Tell" segment where participants practiced teaching or sharing insights on topics of interest, such as developing healthy habits or honing intuition. To foster familiarity among group members, we implemented a rotating question format, allowing each member to share an inquiry of genuine interest. Continuous feedback loops enabled us to adapt and refine the experience, leading to adjustments such as extending session duration from 60 to 90 minutes to accommodate deeper discussions.
Debrief: After our 6 week pilot, I conducted 1:1 discussions as well as a survey to collect key input from participants. Some of the key benefits that group members shared gaining included: increased confidence, accountability, connection, support, and inspiration. Key adaptations that were suggested included meeting every other week, rather than every week, to allow for time for integration and diving into the resources shared. It was also suggested that the length of the “program” be extended from 6 weeks to at least 8 weeks, possibly 12, to offer an extended container.
Participant Testimonial: I am at a point in my life where so many of my human interactions are work-related and feel dependent on what I can do or produce for someone else, it was so renewing to just be with interesting, value-driven humans once a week. Just to see and be seen, and hear and be heard is a gift. Throughout the duration of our mastermind group, I felt so much human connection and fellowship with the other women in the group. Having a time on my calendar every week where I knew I didn't have to be "on" and could just connect with others and be inspired by them and share my experiences, in turn, was really lovely and so good for my mindset and my soul. I enjoyed the pace and structure of this a lot more than traditional "networking" or peer support groups -- it felt more authentic, like something I *got* to do each week, as opposed to something I felt I *should* do. Elizabeth's facilitation and leadership really resonated with me and provided gentle guidance while still remaining fluid and open to letting our time together unfold organically when needed. By the end of this course, I felt a notable different in my own mindset and the momentum I felt in other areas of my life, which I attribute to the simple magic of regular human connection, and the chance to authentically express myself with people who were willing to see me as the person I'm trying to become.
