Founded by NAWBO-SFBA in 2005, the Leaders’ Circle was first launched in San Francisco in January 2006 and is now in its fourth year. This innovative program, designed specifically for women business owners with revenues over $2M, provides facilitated half-day monthly meetings throughout the year.

The program offers confidential peer-to-peer support in a non-competitive, collaborative environment that helps accelerate members’ business growth and success while building leadership skills and competence. Program topics include discussions about leadership styles; negotiations with clients/customers; selecting, hiring and building strong management teams; dealing with feedback and conflict; and succession planning. Subject matter experts are sometimes invited to speak to the group on topics of shared interest such as business valuation, exit strategy, assessment tools for selecting key personnel, etc.

Facilitated by Mary Janaitis and Gussie Stewart of MSJ Consulting, members of Leaders’ Circle are expected to develop and share, challenge and troubleshoot each other’s strategic plans and report accomplishments throughout the year as they strive to “work on, not in” their businesses. Several of the current Leaders’ Circle members have credited their survival during the economic crunch of 2009/2010 to the support and guidance they received from their participation in the Leaders’ Circle program.

Members say this about their experience in Leaders’ Circle:

• I cannot give a dollar value; however I have learned how to operate in such a way as to not incur expenses caused by improper approaches to addressing business problems – including layoffs, restructuring, best HR practices.
  
• I feel the group is very supportive and free with opinions, and willing to help on any issue – it does not pass judgment.
• As a result of being in Leaders’ Circle, I’m a much better leader: focused on building team, inspiring, engaging, training, and coaching. I have a clearer business vision: setting longer term goals; aligning personal and business goals. And I’m always focused on turning problems into opportunities.
  
• It is an inspiration to meet other women who have been through many of the same experiences, some of which are unique to women entrepreneurs.  I believe that women are more likely than men to acknowledge their mistakes and talk about how to resolve solutions without allowing ego to overwhelm us.  That mindset allows for constructive conversations.

Brochure

NAWBO-SFBA and NAWBO-SV chapters are actively considering ways to collaborate in order to expand the Leaders’ Circle program so that it benefits more women business owners in this region.

Prospective members may obtain details from NAWBO-SFBA’s Administrator, or from Mary Janaitis. Candidates are briefed on the program design, interviewed to determine their needs and expectations, and invited to join a circle provided their business expectations are a good match for the program, and they are not a direct competitor of an existing Leaders’ Circle member.