Discover the ecosystem of support you’ve been waiting for
LEAN ON & LEARN FROM LEADERS LIKE YOU
Join our 10-week online peer coaching program for women in conservation, environment and climate spaces
who are ready to step into their full potential as courageous, inclusive leaders. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are in your leadership journey, whether an emerging leader ready to make your mark or a mid-level leader looking to grow your impact.
Program dates for emerging leaders
Tuesdays, September 15- November 17, 12:00-1:30 PM Eastern Time (USA / Canada)
Program dates for mid-level leaders
Thursdays, September 17 – November 19, 12:00-1:30 PM Eastern Time (USA / Canada)
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Peer pods are for you if you have ever found yourself thinking or feeling:
- “I struggle with confidence, and it’s holding me back from sharing my ideas and leading the change I want to see in the world.”
- “I feel overwhelmed and in reactive mode most of the time. How do I focus my time and energy to increase my impact?”
- “Conservation work can feel lonely and dispiriting. I wish I had more support sometimes.”
- “I am ready to make my mark, but I am not sure where to start or what steps to take.”
- “I want to learn how to be a more inclusive, inspiring leader, and work through issues that keep coming up for me.”
- “I put all of me into my work; how do I protect myself and my team from burnout?”
- “Everyone’s story is unique, so how do I tell mine in my own voice?”
If any of this rings true for you, you’re not alone. Many women struggle with feelings of self-doubt, and sometimes you just need talk things out in a safe space to get clarity and perspective on the things that are holding you back. We’ve all been there. No judgment.
Welcome to the pod
You don’t have to go it alone. Belonging to a community of kindred spirits is a balm for turbulent times. Peer pods are all about propelling and sustaining your personal and professional growth, guided by the values and vision of a resilient and just world, and supported by an active, inspiring and diverse group of women. Led by an experienced coach, you and five fellow leaders will gather in a safe and supportive space to gain self-knowledge, build resilience through community, work through challenges, and reach past your comfort zone to get to clarity and growth.
What is a peer pod?
Peer Pods are small groups of diverse leaders who meet regularly to connect, ask questions, get feedback, share common experiences, exchange ideas and hold each other accountable. The facilitator holds the space, drawing out the energy, support and wisdom of the group, helping participants to grow personally and to form a robust learning community. Preview program agenda.
“Perhaps most exciting is the prospect that peer coaching can significantly support leaders and leadership development in a variety of settings. Leaders will experience transformational learning as they build new relationships that lead to mutual learning and development and experience the benefits related to sustainable change.” – The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science
Who should join?
Emerging leaders making the switch (or looking to) from individual contributor to leader who must now achieve results through others, give effective feedback, delegate well, and coach.
Mid-career leaders balancing the demands from above and at the same time, who want to become big thinkers, influencers, communicators and self-aware, agile learners.
How does it work?
We start with a 360o assessment to gain insights into yourself as a leader, and help define your goals for the pod. Pods meet virtually (we use Zoom) for 90 minutes on a weekly basis over 10 consecutive weeks in an ecosystem of safety, exploration and accountability. Participants take on the roles of listener, helper and accountability buddy at different points throughout the program. Each session involves a mix of self-inquiry exercises, guided explorations, intentional time for reflection, and dedicated ‘deep dive’ time for each member to bring a pressing issue or challenge to the group for problem-solving. A 30-minute coaching session helps you define your personal leadership goals for your deep dive.
In between weekly sessions, members are supported via a private community forum where they can connect and share information, as well as online resources (readings, books, videos) for their leadership journey. To get the most out of your pod, we recommend setting aside 20-30 minutes before each meeting to prepare notes, questions, and share advice with your peers.
Why should I join a pod?
Belonging to an active, supportive and diverse group helps women achieve their goals and aspirations (backed by research). Pods offer a safe, immersive space to learn from your peers, grow your network, enhance your confidence, and build your resilience. You will:
- Uncover self-knowledge about your leadership style, strengths and opportunities for growth.
- Identify and work on your key leadership goals and challenges.
- Enhance leadership capabilities and a growth mindset to achieve your goals and greater conservation outcomes.
- Build resilience through connection, enhanced confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
- Gain a community of like-missioned allies outside of your current network.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
Making the Ask
Download our template to request funding support from your organization to participate in a Peer Pod.
Sponsor a Leader
Women deserve the opportunity to be the best leaders they can be, and take their place at the table where the decisions about conservation get made. Peer pods are a powerful mix of coaching and community that gives women the confidence, connections and clarity they need to stake out a leadership vision and craft an action plan for making it happen. Ready to help change a life? Sponsor a leader here.
Still have questions? See our FAQ below.
What does the peer pod program offer?
- 360o leadership assessment
- 15 hours of facilitated peer coaching / social learning
- 30-minute one-on-one coaching session to identify your leadership goals
- 90-minute “Deep Dive” session entirely devoted to your leadership or career challenge
- Preparation content, guided self-inquiry and reflection practices
- Opportunities to speak and receive valuable feedback
- Private online community to connect with peers between sessions
How much does it cost to join a pod?
The 10-week program costs $699, and includes a 360o leadership assessment, 15 hours of peer learning time, led by trained and experienced coaches and facilitators. There’s also a 30-minute coaching session to define your personal leadership goals, a 90-minute deep dive, check in time, and follow up conversation and sharing information in a private community forum. Pod members are further supported by a curated set of online resources.
Who will be in my pod?
Group participants are selected to include a balanced mix of roles and backgrounds, allowing participants to tap into diverse perspectives, experiences and approaches to problem solving during the sessions. We also take into account geography and different time zones.
What’s my commitment?
All pod members are required to complete the leadership assessment and attend a 90-minute kickoff video call, followed by weekly video calls of 1.5 hours over 9 consecutive weeks. You should also set aside about 20-30 minutes during the week to review materials, worksheets, prepare questions for each session, share resources or connect. In between pod sessions, members stay in touch and work together on their challenges and deep dives via our private online community forum. Once you join, we strongly encourage you to participate in all the calls and the community to get the most out of the experience, and to support your peers as well.
Who coordinates and facilitates the sessions?
Peer pods are scheduled and facilitated by our professionally-trained facilitators and executive coaches.
What happens if I can’t make it to every meeting?
Your full commitment is important for the pod to offer the greatest value for all members. We ask that you commit to and make it a priority to show up, be engaged and support the group on weekly calls, and interact in the community in between calls – this is where a lot of the co-work is done. We know that emergencies and scheduling conflicts happen from time to time. However, if you miss more than two sessions, you may be asked to leave the group.
Do virtual meetings actually work?
Join in the conversation from anywhere. Meeting virtually makes it easy to connect for group conversations, even when you’re on the go. You can access the session on your laptop, desktop, cell phone, or tablet, making it easy to participate.
The place between your comfort zone and your dream is where life takes place. – Helen Keller
