Creating a Peer Advisory Board or Mastermind Group


The strongest leaders don’t grow alone. They surround themselves with sharp thinkers who challenge assumptions, expand perspective, and hold them accountable to bold action. A well-designed mastermind group creates space for strategic clarity, courageous conversations, and consistent forward movement.

Why a Mastermind?

A well-designed peer advisory board accelerates clarity, courage, and accountability. The right group helps you:

· Sharpen strategic thinking

· Stress-test decisions before they go live

· Expand perspective beyond your industry

· Increase accountability and follow-through

· Reduce isolation at senior levels

Best Practices for High-Impact Mastermind Groups

1. Curate Intentionally

Ideal size: 3–8 members (small enough for depth, large enough for diverse perspective)

Similar ambition level; diverse industries

Shared values: confidentiality, growth mindset, generosity

Avoid direct competitors if transparency is essential

2. Establish a Clear Purpose

Define your collective focus (revenue growth, leadership development, succession planning, scaling impact, or personal alignment).

Create a shared 12-month outcome statement.

3. Create a Strong Structure

Recommended Format:

1. Opening Wins & Updates (10–15 min)

2. Spotlight Member #1 (20–25 min)

3. Spotlight Member #2 (20–25 min)

4. Commitments & Takeaways (5–10 min)

Rotate spotlight seats each meeting.

4. Decide Meeting Rhythm

· Monthly (most common)

· Bi-weekly (during growth sprints)

· Quarterly in-person retreat + monthly virtual check-ins

Consistency builds trust.

5. Build in Accountability

Each member ends with 1–3 measurable commitments, a timeline, and a peer accountability partner between meetings.

Track commitments visibly.

6. Incorporate Depth Work

· Strategy & Vision

· Talent & Bench Strength

· Financial Health

· Culture & Engagement

· Personal Energy & Sustainability

Sample Annual Roadmap

Quarter 1: Vision, metrics, strategic priorities

Quarter 2: Execution systems & leadership bench

Quarter 3: Innovation & expansion

Quarter 4: Reflection, lessons learned, recalibration

Powerful Questions to Use in Sessions

· What decision are you avoiding?

· What would bold look like here?

· What’s the real constraint?

· If this were easy, what would you do?

· What are you not seeing because you’re too close to it?

Final Thought

The strength of a mastermind is not in advice — it’s in perspective, courage, and accountability. Curate wisely. Show up fully. Play long-term. Growth happens faster in rooms where trust is high and expectations are clear.

MORE BLOG POSTS

Storytelling and Leadership

Years ago a colleague invited me to give a lecture on leadership to police officers who were on their way to become senior members of their departments, part of a …

READ MORE
Punching Your Ticket. Are you seizing opportunities?

I laughed when I googled the meaning of punching your ticket. It came as a surprise. In slang, it means, you’re a stiff. Dead. Passed on. Entered the Pearly Gates. …

READ MORE

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE
to our Leadership Library?