Friendship is part of it, but it’s mutual forward motion that transforms a group.
The shared journey and mutual respect of a cohort can change the arc of our work and our lives. When we’re in sync, we can find the courage to build something important.
Fifteen years ago, I ran a three-day seminar in my office for about 12 women. The FeMBA cohort took a life of its own, and last week I was lucky enough to join them for their reunion. My role in this cohort was tiny–I was simply there at the beginning.
Entrepreneurship isn’t about building a giant company that makes money. Instead, it’s the attitude of solving problems, creating leverage and building something bigger than ones self. When people are enrolled in this journey, they’re open to possibility and optimism.
The internet has put millions of people a single click away from each of us, but too often, it simply confuses us with the endless blur of ‘next’. When we take the time to commit, it turns out that there are people right here, right now, eager to connect and join us on our journey.
I’m going to do another FeMBA session in December, joined by Jessica Quinn, one of the original members of the cohort. If you’d like to apply, all the details are right here. The event is free, and lunch is provided as well. It’s in person, in my office, December 2, 3 and 4. We’re looking for people who are early in their journey who have already shown a commitment to making a difference and leading.
Of course, you don’t need to apply to be part of cohort. You can simply start your own.