Executive Cohort program turns 1 year old — join the network of executives working on sustainable, equitable, connected cities

Over the last year, 166 executives from 7 countries, representing 24 US States and 3 Canadian Provinces, participated in the Executive Cohort program, forming 17 cohorts for a total of 97 cohort sessions. 77% of these participants requested to return for a second cohort at the conclusion of their program. 97% said the program met or exceeded their expections. And 88% of them said they would recommend the program to a colleague. Here are more statistics on this year's participants (click to see larger):

Each Executive Cohort pairs together 10 executives working on the future of resilient, sustainable and equitable cities for 6 weeks of facilitated, small-group discussions. 

Why should you participate in this program? Here are 5 reasons. 

1) Attempts to reopen in-person events have had mixed results

The first year of this pandemic was marked by an enthusiasm (at first) and acceptance (later) of virtual events. As the vaccines rolled out, our appetites for these virtual events waned, and we all eagerly awaited the return of in-person events.

Then Delta happened. And while some in-person events are still happening, they are not yet like they were, and we're in a tough place. Passive, day-long Zoom events are untenable, but business travel and in-person meetings are still unreliable. It's time to try something new.

Executive Cohorts are not a virtual event, and they are not a passive Zoom meeting. These are facilitated, small-group discussions with like-minded peers. You'll meet once-a-week for 60-90 minute sessions, and you'll have opportunities to connect asynchronously one-on-one or as a group over email or through our private, custom-built social network. You'll meet peers and potential collaborators, you'll discuss your organizational and strategic challenges, give/get advice, and debate the path forward. You'll understand why you were paired with your fellow cohort participants, you'll see the synergies between your work, and you'll stay connected afterwards.

This is still a very challenging time for policymakers and leaders and also, still, a very isolating time. Cohort sessions follow Chatham House Rules so we can truly share with each other how we increase our impact to tackle the big challenges of our times: climate change, a global racial reckoning, a pandemic and increasing economic inequality.

2) An historic moment

We are, by any metric, living and working through unprecedented times. Politics, news sources, and even the social commons have been fragmented and siloed. It is harder than ever to break out of our bubbles, meet new people, and avoid group think about the challenges facing our communities and society. The Executive Cohort program assists you in vetting and connecting with peers working on mission-driven, high-impact work that is relevant and inspiring to you personally and professionally.

3) Pivotal decisions are on the horizon 

Billions of dollars in infrastructure funding is expected to arrive in the coming months, and the decisions made over the next few years will be discussed in history books for generations. This is a pivotal moment for city, county, state, and community decision makers and solution providers. Yet, the frameworks of innovation and knowledge exchange that were so well established before COVID have vanished, just when we need them the most. The Executive Cohort program format is a solution to this vexing problem. It is a path forward that will provide you with a sounding board for your future decisions, and a network to lean on.

4) Access to a worldwide network of alumni 

Following the end of your Cohort program, you'll have access to the worldwide network of Executive Cohort alumni and alumni-only events. For example, later today we'll convene a small group of 14 alumni to unpack and discuss the federal infrastructure bill with current and former municipal and transportation officials. This will be a facilitated, participatory, online workshop only available to the alumni of the Executive Cohort program.

5) A private social network 

We've custom-built a private social network for all participants of the Executive Cohort program. You'll be able to connect with the others in your Cohort, share files, discuss articles, and message each other through a dedicated platform. Your membership in this platform will not end at the conclusion of your Cohort - you'll be added to the Executive Cohort Alumni group, where you can connect and discuss with a larger group of your peers for years to come.

The application process 

We know that the Executive Cohort program is a new format, and new formats can be confusing, or difficult to sell internally. We've laid out the basics of the program on our website, and filling out an application is not a final commitment to join. Once your application is approved, you'll be asked to choose a time to meet with me for a quick, 30-minute video call. I'll tell you more about the program, answer your questions, ask you more about your work, and what you'd be looking for in an Executive Cohort. Then I'll match you with nine other individuals that I think you'd benefit from meeting, and I'll ask all ten of you to form a cohort. You'll see the nine others invited to your Executive Cohort, and you can decide at that time if this is the right match for you. If the timing is not right, or you think the group is not the right match for you, we'll try again.

Once you are ready to commit to an Executive Cohort, you'll be asked to fill out an onboarding form where we'll collect your bio, your headshot, and ask you about important work you're doing and interesting things you've recently read. You'll have a chance to pay for your participation fee on that form, or ask that an invoice be emailed to you. We'll use the information you provide on your onboarding form throughout the Executive Cohort program, to help connect you to others and to highlight your achievements and contributions.

It all starts, though, with filling out an application, which I encourage you to do today.

New Executive Cohorts start every 6 weeks. Executive Cohorts starting in September are full, and October will soon be full. If you are interested in participating in this unique program, please fill out an application today.