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Business Leader Forum - A Personal Board of Advisors for Your Life

Match with a group of leaders who regularly meet to discuss the challenges of running a business.

The Center for Private Business facilitates 22 Forum groups in the Triad, Triangle and Charlotte area with over 130+ local business leaders in our peer groups.

Watch a Deep Dive Into Forum

Get a taste for Forum in this comprehensive video that showcases Forum success principles, Forum members and the value behind joining a Forum Group.

See more with the “Taste of Forum” video from 2020.

Still have questions? Reach out to our team.

The Forum Experience

Those new to Forum, think of it as a place where one can discuss significant business challenges with a group of peers in a confidential, and nonjudgmental environment.

Over time, as bonds deepen and trust grows, Forum becomes something more. Many refer to their Forum group as their personal Board of Directors for their life.

Forum becomes a place where one can discuss any issue, and have absolute confidence that the only agenda of those present is to be of great service.

Time at Forum is split addressing matters in four areas: Business, Family and Friends, Personal Health, and Pressing Matters.

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Joining a Forum group is like having a personal Board of Directors for your life, your company and your team.

Business

Family and Friends

Personal Health

Pressing Matters

Forum Focuses Discussion Around

Business

Sample Discussion Topics

  • "I’m really struggling to develop a key leader I just promoted, how can I help them?"
  • "I am considering a vertical acquisition and I want to hear your feedback on the numbers."
  • "I’ve invested heavily into marketing, but I’m struggling to identify my ROI."

Family and Friends

Sample Discussion Topics

  • "I don’t feel like I’ve been an intentional parent this month. What are some ideas on how to spend one-on-one time with my children?"
  • "A good friend of mine just lost a parent. How can I best support them?"
  • "I haven’t spoken with my sibling in months after a falling out and I fall asleep worrying about them."

Personal Health

Sample Discussion Topics

  • "I am really struggling to carve out consistent time to exercise even though I know it will improve my mental and physical health."
  • "Is there is a better way to build routine into my evening so that I can prioritize sleep?"
  • "I recently finished an incredible book that has really inspired me! Here is what I’ve learned."

Pressing Matters

Sample Discussion Topics

  • "My insurance premiums have gone up 25% this quarter alone and I’m worried about cash flow. What can I do?"
  • "We have exceeded our revenue goals this year by 150% and I can’t keep up with the demand with my current staffing model."
  • "I am heavily invested in a single supplier in Asia that is backlogged by six months. How can I best handle this?"

“The Center for Private Business is an incredible resource for anyone in a leadership position at their organization. My Forum group has been invaluable. I am able to have an open dialogue, without the risk of judgement, and learn from many who have or are currently walking the same path.”

John Reid Sidebotham
President, Spyglass Talent Solutions

“The invaluable resources and access to transformative programs like Forum have fueled our personal and organizational growth in ways that are truly remarkable. Over the eight years the D.H. Griffin Companies has been a Member of the Center, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that collaboration, connections, and community can create.”

Deven Griffin Murrell
Internal Operations & Real Estate, D.H. Griffin Companies

Forum Fast Facts

Time Commitment

Forum groups meet monthly in-person for 4-5 hours and each group participates in an annual 2-day retreat.

Cost

$1,500 annually for membership to The Center and a one-time $1,500 initiation fee to join Forum.

Average Forum Size

6-10 individuals in ownership or leadership positions within their company.

Locations

Each Forum is comprised of business leaders across the state of North Carolina.

The Placement Process

Matched so that each group has a diverse blend of experiences, viewpoints and industries.

100% Confidential

Forum members take a vow of confidentiality to keep each meeting a safe, judgment-free zone.

Peer Moderated

Members rotate shared leadership roles following a self-facilitated, programmatic meeting format.

Non-Solicitation Policy

Selling and self-promotion is prohibited within groups to keep motivations pure.

Who should join a Forum group?

Forum members are committed to internal growth. If you join a Forum group, you’re required to get out of your comfort zone. Work on your leadership muscles. Address your business baggage.

There are no rules or stipulations on how many years you need to have been an owner or leader, how large of a company you have, or how much revenue your company makes.

Forum members include:

  • Business Owners
  • Multi-Generation Business Owners
  • Business Leaders
  • Next-Generation Leaders
  • Transitional Leaders

Sample 4 Hour Agenda

Forum meetings follow a highly structured, timed format. This format allows for all participants to reflect, engage and contribute equally without the fear of talking-over or sitting-back. Preview an example of a 4 Hour meeting.

Learn More

Annual Retreat

All Forum groups participate in a 2-day annual retreat at the Truist Leadership Institute. The retreat allows for deep dives into areas of challenge and growth for your business and pressing matters.

Learn More

The Opportunity Fund

The Center offers an Opportunity Fund for Underresourced Owners. Take a look at who is eligible to apply, and how your orientation fee for Forum could be covered along with your first year of membership to the Center.

Learn More

Lela Newell Ray

Associate Executive Director

Lela manages logistics for the Business Leader Forum program, as well as other operational needs of the Center.

Email Lela