The Challenge
An ExCo mentor was exploring ways to use leadership coaching for positive social change and found an opportunity to help several non-profit executive directors on Nantucket Island. In addition to providing them with coaching and development, The ExCo Group was able to establish a local network for the leaders’ continuous learning.
The ExCo Group Support
The ExCo Group designed a new, inter-organizational cohort to help develop these executive directors individually and collectively. The ExCo Group led comprehensive group sessions that allowed the mentor, as well as the directors in the group, to discuss and address the personal needs of each member. In addition, 1:1 mentoring was provided for each leader. The ExCo Group conducted in-depth interviews to ensure that the coaching targeted the needs of each director’s organization.
The Impact
- Each director was able to draw on the collective experience of the group, crowdsourcing solutions that they may not have been able to find on their own.
- The cohort was able to align and act as one, creating a model for collective procurement, fundraising, event planning, and resource management.
- Cohort members were able to refine their high-level organizational strategies and receive feedback from the cohort.
- Each leader’s personal network grew as local experts were brought in by the mentor to share their insights on a range of topics.
- Group discussion and tool-based coaching increased the self-awareness of each leader and enabled them to make necessary changes to better execute their strategies.
- Further, it allowed them to facilitate and sustain team cohesion, as well as engage in talent management more effectively.
The Outcome
Over the course of the yearlong cohort, the directors were able to combine their insights from the group sessions and 1:1 coaching to develop their leadership skills. As the group dynamics strengthened, they shifted their attention to their community—realizing that they could expand their influence by working together on community issues beyond the focus of their respective organizations. Similarly, at the end of the original timeline, they decided to continue working together.
Participant Feedback
Alicia Carney, Executive Director, The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation
Being part of a (this) nonprofit women executive cohort over the past two years has been transformative, offering a rare space to both give and receive unwavering support and feedback from peers who understand the unique challenges of leadership. The benefits of committing oneself to a circle of resilient, visionary leaders who truly understand the complexities and courage required to drive change cannot be underestimated. This experience has deepened my resolve to lead with authenticity and strength, while reinforcing the power of collaboration among women striving to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Jessica Castineiras, Executive Director, Nantucket Island Safe Harbor for Animals
“I truly value the friendships I have created over the last two years with my fellow nonprofit leaders. To know that we all face similar challenges is comforting, but what is more amazing is that everyone is ready and willing to support each other and collaboratively find solutions for the greater whole: our community.”
Anne Kuszpa, Executive Director, Housing Nantucket
“Participation in the Nantucket cohort of women nonprofit leaders over the past two years has been an invaluable experience revealing unexpected benefits, including the discovery of how surprising similarities in our personal backgrounds influence our professional lives, the value of sharing challenges within an intimate group, and the transformative power of receiving honest feedback, which ultimately results in better service to our community.”
Carlisle Jensen, Executive Director, The Egan Maritime Institute
“The ExCo Cohort, facilitated by Denice, has been extremely beneficial and rewarding. Throughout these sessions, I have gained a deeper understanding of leadership than I ever thought possible—much more than I could have learned from books or conferences. More importantly, our organizations have benefited from us having a safe, confidential space where we can brainstorm together, offer advice, and learn from one another. Ultimately, this allows us to have a more profound and substantial impact on our Island community.”
Joanna Roche, Executive Director, The Maria Mitchell Association
“Having a trusted and wise group of women who listen, provide counsel and celebrate each other is a rare gift and a testament to the legacy of female leadership on Nantucket. I am honored to be part of this, and treasure watching the work we do impact our community.”
Inter-Organizational Cohort Charter (Best Practices)
- Target 5-6 members, capped at 8.
- In-person attendance required for the first year; remote participation allowed for exceptional circumstances.
- Select a group with common experiences (i.e. Nantucket Women’s Cohort).
- Bring in local guest speakers with relevant expertise to extend the members’ networks.
- Establish clear ground rules to govern the group’s interactions, including rules about privacy.
- Consider broadening the participants’ remit to collective community action and leadership.