Mastermind Circles 2022 Program is Up and Running

Written by Catherine Hollyman, IABC NSW, DIrector Member Experience

Over the years, member research has clearly indicated both a need and appetite for networking and professional development opportunities, specifically through peer-to-peer learning and the sharing of experiences with other communication practitioners. This has been specifically elevated during Covid-19 when many of our workplaces have become virtual or hybrid in nature, further driving the need for connection, support and shared expertise.

It was against this backdrop that, in 2021, the IABC NSW Chapter launched the pilot of our Member Mastermind Circles - a new initiative to enable individuals to network in their own time and advance their professional development, at their own pace, with peers at a similar career stage.

“​​I joined IABC Mastermind Circles over a year ago for the opportunity to network, collaborate, share ideas and experiences with like-minded communication experts,” says IABC NSW member, Lana Boardman, Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Optus. 

“I’ve absolutely loved my experience, leaving every session feeling supported and energized with new ideas and skills in my kit. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to share my communications and events learnings with the group knowing they can take them back to their role.” 

Lana’s comments echoed other pilot participants, with 93% rating the program as excellent, very good or good. Encouragingly, 80% expressed a desire to continue beyond the pilot, and 84% said they would recommend the Mastermind Circle mentoring program to other IABC NSW members.

Hearing that the program was enhancing the member experience, the IABC NSW Board announced our intention to cement the Mastermind Circles program as a permanent part of our Chapter value proposition. Our aim is to offer two intakes per year, one in February and the second in July/August.

Round 1 is already up and running. We received a total of 34 expressions of interest, a 36% increase on the pilot program. 41% of applicants were new to the program, reaffirming what the pilot had demonstrated: the initiative successfully addresses a core need amongst our members, enhancing their member experience. 

With that many participants, we’ve been able to create five Mastermind Circles, each with six or seven like-minded peers. Our goal is to provide a space for members to connect, expand their knowledge, solve their problems and leverage career opportunities with the input and experience-sharing from other Circle members. 

We asked current participants what they value about the Mastermind Circles program:

“I find Mastermind Circles peer-to-peer coaching groups to be a really valuable IABC initiative. We informally come together to discuss relevant topics, share experiences, insights, challenges, opportunities and ideas, and collectively learn from each other to support both  professional and personal development,” reflects Lee Tonitto, Managing Director, Tonitto and Partners.

Bethany England, Internal Communications Officer at University of Sydney, agrees: “The IABC Mastermind Circle is a fantastic forum for peer-to-peer learning. I've relished the opportunity to hear from a variety of comms professionals 'on the ground' about their experiences and how our industry is changing and evolving, through engaging, thought provoking and not-too-serious discussions.”

Round 2 intake launching soon

We’ll be accepting expressions of interest for Round 2 of the Mastermind Circles program from next month. If you’re a member of IABC NSW and looking to expand your network and develop your insights and experiences, keep an out for a message from your buddy or in June’s eDM which will have all the details. In the meantime, you can find out more about the initiative on the IABC NSW website.

“I would highly recommend joining a Mastermind Circle,” says Lucy Hose, Communications Manager, Procurement and Supply Chain Transformation, Procurement, HealthShare NSW. 

“It’s a fabulous, supportive and safe space to debate and discuss a whole array of topics from communications to leadership and everything in between. I’ve found it incredibly beneficial, especially meeting other comms professionals and sharing ideas and learnings. Definitely worth it from my point of view!”