Questions
Questions you might have
What is a peer group for business owners?
A small group of business owners who meet regularly to work through real problems in their businesses together. At Leaders' Lab, that's one circle of 20 to 25 owners, meeting in person every week in Ahmedabad.
Who can join?
Anyone who owns a business, at any stage and of any size. That includes co-founders and people who run a business alongside a job. Someone about to start a business can join too, as long as they aren't employed.
I'm employed but planning to start a business. Can I join?
Not yet. Members bring problems from their own businesses, so you'd have nothing to bring to the circle. You're welcome to apply once you've started. In the meantime you can cover a fellow founder's costs, or mentor if you're a senior business leader.
How much time does it take each week?
Two and a half hours. Each session is two hours of work, followed by a 30-minute tea.
Where and when do sessions happen?
Once a week, in person, in Ahmedabad.
How long is membership?
A calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December. Every member's year is the same, whenever they joined.
What happens in a session?
A facilitator opens with a distinction: a new way of seeing a situation every business owner meets. Members then apply it to real problems in their own businesses, and find new perspectives on them. They share what happened to them when they faced something similar, rather than telling each other what to do.
Is what I share kept confidential?
Yes. What's said in the circle remains in the circle. Every member agrees to that on joining, and every guest agrees to it for the session they sit in on.
How is the Lab different from a networking group?
Nobody sells in the circle. Members bring problems from their own businesses and share what happened to them when they faced something similar. Business between members does happen, but it's a side effect: the Lab doesn't measure itself by the deals its members do.
Can I do business with other members?
It happens, but not in the circle, where nobody pitches. Business between members is a side effect, not the goal: unlike many business networks, the Lab doesn't measure itself by the deals its members do.
What does my investment cover?
Only the real costs of running the Lab: the venue, materials, stationery and logistics. Nothing is added on top, and nobody profits. Once you're a member, you can ask to see the Lab's financials.
What if I can't cover the costs myself?
Tell us when you apply. Members and friends of the Lab can cover a fellow founder's costs, so that money is never the reason someone misses out.
I'm an experienced employee. Can I help?
Yes. If you're a senior business leader, you can mentor: we screen every mentor first, then pair you with a member's business that suits your experience. Anyone can cover a fellow founder's costs. Membership itself is for business owners.
Can I see a session before I apply?
Yes. You can sit in on one session as a guest. Guests agree to the circle rules for that session.
Will I have a business coach?
Yes. Every member is paired with a coach, who works with you on leading as your business grows: making decisions, hiring, communicating and leading through uncertainty. Coaching is part of membership; the Lab doesn't offer it on its own.
What business resources do members get?
Toolkits, templates and expert-led sessions on finance, legal, marketing, fundraising and operations. Members can also have one-to-one time with an expert on a problem in their own business: the kind of help a management consultant gives. All of it is part of membership.
Can I join after the year has started?
Yes. Your investment covers only the months that remain, and a bridge session, usually with a small group of other new joiners, prepares you for the circle. Your membership ends on 31 December with everyone else's.
How soon will I hear back after applying?
Within two working days.