Peer group circles are an extremely powerful format for reflection, supportive camaraderie, and building strength. It’s not like coaching, though similar insights can emerge. It’s not like friendship as we usually understand that, with its layers of intertwinement, loyalties and expectations, although a well-run circle can lead to mutual well-wishing that, as Toby says, borders on love. It is under-utilised social design in my opinion.

Toby Sawday runs a programme of peer group retreats for CEOs he calls “Campfire Circles”. I poke him a bit on the male-only requirement - not because I think mixed is always best, but because I am curious where it is that he thinks men can and need to go with other men, that they can’t when there are women in the room.

This was a fun conversation with an old friend, and I bet #Campfire is amazing, to the point I feel completely confident recommending it to anyone who is male, middle-aged (I think that requirement might be softened in the face of sufficient inner maturity :), and an acute or recovering CEO.

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