Seek Advice
"I have an upcoming difficult conversation with my manager. How would you approach it?"
Peer Mentor Groups
Structured support, accountability, and collaborative space to advance your thinking and leadership practice within the Women’s Leadership Program and beyond.
What is a Peer Mentor Group?
Peer Mentor Groups are small groups of WLP participants who meet throughout the program to support one another's growth, learning, and leadership development. Unlike traditional mentoring relationships, Peer Mentor Groups operate as a circle of mutual support where every participant serves as both a mentor and a learner. These groups create a trusted space to discuss challenges, share experiences, exchange ideas, and hold one another accountable for personal and professional growth.
Use Cases
Test Ideas
"I'm considering a career transition. What questions should I be asking myself?"
Gain Perspective
"How would someone outside my industry view this challenge?"
Build Accountability
"My goal is to be more intentional about networking. Can you help keep me accountable?
Support the Individual Action Project (IAP)
- Brainstorm ideas
- Refine project scope
- Troubleshoot barriers
- Practice presentations
- Gather feedback
Celebrate Wins
Share promotions, milestones, successful projects, and moments of growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the groups formed?
Peer Mentor Groups are intentionally curated by the Chamber's Learning & Development team.
Groups are typically formed using information gathered through:
- Program applications
- Career stage
- Industry and sector representation
- Functional expertise
- Leadership experience
- Development goals and areas of interest
The goal is to create diverse groups that maximize learning by bringing together women with different perspectives, experiences, and strengths.
Whenever possible, groups are designed to include participants from different organizations, industries, generations, and career levels.
How often do I meet with my group?
Peer Mentor Groups are self-managed. While groups are free to establish a schedule that works best for them, we recommend:
Minimum: Meet once every 4 to 6 weeks.
Ideal: Meet monthly for 60 to 90 minutes.
Additional meetings, coffee chats, virtual check-ins, or text threads are strongly encouraged as needed. Many participants find the greatest value comes from staying connected between formal program sessions.
What is the suggested meeting structure?
Many groups find the following format helpful:
- Personal and professional wins (10 minutes)
- Round-robin leadership challenges (30-40 minutes)
- IAP/project updates (15-20 minutes)
- Commitments before the next meeting (5 minutes)
Why does the Chamber believe in Peer Mentor Groups?
Some of the most valuable learning in WLP happens between sessions. Your Peer Mentor Group provides a trusted circle of women who can challenge your thinking, support your growth, and remind you that leadership does not have to be a solo journey.
The relationships built in these groups often become some of the most enduring connections participants take away from the program.
Group Norms & Expectations
To create a productive and supportive experience, we encourage all groups to adopt the following norms or community guidelines:
Confidentiality
What's shared in the group stays in the group. Participants should not share personal stories, workplace challenges, or sensitive discussions outside the group without permission.
Accountability
Support one another in turning insight into action. Follow up on commitments and celebrate progress along the way.
Participation
Everyone contributes. Members are expected to attend meetings when possible, come prepared, and actively participate in discussions.
Curiosity Over Judgment
Listen to understand. Ask thoughtful questions before offering advice and remain open to perspectives different from your own.
Generosity
Share experiences, lessons learned, resources, and connections that may help fellow participants.
Respect for Time
Start and end meetings on time and ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
Growth Mindset
Approach conversations with openness, humility, and a willingness to learn.