135 - Introducing The Arete Champions’ Forum

Arete Podcast with Richard Triggs

For the past 2 years I’ve been running the Arete Breakfast of Champions, small in-person breakfast meetings of executives from non-compete fields for peer-based support and exchange. These have been very successful and provided participants with great insights, support and opportunities. In light of the coronavirus situation (this episode was recorded at the end of March 2020) the need for such groups is greater than ever so, to keep the program going and as our way of supporting executives at this time, we’re now launching an online version that we’re calling the Arete Champions’ Forum. The idea for the Arete Champions’ Forum was inspired by one of the Breakfast of Champions participants who attributes more than $200 million in capital investment to connections he made through the group. He valued the peer support and wanted us to find an online format to continue it in, especially as he is now based in Perth. In this episode, Brett Jarman (Founder of Experts On Air, the producers of this podcast) and I discuss the new program and the benefits for executives. The difficulties of not being able to meet face-to-face has spurred the need for an online peer-support program for executives The Breakfast of Champions format as it was 12 or so non-compete executives meeting monthly for breakfast Each meeting goes for 3 hours in a confidential environment Chatham House rules apply Each group consists of C-Suite executives, Managing Directors, Non-executive board members Group participants discuss challenges and opportunities, seek feedback or strategic advice Occasionally participants seek personal advice as well The overall ethos of the group is to support each other In the in-person format we had five groups of 12 operating, 60ish in total. Members say the group has assisted them in the success of their organisations and the success of their personal careers The current restrictions provide an opportunity to provide similar benefits but extending beyond the Brisbane catchment area Groups will operate in the morning from 7am to 10 am or in the evenings from 6pm to 9pm. (All times in Brisbane time - AEST). Without venue, food and beverage costs we can also reduce the cost of participation Those who are looking for a new executive role will effectively have three hours of support and coaching from fellow executives Other groups with incumbent executives will have the support of others going through similar coronavirus-related challenges Discussions often get tactical 12-15 people is the ideal number for each group, intimate enough yet diverse enough to provide value Most executives are effectively experimenting in the current environment so it’s a good chance to find out what’s working and what’s not We’re only charging a small fee to cover our costs on this ($74/month) but we know it will return exponential value to participants (this compares to $250/month for the Breakfast of Champions) Participants will need to commit to three months but can change their mind after the first session and get a full refund of they don’t wish to continue Arete Champions’ Forum: https://www.areteexecutive.com.au/champions/ Richard Triggs on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardtriggs/