Frequently Asked Questions

Founders Circle · Everything you need to know

About the Program

WHAT IS FOUNDERS CIRCLE?

A peer group program run through Founders Club. You're in a small group of founders matched by business stage, meeting once a month for 2 hours. Structured format, rotating facilitation, group runs itself. Think of it as a personal board of advisors — people who know your business, push your thinking, and hold you accountable.

HOW IS THIS DIFFERENT FROM A NETWORKING GROUP?

No pitching, no promoting, no business card energy. Founders bring real challenges to the table and the group works through them together. It's designed for depth and accountability.

HOW WERE GROUPS ASSIGNED?

By business stage and meeting preference. Everyone in your group is facing roughly similar challenges so the conversations stay relevant.

HOW LONG DOES IT RUN?

Six months. After that, your group decides whether to keep going.

WHAT'S THE TIME COMMITMENT?

Two hours per month plus a group WhatsApp or iMessage for accountability between sessions.

About Sessions

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN A SESSION?

Same structure every time:

• Opening Circle (15 min): Everyone checks in — one win, energy 1–10, one word

• Deep Dives (81 min): ~3 members volunteer to share. Each gets 27 minutes: 5 to share uninterrupted, 5 for clarifying questions, 15 for open group dialogue, 2 to commit to a next step

• Closing Circle (15 min): Everyone states a commitment, shares a closing word, confirms next session

WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO SHARE?

You don't have to share every session. On months you're not sharing, you're asking questions, offering perspective, and helping the group think through someone else's challenge. Over time the group makes sure sharing stays balanced.

WHAT IF I WANT TO SHARE BUT DIDN'T SIGN UP BEFORE THE SESSION? Sharing is volunteer-based at the start of each session — just speak up. If there are already 3 people sharing and time doesn't allow for more, the facilitator notes it and you get priority next session.

WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE A SESSION?

Give your group advance notice. Missing occasionally is fine. Missing consistently isn't — everyone is counting on you. If it becomes a pattern, have an honest conversation about whether the timing works.

CAN I JOIN VIRTUALLY IF MY GROUP MEETS IN PERSON?

That's up to your group to decide together. Some groups are flexible about this, others prefer everyone in the room. Agree on a policy early so it doesn't become a point of friction.

WHAT IF SOMEONE JOINS LATE OR LEAVES EARLY?

Give the group a heads up in advance. The session keeps moving — the structure doesn't pause. If you're sharing that session, let the group know so they can adjust timing if needed.

CAN WE MEET MORE THAN ONCE A MONTH?

Yes, if your group wants to. The monthly session is the minimum commitment — your group can add more if it works for everyone.

WHAT IF OUR GROUP WANTS TO CHANGE THE FORMAT?

The structure is a starting point, not a rulebook. Once your group is comfortable with the basics, you can adjust timing or add elements that serve you. Just make sure any changes work for everyone and don't shortchange anyone's time.

About Facilitation

DO I HAVE TO FACILITATE?

Yes. It rotates among all members, typically 6. If your group is smaller, one or more people may facilitate twice. You're reading prompts, managing transitions, keeping things moving. You'll have a full guide and a cheat sheet. It's more mechanical than it sounds — and you're welcome to make the prompts your own once you're comfortable.

WHAT IS A TIMEKEEPER?

At the start of each session, the facilitator assigns a timekeeper from whoever isn't sharing. They watch the clock and signal at each phase transition. No prep needed.

WHAT IF THE FACILITATOR CAN'T MAKE A SESSION?

The next person in the rotation steps in. Check your facilitation order in the group chat and give people as much notice as possible so they can prepare.

WHAT DOES "INSIGHTS OVER ADVICE" MEAN?

Share from your own experience rather than telling someone what to do. "You should fire that person" is advice. "When I was in a similar situation, what helped me was..." is an insight. The sharer knows their situation better than anyone else in the room.

About the Group

CAN I SWITCH GROUPS?

No. The relationships take time to build and consistency is what makes this work. If there's a genuine scheduling conflict or serious concern, reach out directly.

WHAT IF I DON'T CLICK WITH SOMEONE IN MY GROUP?

You don't have to like everyone — you just have to show up for them. Some of the most useful perspectives come from people who think differently than you. Give it a few sessions.

WHAT IF SOMEONE STOPS SHOWING UP?

Talk about it as a group. Check in with them directly before assuming they've dropped out. If they've left, the group keeps going with whoever's there.

CAN WE INVITE A GUEST OR ADD A MEMBER?

No. The group is intentionally small and closed. Adding someone mid-cohort changes the dynamic for everyone.

IS EVERYTHING CONFIDENTIAL?

Yes. What's shared in your group stays there. Every session, no exceptions.

Logistics

WHAT IF WE CAN'T AGREE ON A MEETING TIME?

Use a scheduling tool like Doodle or When2meet to find overlapping availability. If you truly can't find a recurring time that works for everyone, bring it to Megan.

DO WE HAVE TO USE WHATSAPP?

WhatsApp is the standard, but if your whole group prefers iMessage or another platform, use what works. The important thing is that everyone's on the same thread.

WHAT PLATFORM FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS?

Whatever your group agrees on — Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet. Decide on your intro call.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER 6 MONTHS?

The program ends. Your group keeps going if you want. Future cohorts and programming through Founders Club — stay tuned.

WHO DO I CONTACT IF SOMETHING COMES UP?

Megan at megan.bruneau@gmail.com. Most questions are answered here or in the facilitation materials — check there first. 3

WHAT'S THE DINNER DEPOSIT FOR?

It secures your spot at the mid-cohort celebration dinner at Soho House — a night out for all Founders Circle groups together. It's also a commitment signal. Non-refundable whether or not you can make the dinner.

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