Elevating the next level of leaders.

An immersive accelerator and professional network for directors, VPs, and other non-executive leaders to gain strategic clarity, confidence, and community.

Why 2CI

Every organization depends on more than just its C-suite. Surrounding those executives is a critical circle of senior leaders outside the room who carry enormous responsibility — running teams, driving functions, and making critical decisions.

Yet too often this group is left in professional development limbo: they are beyond manager training but not yet connected to the professional networks the C-suite relies on. The Second Circle Institute exists for them — the leaders who shape outcomes without the final say, work closest to the real problems, and deserve the tools, peers, and recognition to lead with clarity and influence.

17% More Profitable

Organizations with a strong learning/professional development culture are 17% more profitable and 52% more productive than peers.

Source: Deloitte

+20% Higher Success Rate

Organizations with well-aligned leadership teams—spanning VPs to C‑suite—are 20% more likely to succeed in organizational transformations.

Source: McKinsey

Delivers 7×
ROI

Every $1 spent on leadership development returns an average of $7 in value, with ROI ranging from $3 to $11 per dollar.

Source: New Level Work

Program Structure
& Experience

The Second Circle Institute (2CI) is where non-executive leaders get real opportunities for growth. Membership begins with an immersive 3-day experience and continues as an ongoing network — a trusted space to sharpen skills, share hard-earned lessons, and connect with peers who know the weight of leading from just outside the C-suite.

Immersive Accelerator

A 3-day, scenario-driven program where leaders step into executive roles, face complex challenges, and make tough calls in real time. They leave with clarity, confidence, and practical frameworks to elevate their leadership back at work. Read more.

National Summit

The annual, in-person leadership event — immersive, focused, and energizing. A chance to reconnect and grow alongside peers from across the network.

Individual Coaching

Following the Accelerator, members receive monthly 1:1 coaching to deepen their growth. These sessions provide personalized guidance, accountability, and support tailored to each leader’s unique goals and challenges.

Regional Social Events

Dinners, sports games, community service, and informal gatherings across select cities to deepen relationships beyond the computer screen.

Cohort & Peer Groups

Monthly Core Circles offer a confidential space for candid reflection. Curated peer groups by industry, function, or company size provide fresh insights and perspective from leaders facing similar challenges.

Tools & Community

Private member forum, expert sessions, and curated resources keep the learning alive between events — a space to share challenges, trade ideas, and tap into the collective experience of peers.

Testimonials

  • “When leaders learn from one another, they create a ripple effect that transforms organizations.”

    Adam Grant

  • “Mark has a rare ability to create spaces where leaders can be candid, challenged, and inspired — all in the same conversation. Every session we had left me with new perspectives and stronger relationships.”

    OtterBear Client, 2CI Advisor

  • “I’m joining 2CI because it’s the only place I’ve found that’s built for leaders like me — my job is hard, and I love it, but sometimes I just need to bounce ideas off of someone. I’m excited to be part of a network of other people who get it.”

    2CI Application Submission

Ready to grow your leadership circle?

Our application takes less than 5 minutes. No essays. No decks. Just a few questions to make sure 2CI is the right fit.