A while back I started paying attention to which people kept growing over the years and which ones just kinda plateaued... What I've learned has been somewhat surprising. It's had almost nothing to do with intelligence or work ethic. Some of the smartest, hardest-working people I know haven't achieved their goals, while others kept going up and up. The difference came down to WHO they've chosen to spend their time around.

Some people think this is soft, but I think it's THE #1 factor in a career (and really in your life). We all can read leadership books and get all the info, but information isn't really what's holding anyone back. What holds most of us back is trying to figure it out alone or being around people who are just okay to float and exist.

That's the reason The Learning Leader Circle exists. It's a group of ambitious, curious people who gather regularly to talk about the things they don't really feel comfortable saying out loud anywhere else, whether it's about someone they need to fire or a decision they're struggling to make. Once a year we gather in person at our Growth Summit, and more than a few members have told me those few days alone are worth what they paid for the entire year. Beneath all of it runs a 12-month curriculum we've stress-tested over the past decade to ensure it's as useful as possible for every member. You can watch this short video to get a feel for what it's like.

The curriculum is world-class... But the people are what make it great. I read every application, and personally conduct all the interviews. It is by far the least efficient thing I do all year. But it's worth it to get the people right on the front end.

Sometimes I'm asked, "Well, what's the ROI for this?" It's hard to nail down an exact number, but I think Liam Murray (6-year veteran member of our Learning Leader Circle) answers it well...

"I applied to gain an edge professionally. Instead, I gained far more. I have come to see those in my group as a personal board of advisors, and many have become good friends."

Applications are open now. The groups stay small, around 12 people or so, and I meet with everyone 1-on-1 before they join. If you've been wondering whether you're actually reaching your potential, that's not a question that answers itself. It tends to get answered in a room like this one. CLICK HERE to apply now.

"You should join a group where your desired behavior is the normal behavior." - James Clear (at our 2024 Learning Leader Growth Summit)

If you have questions, reply to this email. Thanks! -- Ryan