Plywood’s Layers program is for leaders who want guidance and community as they grow to the next level.
A thriving leader is key to a thriving organization.
Layers brings a group of 10-12 leaders together each month to think strategically about how to grow to the next level across 10 key areas of running an organization.
Program participants set personal goals, learn from a thought-provoking curriculum, and navigate tough decisions with the help of advisors, facilitators and peers.
By implementing goals and thinking strategically throughout the program year, you’ll develop your approach to building awareness, systems, partnerships, your team and more.
You will broaden your network and your perspective. You’ll be a part of a connected community of fellow social impact leaders.
How it works:
LENGTH: Monthly Sessions for 12 months
LOCATION: Sessions will be held in-person at Plywood Place or virtually on Zoom
SESSION LENGTH: Sessions are 2-3 hours
COHORT SIZE: 12 leaders (maximum)
FORMAT: Facilitated group discussion
EXPECTATION: 1-2 hours of pre-reading, reflection questions and activities. Attendance at the retreat and 90% of the sessions
Layers
SESSION SCHEDULE
Month 1 - Kick off
Month 2 - The Future
Month 3 - Business Models
Month 4 - Leader
Month 5 - Systems
Month 6 - Awareness - Retreat (in-person)
Month 7 - People
Month 8 - Cash
Month 9 - Culture
Month 10 - Engagement
Month 11 - Partnerships
Month 11 - Executive Table
Month 12 - Closing
Benefits.
Curriculum
Curriculum covers 10 core areas for building the capacity of your organization with lessons from seasoned leaders, reflection questions and activities to help you apply concepts to your own work.
1-on-1 Coaching
Each participant will get an opportunity to have a 1-on-1 coaching session with a hand-picked advisor as well as coaching to prepare for the Executive Table Pitch at the end.
Peer Community
Learn alongside fellow leaders facing similar challenges and questions as they grow their organizations. Get feedback and support from one another and choose a topic to share a “Hot Take” on lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Pitch Experience
Share your vision with a hand-picked group of executives, investors, and advisors to get feedback and attract new people into your work.
Overnight Retreat
Come to Atlanta for an in-person retreat with the cohort for a deep dive on the unique challenges and opportunities facing each member and get feedback from peers and advisors.
Next Steps:
Schedule a call to determine if Layers is a good fit for you!
Fill out an Interest Form to learn about groups starting soon!
What people are saying.
“Layers has been a gift to my soul & my business. It blows me away that we are building businesses in different industries, of different sizes, with different goals and life circumstances... and yet I leave every month bursting with motivation and actionable steps to solve whatever challenge I’m facing.”
— Taylor Curry
“Ever since joining my Layers group, it has been incredibly valuable to my development and refreshment as a leader. I’m constantly challenged, encouraged, and supported by my fellow Layers members. I would be much less effective or content as a leader without this community.”
— William Warren / The Sketch Effect
“I can confidently say that without these consistent voices speaking into both my business and into my life, I would not have a thriving business! Joining this group has been my wisest business decision from the last 3 years.”
— Laura Balfour / Fleecher Designs
Frequently Asked Questions:
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To get on our contact list for groups starting in the future, sign up here.
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Layers takes about 3-6 hours per month including a 2-3 hour session and around 1-2 hours a month to prepare for the session with the reading, reflection questions and activities. There is also one 24-hour retreat. The impact of Layers will be integrated and reflected in the work you do throughout the month. You can also connect with the facilitator and group members for questions, ideas, and feedback along the way.
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Yes, but it may look a bit different from others. The Layers structure and curriculum is intended to help leaders think through and learn practical strategies for growth, whether they are the founder of a start-up, a new leader of the organization or entering into a new phase of operating. The program gives leaders a space to plan for growth, a cohort of peers and access to experienced advisors including a “pitch” type experience at the end. Leaders that participate in Layers have a focus beyond profitability and so success may also include growing impact, creating a healthy work culture or more sustainable rhythms. We focus on creating a space not just to receive information, but to have a community to process and define how you want to develop as a leader.
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Good question! We define a Social Impact Leader as someone who uses their unique skills and influence to create positive change and make the world better. This includes entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creators, educators, influencers, operators, managers, funders, community leaders, and everything in between.
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Yes! As a nonprofit, we fundraise to provide a sliding scale for the cost of our programs.
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I’m glad you asked! Currently our groups are local to Atlanta. But if you are interested in an all-virtual group, please indicate that in your Layers Interest form and we’ll follow up!
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Yes! Many solopreneurs participate in our Layers groups. When you’re solo, it can be especially helpful to have a place to talk through your business decisions. Sessions on building a team and culture can translate to the people you work with even if they are not full-time or on your payroll.
