You're invited to join a group of fellow nonprofit executives!
Join High Five's Nonprofit Executive Mastermind for an inspiring and interactive one-day retreat facilitated by Mike Gellman.
Obtain solutions to vexing leadership challenges in a confidential environment, guided by a trained facilitator and coach. This structured process allows you to consult with peer Executive Directors/CEOs and comparable executives in a community of trusted confidantes in an inspiring setting surrounded by nature.
Strengthen your problem-solving and confidence in the face of ever-evolving business challenges.
“I think there was definitely ROI there. A whole hour with the consultants after they spent time with us for the group sessions, plus the one-to-one time with Mike, plus the group session itself. Lots of time for reflection too. I thought the cost for all that was an incredible value and more importantly a huge benefit to my organization. I’m really looking at things differently because of the time I was able to put into that and what came out of it. That’s pretty invaluable.”
- Alex White, Executive Director of Produce Good
“I really enjoyed the peers. I enjoy hearing people’s stories. You get to hear their good points and challenges. So for me that was really beneficial.”
– Mark Daggett, Executive Director of Rally4Reilly & Friends
"[We had] a really incredible team of people who brought their own perspective, especially when we had spotlight sessions where we’re talking about our problems and breakthroughs. That was really incredible."
– Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi, CEO of Global Foundation for Preventive Cardiology
Why should I join a Mastermind?
It can be lonely at the top. You’re in a position that few others seem to “get.” Obtaining consistent, trustworthy, and candid feedback is often elusive from those who report up to you. There are not many places you can turn to for meaningful support.
Do you ever find yourself...
- Seeking more funding for your organization?
- Feeling alone with no one to turn to?
- Stressed about meeting payroll?
- Afraid of legal missteps?
- Avoiding challenging conversations?
- Overwhelmed and uncertain how to prioritize your time and energy?
- Not sure what technology to use?
- Needing to get your Board more actively engaged and aligned?
- Struggling to attract and retain diverse and talented employees?
- Frustrated by lack of cohesion within your team?
- Need greater accountability and traction towards goals?
"One of the biggest takeaways I had was the feeling that I’m not alone. To be able to sit at a table of other professionals in this position—“oh you’re stressed out too?” or “this is your pain point?” It’s not just me?” The peer-to-peer interaction was the most valuable."
– Rice Enright, CEO of Apt4Music
"Mike has helped our business in many different aspects and in large part has helped me become a better leader. One of the great things [he] does is bring in experts from various areas of the nonprofit world. We have much less risk today. Our nonprofit is in much better shape after Mike’s Mastermind group."
- Wyatt Hinshaw, CEO of FundaMental Health
Who is it for?
Each Mastermind is designed for Nonprofit Executives in San Diego.
-
Mid-career Executive Directors/CEOs feeling isolated and seeking a sounding board of expert advisors
-
Executive Directors/CEOs new to their role seeking to increase confidence
-
C-level Officers, Vice Presidents and comparable Directors seeking to elevate their leadership capabilities
What's included?
-
Expertly facilitated sessions by experienced nonprofit coach and consultant
-
Curated expert guest speakers with Q&A on various nonprofit topics of interest
-
Experiential exercises to build your leadership effectiveness
-
Unparalleled networking opportunities
-
Light breakfast, lunch, and snacks throughout the day
-
Invitation to exclusive and engaging bi-annual social events throughout the year
-
Bonus: Free 1:1 Executive Coaching session for early bird purchases ($350 value)
-
Free 1:1 Consult with each guest expert (additional $5,000+ value)
Nonprofit Advisors
Imagine having your own personal team of problem solvers and subject-matter experts.
This Mastermind Retreat includes curated expert guest speakers from our Nonprofit Advisor team. Get answers to your specific questions with an exclusive Q&A session.
Experts (subject to change) will cover the following topics in our February 27th Retreat:
- Fundraising
- Leadership
- Legal
- Technology
Stay tuned for future retreats! Experts will cover areas like:
- Advocacy
- H.R.
- Board Development
- Accounting
- Banking
- Grants
- Communications
- Marketing
Learn more about our expert advisory team who have shared expertise with our Mastermind participants.
What makes us different?
-
Hand-selected and diverse group of peer executives from similar size organizations and leadership challenges
-
Inspiring retreat-like setting surrounded by nature
-
Convenient Encinitas location in North County
-
Guidance from a coach with both Fortune 500 and Nonprofit leadership experience
-
Option to accelerate your progress with additional private 1:1 professional coaching from an International Coach Federation certified coach
When and where will we meet?
The 2025 Nonprofit Executive Mastermind Retreat will take place at The HIVE at Leichtag Commons, a unique and inspiring co-working space, situated on a beautiful 67-acre farm in Encinitas overlooking the Pacific Ocean (the former home of Ecke Ranch).
Time & Date: February 27 from 8:30am-3:30pm
Upcoming Sessions in 2025: Apr 24, Jun 26, and Oct 23
New applicants will be accepted until we meet our maximum of 15 nonprofit executives.
Want to sign up for our entire quarterly series of retreats? See the purchase option at the bottom of this page.
Retreat dates for 2025 are:
February 27
April 24
June 26
October 23
F.A.Q.
Will what I share be kept confidential?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is critical for building and maintaining trust among members. A key principle we live by is “what’s said in the room, stays in the room” unless otherwise agreed upon by the group.
Who will the guest speakers be?
Guest speakers will be curated based on the interests and needs of the group and may include subject matter experts, business and community leaders, and potential vendors who can add value.
Can I attend virtually via Zoom?
Not at this time. This retreat will be in-person.
Additional questions?
Email [email protected]
Meet Your Facilitator
Mike Gellman, CEO & Founder of High Five Career Coaching
Mike coaches highly-motivated leaders and teams in various stages of their development to gain greater clarity, create sustainable change, and achieve higher levels of excellence. With a Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, he’s also an ACC credentialed coach via the International Coach Federation and author of Pipe Dreams: 7 Pipelines of Career Success.
For over 20 years, Mike successfully has facilitated numerous enterprise-wide talent management and organizational development initiatives including succession planning, high potential leader development programs, employee engagement, team development, and organizational change efforts. He launched his nonprofit career in organizational development at the world famous San Diego Zoo (now San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). During that time, Mike also volunteered his efforts to create an award-winning mentorship program for the Association for Talent Development-San Diego (formerly ASTD) that recently celebrated its 21st year of successfully preparing future leaders. He subsequently served in capacity-building roles for Father Joe’s Villages and South Bay Community Services. In the corporate sector, Mike launched and managed a highly regarded Career Coaching & Development Center for Sempra Energy’s SoCalGas organization while also serving on the board of Sempra Employee Giving Network, an employee-run nonprofit foundation.
In addition to being a proud dad of a bright college senior, Jonas, Mike enjoys running, hiking, nature photography, and volunteering within his community. You can often find him pulling weeds at Coastal Roots Farm and leading free Nonprofit NetWalks about town. Born and raised in Cleveland, he currently resides in Oceanside.