Peer Support for Purpose-Driven Growth: From Retreats to Monthly Coaching

In times of change or growth, peer learning offers space to reflect, gain fresh perspective, and move forward with purpose.

Recently, I facilitated a 2.5-day retreat in Saranac Lake, NY, bringing together approximately 20 participants from 10 architecture and design companies across the Northeast. We gathered as part of a peer learning group within the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA)’s Bottom Lines program to share insights, tackle challenges, and strengthen community.

This peer group is one of several within NESEA’s Bottom Lines program. Most groups meet monthly and gather twice a year for longer in-person retreats. The companies involved work on diverse project types—from residential to commercial to institutional—and are united by a shared approach: to create high-performance, values-aligned businesses that prioritize people, profit, and planet. 

Making Time for What Matters

Retreats like this give people the rare opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations. Instead of working in their businesses, they work on them. That kind of reflective, strategic space is essential—especially for leaders navigating uncertainty, growth, or burnout.

Reflection Questions

• What’s one area of your personal and/or professional life that could benefit from stepping back and taking a broader view?
• How often do you give yourself space to think strategically instead of reacting to the moment? 

Structure That Keeps Things Moving

The rhythm of Bottom Lines—monthly online gatherings and two in-person retreats each year—strikes a powerful balance. It keeps momentum going without overwhelming already-busy schedules. These regular touchpoints help leaders stay connected, supported, and accountable.

And while it does take advanced planning to protect time for this kind of engagement, participants consistently return. Many stay involved year after year because the payoff starts right away. They leave with fresh clarity, new tools, and peer insight that help them grow thriving businesses—aligned with their values and built to last. 

Reflection Questions

• What structure or cadence helps you stay grounded, focused, and supported?
• Who helps you process challenges and spark new ideas? 

Beyond the Conference Room

On our first day, we toured a selection of projects by Black Mountain Architecture, our host firm, including completed buildings and works in progress. These visits prompted rich conversations about decision-making, community impact, and design choices.

Outside the conference room, we connected through a sunrise hike with stunning views, shared meals, and an evening of bowling at the local alley. These activities aren’t just for fun (though they are fun!)—they allow people to connect beyond business talk. These kinds of off-site experiences foster collaboration, insight, and trust in ways that conference rooms alone can’t.

Reflection Questions

• How do you build connection across your team or network beyond day-to-day responsibilities?
• When have informal experiences helped spark deeper learning or trust?

Insight and Action Go Hand in Hand

A few miles away, at a historic inn, we formed small groups to conduct stakeholder interviews—sharing reflections on what we’d observed about our host firm. Later, we reconvened as a full group to synthesize insights and offer constructive feedback.

As a facilitator, I asked questions that helped the group get to the heart of the matter, shared relevant tools and resources to speed up learning, and made sure we stayed on track to complete a robust agenda. Effective facilitation ensures that time away from the regular work setting is meaningful—not just a break, but a catalyst. It sets the tone for inclusive, thoughtful conversations where people can be honest, vulnerable, and creative.

These conditions are what make retreats and off-sites productive, not just pleasant.

Reflection Questions

• What makes a gathering productive and meaningful for you?
• How do you set the stage for honest dialogue in your professional spaces?

Keeping the Learning Going

After the retreat, the learning continues. Most Bottom Lines groups meet monthly online for a one-hour facilitated session. These regular calls give members a chance to check in, troubleshoot challenges, and offer insights from their own experiences.

Over time, participants build deep relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect. These connections often lead to informal mentorship, cross-referrals, and collaborative opportunities that extend far beyond the gatherings themselves.

Reflection Questions

• Who in your professional life helps you view your situation from a different angle?
• What kinds of ongoing support help you stay focused and growing?

Beyond Bottom Lines

Peer learning isn’t just for organizations. I also facilitate group coaching for individuals navigating career growth, leadership transitions, and mission-driven work. Our monthly community sessions bring together people from different industries, career stages, and backgrounds—all united by a desire to use their skills to lead rewarding careers that make a positive difference.

The group creates a sense of belonging that’s often missing from today’s workplace—an encouraging space to grow your network, learn from others’ journeys, and feel supported as you lead or transition.

Reflection Questions

• Who helps you feel less alone in your work or career exploration?
• How might you benefit from engaging with people in different industries or roles?

Peer Learning as a Practice

What worked a year ago might not serve the group today. And as participants grow—and new members join—the format, topics, and tools must grow too. A peer group is a living system, and continuous improvement keeps it thriving.

Reflection Questions

• What helps you stay adaptable and open to change?
• How do you adjust when something that used to work no longer does?

The Impact of Choosing to Engage

Being part of a peer group is a commitment. It takes time, energy, and intention. But the benefits are lasting and immediate: from fresh strategies and new collaborations to greater self-awareness and stronger decision-making. It’s not just about gaining confidence or clarity—it’s about making aligned, informed choices that lead to meaningful results.

Reflection Questions

• How do you know when it’s time to step back and reflect?
• What kind of support do you need to lead effectively through change?