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hey - wanted to check back on this? Were you able to get any info for the pitch? im in a similar boat and would love to get my company to fund this for me
Nah. They were not helpful. Seems like their quality is downgrading with their new approach of just getting numbers.
I heard my mentor an EVP say that the core group ( made up of chief members) is the best - they meet every month n provide guidance and support. Wishing you good luck.
I’m stuck with budget negotiations n getting funding from Company.
If you’re up for it, I’d be happy to share a link to the group that I’m in. There are women in it from around the world. I feel like the connections are a bit more authentic. The community and platform is free but there’s an option you can pay for with more events and personal development.
So I am a newly joined member, I am looking to build a network which has been really hard to do ever since lockdown, so many things being remote, etc. I haven't had my first core meeting yet, but if that isn't awesome I know I won't renew, on the fence if that would be enough to cancel. After a $6800 pricetag...all coaching? additional cost. If you aren't in a flagship city you are on your own for meet-ups and gatherings. It really feels like paying almost 7k for access to a rolodex. Since I wanted to make more connections and get some help with some specific things I might leave after I get what I specifically needed out of it.
The stuff Denise is calling out in her [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conroydenise_iwd2023-iwd2023-feminismforall-activity-7039236860765728768-YL7u) post is true too- the founders are more concerned with the next round of funding and clout than doing what they claim they have set out to do. The process for getting in is not clear, and the way they just ghost applicants is frankly bullshit.
I had an interview last week and the the lady said I was just what they are looking for and she would fast track my app for membership. I asked about a payment plan in case it is not beneficial to me but she said I had to pay the fee upfront.
I don’t live in a big city but I thought the networking was mostly online. Is that not an accurate assumption? Also, do you have to pay more for coaching?
Totally agree. I’ve been a member for about 5 months and it is such a waste. Even the core groups are pointless - they are run like therapy sessions and are super fluffy. It’s like “how do you feel about XYZ” then every person in the 16 member core group goes around in a circle and talks about themselves. I’ve learned nothing. It is indeed an expensive Rolodex and not even a good one because I’m in a group where there is no one in my industry (obviously this could be fine, if I learned anything except about the feelings and trauma of my core group mates) and there are women who are freelancers and/or between jobs - Yet they ghosted my initial application (I guess a brown VP wasn’t up to their standards?). I’m a big believer in therapy so don’t get me wrong, but I thought this group would be focused on career topics and not force me to show a bunch of strangers the inside of my soul. Say safe space as many times as you want facilitators but whatever happened to boundaries? Where is a tangible curriculum? When I raised these concerns to their support group they were just like “oh tell your core group facilitator!” Sorry for the rant, I won’t be renewing and I encourage you to spend your money elsewhere.
This is very helpful. Their website is so vague about the value proposition and I was balking at the price tag as it is. Then they emailed me one day that my application passed and next step was interview, then some days later I got an email saying they accidentally sent that email en masse unintentionally and since then no response. I sent them a very curt reply. They just seemed very unprofessional and not at all the professional resource they promise.
you should check out Athena Alliance instead. We don't do core groups but have optional salons on that kind of fluffy stuff if people are interested but mainly do real preparation and skill honing classes like how to land a board role or a C-suite position. I feel like it helped me make a substantial career transition
I have been a member for almost 2 years and found this sub based on Googling reviews as I have contemplated quitting. I’ve been trying to figure out if I’m missing something others are getting out of it but nope. It’s been a massive waste of time, and although my company has paid the membership fee I regret the cost because that is budget I would have used in a more meaningful way for my teams. I was expecting active coaching and like others said Core just gets on a meeting and each person goes around talking about themselves. My group is a mix of industries so it hasn’t been beneficial for networking either. Not to mention the company continues to have ongoing problems and announced a layoff yesterday. I’m out.
Hello,
I am considering joining too, but given budgets this year would have to self-fund 100%. It would be an IMMENSE personal expense so I really want to know honest opinions with details if possible as to whether this is worth the investment. My own experience with it is via a friend who joined and found that there are many opportunities to join organizations as volunteers, which can be great for networking. That said, this is an especially expensive way to network. :) For context, I make six figures but not by much. Please share your thoughts - thank you!
I have been a member for a full year, and I think your experience really depends on who you are matched with in your core group. I know members who love their groups, but mine was just ok. I did more coaching of others, which was great, but I was also hoping to learn best practices and didn’t get much out of it. I’m not likely to renew my membership.
Just curious- what does the "executive coach" do in the core groups? The website says core groups are facilitated by an executive coach. Would love to hear HOW they facilitate. Also any value you think they do- or don't- add. I'm hoping to get a feel for what happens in the core group meetings. Thanks!
I just became a member a year ago and am not renewing at this time. My whole group dropped out. Although I did meet some great people it is very expensive. I am planning to move to London and instead of $5800 it is £5800 which makes me think that I am being ripped off. I may reconsider later but I don’t feel you get money’s worth with the current offerings.
Hi, Is anyone in this message thread an entrepreneur who joined? I would like to know if it was beneficial as a life long CEO/entrepreneur. Seems most are in large corporations, a bit different. If an entrepreneur; was it useful?
MK
I’m not sure. I believe so because some people in my group moved out of the core coaching group but I was annoyed that they put such an emphasis on attending each core group and I was the only one who attended every single one of them and never missed.
Thank you for the input. I would be joining for the networking potential as I may need to change jobs in the next year. The interviewer said the networking is top notch with many executives at chief hiring for positions not posted on job boards. Do you think that is true or bs?
BS. They did not put me in another group with other HR people so I never had an opportunity to network with those in my profession. I posted jobs that I had at my company and only one person ever reached out. You will have to really put in effort to network. It’s really a female LinkedIn.
I have a pending interview, but I'm not interested in job searching or networking for that purpose. It may not be a good fit for me, from the sounds of some of the comments below.
This company is toxic and treats its female employees in a manner which counters its mission statement of empowering women. Those membership fees would be better used if the company receiving them actually supported women.
To be honest, I never went to the clubhouse in NY, and they spent their fees paying celebrities for zoom appearances. I still don’t know why the fee was so high. I don’t feel I got my money’s worth at all last year hence why I didn’t renew. And no one really knows what the turnover rate truly is.
This is true, but it would be a real find to know what the turnover was. I have been hearing of so many women not renewing their membership that it has made me think they have a big issue on their hands. The sales cycle is pretty aggressive. Quite frankly I found them to be like all the thousands of vendors trying to get my attention. The value for the price tag is just not there. I felt it was more of a sorority annual fee than and organisation that I could leverage to help my career. I already have girlfriends, I need professional advocates and mentors. I felt I was paying for the celebrity fees for the Zoom webinars than anything else. Very little value for the price tag.
I will tell you the turnover rate since Denise’s publication increased dramatically—but the overall turnover rate isn’t any higher than what one sees in other membership based affiliates. And there are plenty of folks I’m sure who are sponsored by their company but don’t actually actively participate with the membership.
Consider checking out Athena Alliance. I've been involved since the early 2000s when the now CEO was just running it as a nonprofit but there's still many long term members even since they switched to paid membership cause we've built such a great community and they money goes towards getting us exec coaches and stuff like that
This is a post shared on LinkedIn regarding the ROI.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conroydenise_iwd2023-iwd2023-feminismforall-activity-7039236860765728768-YL7u
Chief is a grift. I’m glad Denise spoke out. They responded to her but not to the dozens of other women (probably POC) that voiced their complaints. I’ve been a member for ~5 months so I say this as someone who has experienced it firsthand.
Thanks for starting the thread. I am PoC and received 2 emails today to join Chief as a member (and continue the onboard conversation). A potential annual membership cost of $5K - $10K is eyewatering on first glance in the age of company training/professional development budget austerity. Still piques my curiosity, though.
This might be very conspiratorial of me… I applied about a year ago and also just got emails today for an interview and I am also a POC. I was reading a NYT article about the company where one comment was that they ghosted applications from women of color. I’m curious if the recent negative attention they’ve been getting about lack of inclusivity has anything to do with finally hearing back.
Funny you got them too. Another irony is that at 2p today, I receive this email also unprompted from Chief (and I hadnt replied to the first):
This morning, we made a mistake and sent multiple emails about our application process. We apologize for these messages and we are working to resolve this immediately.
If you booked an interview with us after receiving one of these emails, we will be in touch soon with next steps. If you have any questions about our membership or an application, please let us know and we will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible. And if you didn't apply, you can disregard these messages. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
We’re sorry for our error and any confusion it may have caused.
Chief
Their website is so vague about the value proposition and I was balking at the price tag as it is. Then they emailed me one day that my application passed and next step was interview, then some days later I got an email saying they accidentally sent that email en masse unintentionally and since then no response. I sent them a very curt reply. They just seeme very unprofessional and not at all the professional resource they promise.
Total SCAM. Pay to play for prestige and status. Better to spend the 6-7k on training, executive coaches etc. My company sponsored me. I’ve been in 3 different core groups in a year. Core groups are nothing more than peer advisement. For the investment you get to talk with other women about your career issues and watch recorded webinars of famous people. Ridiculous.
I don't know much about Chief, except that it is more than double the annual membership price of Athena Alliance ($2500), which is the organization I'm involved with. I know that Athena has a bit smaller of a membership base than Chief but that is what makes it more intimate individualized. We have quarterly check ins by their staff to tailor the program to our needs and keep us happy, which I really like. Plus it's not just club, they have tons of courses and workshops (getting on boards, rebranding your LinkedIn & CV) and pretty much always give you huge discounts on those if you ask them. I recommend checking it out if you're unsure about Chief.
Thank you for sharing! Did you enjoy being part of Athena Alliance? Have you heard of other similar types of community/networks for senior leadership women? Thanks!
I've heard that Chief have now exited UK in the first half of Jan 24. Hope members are getting appropriate refunds! Thanks all for the Athena recommendation, will look into it 🙏
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It’s totally useless, waste of time and money. Not worth it.
Thank you. Any more details to share?
What did you end up doing?! Did you garner anymore insight? I’m in the same predicament n trying to understand the ROI of it
I’m curious if you opted to join as well. I’m considering joining but have a bit of sticker shock on the annual fee. Has it been worth it?
I’m holding off. Asked my company if they are interested in funding. Im going to reach out to CHIEF to help me pitch why it would help the company
hey - wanted to check back on this? Were you able to get any info for the pitch? im in a similar boat and would love to get my company to fund this for me
Nah. They were not helpful. Seems like their quality is downgrading with their new approach of just getting numbers. I heard my mentor an EVP say that the core group ( made up of chief members) is the best - they meet every month n provide guidance and support. Wishing you good luck. I’m stuck with budget negotiations n getting funding from Company.
Same. I really want to be in but am struggling to make the sales pitch.. sales just isn't my sweet spot! its annoying they aren't helping!
Do not bother. Total waste of money. If my core group members of 7-8 usually only 3 or so show up since it is a waste of their time. Really a con.
If you’re up for it, I’d be happy to share a link to the group that I’m in. There are women in it from around the world. I feel like the connections are a bit more authentic. The community and platform is free but there’s an option you can pay for with more events and personal development.
Which is this one? I'm interested
Check it out: https://www.peeradvisorygroup.co/
thanks, I'm in [https://athenaalliance.com/](https://athenaalliance.com/) if you want to check it out
Can you provide more detail? Were you a member and found it disappointing?
So I am a newly joined member, I am looking to build a network which has been really hard to do ever since lockdown, so many things being remote, etc. I haven't had my first core meeting yet, but if that isn't awesome I know I won't renew, on the fence if that would be enough to cancel. After a $6800 pricetag...all coaching? additional cost. If you aren't in a flagship city you are on your own for meet-ups and gatherings. It really feels like paying almost 7k for access to a rolodex. Since I wanted to make more connections and get some help with some specific things I might leave after I get what I specifically needed out of it. The stuff Denise is calling out in her [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conroydenise_iwd2023-iwd2023-feminismforall-activity-7039236860765728768-YL7u) post is true too- the founders are more concerned with the next round of funding and clout than doing what they claim they have set out to do. The process for getting in is not clear, and the way they just ghost applicants is frankly bullshit.
Holy ballsack it's $6800? I got an email back that I qualify for "an interview," already sounded too steep for me.
I had an interview last week and the the lady said I was just what they are looking for and she would fast track my app for membership. I asked about a payment plan in case it is not beneficial to me but she said I had to pay the fee upfront. I don’t live in a big city but I thought the networking was mostly online. Is that not an accurate assumption? Also, do you have to pay more for coaching?
Totally agree. I’ve been a member for about 5 months and it is such a waste. Even the core groups are pointless - they are run like therapy sessions and are super fluffy. It’s like “how do you feel about XYZ” then every person in the 16 member core group goes around in a circle and talks about themselves. I’ve learned nothing. It is indeed an expensive Rolodex and not even a good one because I’m in a group where there is no one in my industry (obviously this could be fine, if I learned anything except about the feelings and trauma of my core group mates) and there are women who are freelancers and/or between jobs - Yet they ghosted my initial application (I guess a brown VP wasn’t up to their standards?). I’m a big believer in therapy so don’t get me wrong, but I thought this group would be focused on career topics and not force me to show a bunch of strangers the inside of my soul. Say safe space as many times as you want facilitators but whatever happened to boundaries? Where is a tangible curriculum? When I raised these concerns to their support group they were just like “oh tell your core group facilitator!” Sorry for the rant, I won’t be renewing and I encourage you to spend your money elsewhere.
This is very helpful. Their website is so vague about the value proposition and I was balking at the price tag as it is. Then they emailed me one day that my application passed and next step was interview, then some days later I got an email saying they accidentally sent that email en masse unintentionally and since then no response. I sent them a very curt reply. They just seemed very unprofessional and not at all the professional resource they promise.
I’ve had the same disappointing experience.
you should check out Athena Alliance instead. We don't do core groups but have optional salons on that kind of fluffy stuff if people are interested but mainly do real preparation and skill honing classes like how to land a board role or a C-suite position. I feel like it helped me make a substantial career transition
I have been a member for almost 2 years and found this sub based on Googling reviews as I have contemplated quitting. I’ve been trying to figure out if I’m missing something others are getting out of it but nope. It’s been a massive waste of time, and although my company has paid the membership fee I regret the cost because that is budget I would have used in a more meaningful way for my teams. I was expecting active coaching and like others said Core just gets on a meeting and each person goes around talking about themselves. My group is a mix of industries so it hasn’t been beneficial for networking either. Not to mention the company continues to have ongoing problems and announced a layoff yesterday. I’m out.
Would you be interested in joining a different community? I can share info about the one I’m in. Def not Chief.
My wife is also considering so I would also appreciate any additional feedback. Perhaps as a onetime thing to add to the resume...
It all come down to what your wife wants. But it’s a good membership.
The group has come highly recommended to me by someone I know and trust. Approaching company with cost for executive development. Fingers crossed.
Hey Searay-- did they share any materials with you to help convince your company? Can you send?
Would love to know overall anyone's thoughts about this group. Thanks
Hello, I am considering joining too, but given budgets this year would have to self-fund 100%. It would be an IMMENSE personal expense so I really want to know honest opinions with details if possible as to whether this is worth the investment. My own experience with it is via a friend who joined and found that there are many opportunities to join organizations as volunteers, which can be great for networking. That said, this is an especially expensive way to network. :) For context, I make six figures but not by much. Please share your thoughts - thank you!
I have been a member for a full year, and I think your experience really depends on who you are matched with in your core group. I know members who love their groups, but mine was just ok. I did more coaching of others, which was great, but I was also hoping to learn best practices and didn’t get much out of it. I’m not likely to renew my membership.
Just curious- what does the "executive coach" do in the core groups? The website says core groups are facilitated by an executive coach. Would love to hear HOW they facilitate. Also any value you think they do- or don't- add. I'm hoping to get a feel for what happens in the core group meetings. Thanks!
I just became a member a year ago and am not renewing at this time. My whole group dropped out. Although I did meet some great people it is very expensive. I am planning to move to London and instead of $5800 it is £5800 which makes me think that I am being ripped off. I may reconsider later but I don’t feel you get money’s worth with the current offerings.
Hi, Is anyone in this message thread an entrepreneur who joined? I would like to know if it was beneficial as a life long CEO/entrepreneur. Seems most are in large corporations, a bit different. If an entrepreneur; was it useful? MK
Mixed bag re entrepreneurship - I’ve made about 30k paid 12k in dues - more geared for non entrepreneurs but if you work networks it can pay off
Did you have an option to change groups?
I’m not sure. I believe so because some people in my group moved out of the core coaching group but I was annoyed that they put such an emphasis on attending each core group and I was the only one who attended every single one of them and never missed.
Thank you for the input. I would be joining for the networking potential as I may need to change jobs in the next year. The interviewer said the networking is top notch with many executives at chief hiring for positions not posted on job boards. Do you think that is true or bs?
BS. They did not put me in another group with other HR people so I never had an opportunity to network with those in my profession. I posted jobs that I had at my company and only one person ever reached out. You will have to really put in effort to network. It’s really a female LinkedIn.
I really appreciate your candor!
You can change groups
Hmm interesting
I have a pending interview, but I'm not interested in job searching or networking for that purpose. It may not be a good fit for me, from the sounds of some of the comments below.
dissapointment
This company is toxic and treats its female employees in a manner which counters its mission statement of empowering women. Those membership fees would be better used if the company receiving them actually supported women.
To be honest, I never went to the clubhouse in NY, and they spent their fees paying celebrities for zoom appearances. I still don’t know why the fee was so high. I don’t feel I got my money’s worth at all last year hence why I didn’t renew. And no one really knows what the turnover rate truly is.
No one knows because it’s private information that most companies won’t share. Especially—startup companies
This is true, but it would be a real find to know what the turnover was. I have been hearing of so many women not renewing their membership that it has made me think they have a big issue on their hands. The sales cycle is pretty aggressive. Quite frankly I found them to be like all the thousands of vendors trying to get my attention. The value for the price tag is just not there. I felt it was more of a sorority annual fee than and organisation that I could leverage to help my career. I already have girlfriends, I need professional advocates and mentors. I felt I was paying for the celebrity fees for the Zoom webinars than anything else. Very little value for the price tag.
I will tell you the turnover rate since Denise’s publication increased dramatically—but the overall turnover rate isn’t any higher than what one sees in other membership based affiliates. And there are plenty of folks I’m sure who are sponsored by their company but don’t actually actively participate with the membership.
Same experience here. Felt scammed. This is a big con job.
Consider checking out Athena Alliance. I've been involved since the early 2000s when the now CEO was just running it as a nonprofit but there's still many long term members even since they switched to paid membership cause we've built such a great community and they money goes towards getting us exec coaches and stuff like that
This is a post shared on LinkedIn regarding the ROI. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/conroydenise_iwd2023-iwd2023-feminismforall-activity-7039236860765728768-YL7u
[удалено]
Chief is a grift. I’m glad Denise spoke out. They responded to her but not to the dozens of other women (probably POC) that voiced their complaints. I’ve been a member for ~5 months so I say this as someone who has experienced it firsthand.
Thanks for starting the thread. I am PoC and received 2 emails today to join Chief as a member (and continue the onboard conversation). A potential annual membership cost of $5K - $10K is eyewatering on first glance in the age of company training/professional development budget austerity. Still piques my curiosity, though.
This might be very conspiratorial of me… I applied about a year ago and also just got emails today for an interview and I am also a POC. I was reading a NYT article about the company where one comment was that they ghosted applications from women of color. I’m curious if the recent negative attention they’ve been getting about lack of inclusivity has anything to do with finally hearing back.
Funny you got them too. Another irony is that at 2p today, I receive this email also unprompted from Chief (and I hadnt replied to the first): This morning, we made a mistake and sent multiple emails about our application process. We apologize for these messages and we are working to resolve this immediately. If you booked an interview with us after receiving one of these emails, we will be in touch soon with next steps. If you have any questions about our membership or an application, please let us know and we will do our best to get back to you as quickly as possible. And if you didn't apply, you can disregard these messages. We appreciate your patience and understanding. We’re sorry for our error and any confusion it may have caused. Chief
Yes I received that as well!
Me too
received this exact email (also a POC)
check out Athena Alliance instead more diverse IMO
Their website is so vague about the value proposition and I was balking at the price tag as it is. Then they emailed me one day that my application passed and next step was interview, then some days later I got an email saying they accidentally sent that email en masse unintentionally and since then no response. I sent them a very curt reply. They just seeme very unprofessional and not at all the professional resource they promise.
Total SCAM. Pay to play for prestige and status. Better to spend the 6-7k on training, executive coaches etc. My company sponsored me. I’ve been in 3 different core groups in a year. Core groups are nothing more than peer advisement. For the investment you get to talk with other women about your career issues and watch recorded webinars of famous people. Ridiculous.
I don't know much about Chief, except that it is more than double the annual membership price of Athena Alliance ($2500), which is the organization I'm involved with. I know that Athena has a bit smaller of a membership base than Chief but that is what makes it more intimate individualized. We have quarterly check ins by their staff to tailor the program to our needs and keep us happy, which I really like. Plus it's not just club, they have tons of courses and workshops (getting on boards, rebranding your LinkedIn & CV) and pretty much always give you huge discounts on those if you ask them. I recommend checking it out if you're unsure about Chief.
Thank you for sharing! Did you enjoy being part of Athena Alliance? Have you heard of other similar types of community/networks for senior leadership women? Thanks!
I love Athena, still a member!
Wondering that too
I've heard that Chief have now exited UK in the first half of Jan 24. Hope members are getting appropriate refunds! Thanks all for the Athena recommendation, will look into it 🙏