Leading the North

The Executive Director Peer Cohort

You don't have to carry the weight of your organization alone. Join an exclusive, 5-person cohort designed to sharp-focus your strategy, build your leadership confidence, and connect you with peers who understand the unique reality of leading in Northern Minnesota.

Reserve Your Spot

What is Leading the North?

Leadership at the top can be isolating—especially in rural, resource-constrained environments. Designed specifically for mid-level Executive Directors in Northern Minnesota, this six-month peer cohort provides a dedicated, confidential space to build confidence, sharpen leadership skills, and cultivate meaningful relationships with fellow directors who truly understand your reality.

Program Structure and Experience

  • Every session, one director dives deep into a pressing organizational challenge. The cohort collaborates to ask targeted questions, offer strategic recommendations, and provide practical support.

  • Following your dedicated deep-dive, the cohort checks in during the next session to support your progress and keep you accountable to your action plan. Every participant gets one full session focused on their organization.

  • Each 3-hour meeting reserves dedicated time to master specific leadership traits based on the book The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. You will receive actionable guidance you can apply immediately to your board, staff, and community.

  • Beyond the deep dives, every session offers time for each participant to share wins, immediate updates, and real-time advice.

Schedule and Format

  • Dates: Second Friday of each month, January through June

  • Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST

  • Location: Online via Google Meet

  • Cap: Strictly limited to 5 participants to ensure deep engagement and trust

Investment

  • Early Bird Rate: $675 (Apply by December 1)

  • Standard Rate: $750

  • Invoices are issued upon application approval and must be paid prior to the first session. A waiting list will open once all 5 spots are filled.

How Your Organization Gets Value from This Investment

A good leadership course should bring clear benefits back to your nonprofit. Leading the North isn't about sitting through endless lectures—it’s about practical, real-world returns for your board and organization:

  • Real Time for Real Problems: During monthly peer feedback sessions, your Executive Director brings actual workplace challenges to the table and walks away with practical, tested solutions—saving money on outside consultants.

  • A Sharper Focus: Your leader gets space to step back from daily noise, refocus on your core goals, and keep board priorities moving forward efficiently.

  • Stronger Leadership Retention: Connecting regularly with other Northern Minnesota leaders reduces burnout and isolation, helping keep experienced leadership at the helm of your organization.

  • Local Knowledge & Connections: Built specifically for rural Minnesota nonprofits, this cohort creates lasting regional relationships that open doors for shared resources and collaboration.

Leadership Grounded in Real-World Experience

Facilitated by Brandon Mustful of Mustful Strategic Consulting. With 11 years leading Great River Rescue in Bemidji, two years with Northwoods Habitat for Humanity, and current leadership at Kinship of the Park Rapids Area, Brandon understands rural nonprofit leadership firsthand. Combined with experience in Minneapolis, Washington D.C., Bemidji, Park Rapids, rural West Virginia, and Paraguay, this program bridges high-level strategic vision with the realities of small-town, resource-limited operations.

  • "Brandon has a real talent for facilitating meaningful discussion and keeping everyone focused on the big picture."

    Becky Bentfield, Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce

Secure Your Spot

To secure your spot, complete the brief interest form here. Once received, Brandon will reach out with a welcome email and invoice details.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, only Executive Directors are eligible. The program is specifically designed for leaders in this unique role, as they will benefit the most from the shared experiences and targeted content.

  • The program includes six 3-hour sessions held once per month. During each session, you will develop action items, and fellow group members will help hold you accountable. Beyond the monthly meetings, the time you invest outside of sessions is entirely up to you, but you will get more about of the group if you choose to invest time on your action items.

  • While most of our time is dedicated to supporting each other through specific, real-time leadership challenges, every session also covers key topics from the book, The Leadership Challenge by James Kouzes and Barry Posner designed to help you build skills and become a more effective leader.

  • Sessions are highly interactive. Participation naturally varies based on the topic and discussion, but every member is encouraged to engage at the level they feel most comfortable.

  • This program is created specifically for Northern Minnesota Executive Directors and is facilitated by a current Northern Minnesota ED. It focuses directly on practical growth, local relevance, and real-world action.

  • You will gain a safe, highly supportive network of peers who understand the exact challenges you face. Confidentiality is strictly expected and protected across all discussions.

  • You will gain a trusted sounding board for testing ideas and navigating challenges, pick up practical new tools for problem-solving, and build greater confidence in your executive leadership.

  • While we strongly encourage participants to attend every meeting to maintain momentum, missing a session happens. Please note that sessions are not recorded to preserve confidentiality.

  • We aim to bring together a diverse, dedicated group of leaders committed to personal growth and community impact. To ensure a great fit for the cohort, we conduct a brief interview with each applicant prior to official approval.