Pilea Concierge
What does the Pilea Concierge process look like?
It starts with a 30-minute concierge call to get to know you, your company, and your desired outcomes. The concierge team then goes to work pulling customized matches for you from our diverse network of coaches and therapists. You get to meet each coach 1:1 for a free consultation and decide who you would like to work with. We can adjust and pull more matches as long as you need to find the right fit (but we usually get it in the first 2-3 tries!).
How does the concierge work?
We make personalized matches into our carefully vetted network of coaches based on a conversation we have with you. We have a wide range of coaches, health practitioners, and therapists. It all starts with a 30-minute conversation with our concierge to get to know you, then, within a week, you will get your first coach matches.
How do you make matches?
We take into consideration your company stage, team composition, and personal goals and challenges, as well as your motivational and communication style when making coach matches. We then consult as a team to find the people who best fit you. If we need to make adjustments to your matches, just let us know what does and doesn’t feel right and we will pull more coach options for you until we find the right fit.
How long does it take?
You will get your first coach matches generally within a week of your appointment. They will be introduced to you via email. No need to download or sign up for anything.
How much does it cost?
Your consultations and matching are free. You will arrive at the terms of your coaching engagement with your coach directly. Most contracts are ongoing engagements with a one-month notice to cancel.
Coaching
What is coaching?
Coaching is a process that helps people to move from where they are to where they want to be. Often, it involves setting goals, shifting mindsets, working with our bodies, and gaining new tools to successfully navigate our worlds. The point is, it isn’t only one thing. Integrative leadership coaching encompasses every part of a leader’s self — mind and body — to support in their growth. Truthfully, the best way to understand coaching is to experience it.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
This answer is too long to write in an FAQ. Many people say that therapy is past-focused and that coaching is future-focused. That’s a good start, but we believe it’s much more nuanced. If you’re wondering what is the best fit for you, book a call with our concierge.
How do you find your coaches? What sorts of credentials do they have?
Pilea coaches come through personal referrals or through our coach application. We have created a robust coach vetting process that evaluates a coach’s experience, skills, background, personality, and style. We only accept coaches we trust, and we know each of them personally so that we can make the best coach matches possible. Read more about our coach vetting process here.
What type of coaching do you offer?
We offer executive coaching, cofounder coaching, team dynamics coaching, culture work, DE&I work, leadership development, storytelling coaching, therapy, and more. During your concierge call, we will discuss your challenges and goals and make recommendations on the best type of coaching for you.
How often will I meet with my coach?
Most clients meet with their coaches 2-4 times per month. However, this will be unique to you, and it will depend on how long you have been working with your coach and on what you are working. You can adjust your engagement to suit your needs in collaboration with your coach at any time.
Groups
How do peer groups work?
Peer groups are curated, intimate groups of people who “get” you. We match founders on stage, anti-match based on company sector, and place founders in groups with others who are asking similar questions and who are looking to work towards similar goals. It’s also notable that each group composition is created with diversity in mind. This is meant to simulate a real mini-society in which different perspectives and personalities come to play.
The power of groups is based on the relationships built between members, therefore the dedication of group members to show up and be present is paramount to the success of the group. To ensure that you and your peers get the biggest benefit from group work, all members commit to attending at least 80% of the meetings over a 6 month period.
The agenda of a group is set powerfully by its members. In IGGs, every group member is a leader and creator of value. The best groups have members who courageously bring their questions, challenges, and experiences, and who utilize the group as a human laboratory to learn (with feedback) to step-up as the best versions of themselves.
How are groups structured?
Each group is made up of 6-10 members and one Pilea coach who is trained in interpersonal group process and executive coaching.
Groups are expected to be ongoing and to continue past the 6 months, but we ask for a 6 month commitment to ensure that members have enough time to build the relationships and trust that are necessary to do the deep work.
How are group placements made?
Founder groups are made up of founders, investors, or startup employees who are matched based on any or all of the following: stage, position, location, and goals. We anti-match based on sector to avoid having competitors in groups together. At any point in the setup process, please inform us if there is a conflict with another group member so we can find you a more appropriate group.
What credentials do the coaches have?
Group coaches are specifically trained in Pilea Group Facilitation based on Interpersonal Group Process, which was pioneered at Stanford University by Irv Yalom and is commonly used in psychotherapy. Additionally, our coaches have extensive experience working with entrepreneurs as executive coaches, and many were also founders themselves.
Where do groups meet?
Because of COVID-19, all groups will be held virtually via Zoom until further notice. Some groups will still be formed based on location with the intention that - when it is safe to do so - the members can transition to in-person work.
What is the difference between 1x and 2x per month?
1x/month groups meet for 2.5 hours each session. This format can be easier on your calendar, and it provides longer sessions in which participants can often go deeper into the issues at hand.
2x/month groups meet for 1.5 hours each time. This format lends itself to greater momentum, as well as more opportunities to practice new skills and ways of being.
Neither format is better or worse, and each has distinct benefits. We cannot guarantee either format for your group, but we will take members’ preferences into consideration when forming the group.
What if I just started my group, but it feels like it’s not working?
The first two groups can feel slow as people get to know the other group members. We ask that you stick it out even if it feels like it’s not “working.” Relationships are the basis of group work and trust takes time to foster.
If the group feels slow, we encourage you to bring it up with the group and challenge your peers to go deeper; our hunch is that this might not be the only place you feel impatient or wish things would move faster, so explore this! Groups are a place to expand your ability to sit with experiences that are different. There might even be an opportunity for you in getting bored or not seeing movement right away. What else might be possible for you if you learn to wait and be patient?