In one of the leadership courses I facilitated, a senior leader shared a deep struggle she had been carrying for years,a quiet, hidden pain no one at work had ever known about.

When she chose to open up, something rare happened:

A space was created that held deep, non-judgmental listening, filled with compassion and acceptance.

The group didn’t try to fix her. They were simply there, holding space for a part of her that had never before been given permission to exist.

The moment was tender, raw, and vulnerable.

I went home feeling something powerful had occurred, though I couldn’t fully grasp how much.

And to be honest, I silently hoped I hadn’t caused harm by inviting her to touch those hidden, painful places.

A week later, as we began our next session, she shared something that moved us all:

Until that moment, she had never truly allowed herself to feel her sadness.

But after being invited to be in conversation with the painful parts within – without numbing, escaping, or analyzing – she chose to simply be with the sadness, just before going to sleep.

And to her surprise, she woke up to a new kind of morning.

Lighter. More alive.
Something had shifted.

And in that moment, I understood –  deeply:

This is what transformation looks like.

This is the power of a group.

The group became a safe container for her to meet those parts that had been quietly demanding her attention, blocking her from stepping into what’s next.

When we’re met with presence, without judgment, with full humanity, something inside us softens and opens.

And that’s when leaders begin to move.

Not just in their role – but within themselves.

This is the essence of a mastermind group.

A supportive space with people who truly listen, gently reflect, ask brave questions, and hold space for you, until you can hold it for yourself.

A space that empowers you to walk through challenge with courage, and move toward aligned action or a brave decision.

And research backs this up:

Psychological safety explains 47% of team creativity, when people feel safe, they open up, take risks, and that’s where real transformation begins.

It’s not just about insights.

It’s about connection.

It’s about transformation.

It’s about the collective wisdom of a group.