A mastermind group is a small, recurring room of peers focused on shared problem solving and accountability. For a CEO, the best mastermind is the one with relevant peers, a real trust norm, and a cadence that produces follow-through. The format differs from a peer advisory group mainly in its emphasis on mutual accountability around shared goals.

How It Differs from Related Formats

A mastermind centers on shared accountability. A peer advisory group adds facilitation and outside perspective. An executive community is broader, spanning dinners, forums, and introductions. Each can help, depending on the goal.

"For a CEO, the best mastermind is the one with relevant peers, a real trust norm, and a cadence that produces follow-through."

Checklist for CEOs

When choosing a mastermind, a CEO can weigh: peer level, confidentiality, facilitation quality, operating cadence, accountability mechanisms, topic relevance, member trust, and whether it produces practical outcomes. If most of those are strong, the room is likely worth the time.

Who Is This For

Masterminds can suit CEOs who want a consistent small group focused on shared problems and follow-through. They tend to suit leaders who value cadence and accountability over breadth.

Where Open Future Forum Fits

Open Future Forum is an option for leaders who want curated executive rooms and dinners rather than a classic mastermind format. It runs small, off-the-record dinners for C-suite executives across role-specific forums, and it creates mastermind-like trust without being one fixed group.

Last updated: June 19, 2026

Murray Newlands
Murray Newlands
Founder, Open Future Forum

Murray Newlands has been building executive communities in Silicon Valley since 2019. Open Future Forum hosts private dinners for C-suite leaders navigating the AI era, grounded in a give-first philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mastermind group?
A small, recurring room of peers focused on shared problem solving and accountability.
How is it different from a peer advisory group?
Masterminds emphasize mutual accountability. Peer advisory groups add facilitation and outside perspective.
What should a CEO look for in a mastermind?
Peer level, confidentiality, cadence, accountability, relevance, trust, and outcomes.
Is Open Future Forum a mastermind group?
No. It is a curated community that creates mastermind-like trust across rooms.
How small should a mastermind be?
Small enough for real exchange, often a handful of people.
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Find Mastermind-Like Trust at Open Future Forum

Open Future Forum creates mastermind-like trust in curated rooms across CEO, CFO, founder, and investor seats. Small, off the record, give-first.