Q: How is a Starboard Collective different from other coaching programs and masterminds?

While we are on the surface similar, we like to think we are more like an executive MBA program on steroids, in a fraction of the time and for a nano-fraction of the cost. Here are a few differences:

• We only allow 1 person per company to attend each meeting

• Our groups contain companies from the same industry

• Our captains (facilitators/coaches) are financial experts and analyze your company’s finances and benchmark them against the other companies in the group two times per year.

• Rather than bring in outside experts, we believe everything we need to know is in the group and focus on sharing with one another.

Q: This information sounds really useful. Can I bring my CFO, COO, other person in my company?

There is only one seat available per company, but feel free to share what you learn!

Q: What do you mean by financial analysis?

We have developed a proprietary approach to compiling the financial data from each member company and looking at key ratios as well as comparing them to industry averages.

The ratios are broken into 3 categories: Balance Sheet, Profitability, and Operational.

Additionally, each company has their own historical ratios and trends analyzed. 

This approach, along with storytelling and anecdotal evidence from each company help paint a picture for all members in the group to understand not just what the numbers are, but what they MEAN and WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM to be more financially successful in business.

Q: When will you be able to start a group for my industry?

First, we can only start groups where the members do not directly compete with one another. If your industry can achieve that, we then look for a critical mass of 8 member companies to create a group. Contact us or apply here if you’d like to get a group going in your industry.

Q: Do the groups violate antitrust laws?

No. While financials are discussed in detail, no talk of price fixing or actual pricing is mentioned. If the topic comes up, our captains are trained to stop the conversation immediately.

Q: How do I know that a group member won’t become my biggest competitor?

Sharing your best practices with other companies in your industry can seem like a risk. For this reason we are careful to only form groups in industries where companies do not directly compete. That said, we also believe that when one company does well, we all succeed.

Q: What is expected of me as a group member?

Being a member of a Starboard Collective is an important commitment. 

• We expect that meetings are attended on a priority basis. If you are unable to attend 2 meetings in a row, you are automatically removed from the group.

• Confidentiality is also required, and any breach of confidentiality is not tolerated.

Q: What’s the cost?

Contact us here for pricing for your industry.

Q: What does Starboard mean?

From wikipedia: The term starboard derives from the Old English steorbord, meaning the side on which the ship is steered. Before ships had rudders on their centrelines, they were steered with a steering oar at the stern of the ship on the right hand side of the ship, because more people are right-handed.

Additionally, in sailboat racing, “starboard” is the tack that has the right of way. And in lay terms the words “star” and “board” is the perfect business analogy; doesn’t everyone want a board full of stars guiding them?