Mastermind & Open Groups
XYPN Mastermind Groups are small, diverse groups of members that commit to supporting each other in working towards the success of their firms and the achievement of professional goals.
Whether you’ve recently launched or are preparing your succession plan, they’re designed to connect you with other members who are dedicated to moving their careers (and their lives) forward.
We've developed this program to help members like you set aside time each week where you can focus on the career questions that keep you up at night while offering you a safe and accessible environment to learn from YOUR peers, expand YOUR network, and increase YOUR confidence.
Keys to a Successful Mastermind Group
Mastermind Groups are one of the most powerful support systems within the XYPN community. These small groups of members meet weekly to share ideas, tackle challenges, and hold each other accountable. Whether you’re launching your firm or deep into growth mode, a strong Mastermind Group can keep you grounded, focused, and encouraged. If you’re part of one, or thinking about joining, here are a few simple but essential tips to help you (and your group) get the most out of each session.
Show Up and Commit
The success of your group starts with consistency. Each Mastermind session is a 90-minute space dedicated to stepping back from the daily grind and working on your business.
Tips to stay consistent:
- Use the "Add to Calendar" option from your XYPN Portal
- Treat your session like a standing client meeting—non-negotiable time to focus on strategy
- Honor your group’s commitment by attending regularly
- When everyone shows up prepared and present, the group thrives.
Lean On Your Group (They’re Your Inner Circle)
Your Mastermind Group is your first line of support when you're feeling stuck, unsure, or in need of perspective. Don’t wait until something is perfect to share it—this is the space to work through it in real time.
Bring things like:
- Tricky client conversations
- Workflow or tech snags
- Pricing or packaging ideas
- Wins, updates, and lessons learned
- Chances are, someone in your group has been there or is navigating the same issue.
Be Present and Contribute
Participation is key. Your group’s value comes from everyone engaging fully. That means giving as much as you get—and showing up ready to connect.
Ways to contribute:
- Turn your camera on if you can—it helps build trust
- Minimize distractions (mute Slack, email, and notifications)
- Share honest feedback and offer support when others share
- Bring resources, templates, or past experiences to the conversation
- You don’t need to have all the answers—just a willingness to show up and be helpful.
Use the Hot Seat Well
Many Mastermind Groups rotate a “hot seat” format, where one member brings a deeper issue or project to the group for focused feedback.
- How to maximize your time in the hot seat:
- Come prepared with a clear question or goal
- Share just enough background to give context—but keep it focused
- Be open to feedback and different perspectives
- And when it’s not your turn? Be fully present. The insights you share could be just what your peer needs—and you’ll probably learn something yourself, too.
Tips for a Strong Mastermind Experience
Here are a few more best practices that XYPN members find helpful:
- Respect confidentiality. What’s said in the group stays in the group.
- Stick to the schedule. Start and end on time so it’s easy to commit.
- Rotate roles if needed. Designate a facilitator, timekeeper, or note-taker to stay on track.
- Use a shared doc. Keep track of action items, topics, and questions between meetings.
- Stay connected. A group chat or shared Slack channel can keep conversations going.
You Deserve a Support System That Gets You
Running a firm is full of decisions — and it’s a lot easier when you’re not making them alone. A healthy Mastermind Group can be your sounding board, pressure release valve, and biggest cheerleaders all in one.
Open Groups
We also have an opportunity for members to participate in our open groups as an opportunity for folks to meet each other. Check out your dashboard for the available Open Groups!
FAQs
How do Mastermind groups work?
Check out this helpful guide for details.
How do I connect with my Mastermind group?
Check out the GIF below outlining how to use the "Email Group" feature.
Having trouble? Double-check that you have a default email client set-up. Here's an example for adding Gmail as one to your Chrome browser:
Need help importing the .ics file into your schedule?
Check out the help articles below:
How do you create Mastermind Groups?
When building Mastermind Groups, our goal is to bring together advisors who can learn from, support, and challenge one another in meaningful ways.
There’s no strict formula for forming groups — it’s a thoughtful, flexible process. Our Community team takes a variety of considerations into account, such as where members are on their business journey, their availability, and what they’re hoping to get out of the experience.
These details help guide us, but they’re not set rules. We often make adjustments to align personalities, interests, and schedules to create the most valuable group experience possible for each member.
Why should I join a Mastermind Group?
Research has shown that, in order to succeed in networking, you must belong to an active group of supportive and diverse peers. A strong, active group acts as a support system, gives you feedback, and holds you accountable for progress toward your goals while helping others do the same. The group’s knowledge, individual networks, and support are greater than the sum of its parts.
How and when can I join a Mastermind Group?
To sign up for Mastermind Group, please follow these steps:
- Navigate to your XYPN Portal and click on the "Community" Tab.
- Click "Sign-Up" under Mastermind Group Registration.
- Once matched with a group, you’ll access the meetings directly through your Member Portal.
Mastermind group sign-ups run the first to the last day of the month with your group starting the subsequent month. For example, signups for August run August 1-31st and groups are matched the first week of September. Groups run for 12 weeks. You can join a new group once your 12-week cohort ends.
How much time should I set aside to participate?
Each group meets once a week for 12 weeks, and each meeting is 90 minutes a piece. Meetings will take place via video conference (XYPN-provided Zoom). To help you get the most out of the program, we recommend setting aside 5-10 minutes before each meeting to prepare to connect with your fellow members. If you have any doubts about the time commitment, let us know! We'll work together to set you up for success in the program.
Can I get NAPFA Continuing Education Credits through a Mastermind Group?
You may claim 8 CE credits in the entire two-year CE cycle for your mastermind meetings, whether from the half-day sessions or your weekly calls, using the “Study Type” of “Presenting.” Learn more here.
How do I copy the Mastermind group meetings to my own calendar?
Having the meetings on your own calendar helps prevent conflicts and allows you control over managing your schedule. Click on the "Add to Calendar" button to download the calendar (.ics) file.
What additional resources can you share?
Mastering Mastermind Groups - Blog
Group Overview + Meeting Outlines
Contact
If you need help setting expectations, realigning your group, or finding a better fit, the XYPN Member Experience Team is here to help. Just reach out to membership@xyplanningnetwork.com, or the Community team at community@xyplanningnetwork.com and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Here’s to finding your rhythm, your people, and your next big breakthrough.
Last Updated: 9/9/26