What women say about joining The Wise Women's Council
Women join us for community, coaching, and personal growth. They leave connected, changed, and invigorated. The stories and quotes below are from members and alumni.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Testimonials about The Wise Women’s Council
“Sometimes all I want is just ONE place to talk about all the things—business, babies, being a woman, your career—and not have to constantly code-switch between groups. The Wise Women’s Council is that place for me.”
—
“I loved everything about the program. The women who joined me were inspiring, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and eager to be in community. That alone made every forum for interacting worth my time and focus. SKP is brilliant at holding space, providing sparks for connections, and letting go of any attachment of a plan in service of meeting the group where they are and what they are needing.”
— Alicia Jabbar, Experiential Facilitator, Speaker, Writer
“WWC is an incredible blessing. It was a gift I didn’t know I needed. I found companionship, friendship, business support, cheerleaders, and new ideas.”
—
“There is no way to describe what it feels like to be validated across all areas of life. So much of being a woman (and more so, a mom) makes one feel invisible. In this space I felt seen and heard by really smart, funny, and fearless people.
— Stefanie M. Falconi, Policy Entrepreneur
“I couldn’t have imagined a more supportive community that helped me not just survive, but at times thrive, during a pandemic when I was working in an executive full-time role and parenting a young child.”
“I knew going into 2021 that it would be a hard year to establish new friendships in person, so I thought that it would be a great opportunity to meet new people online in a similar stage of life to me. What I didn’t expect was just how expansive WWC was for me. The people I met, what I learned both about myself and the world – it truly expanded what I thought was possible about working parenthood.”
— Jessica Wan
MBA & Opera Singer, Podcast Creator & Host: The Ampersand Manifesto
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Testimonials about The Wise Women’s Council
Being with Sarah in a mastermind is a totally life-changing experience. She has a knack for listening in a really powerful way. But here’s the thing: having my turn to speak in the hot seat is always life-changing. What was more surprising and powerful was how much I got out of being there for other people. Sarah models how to listen, how to ask insightful questions, and how to create space for other people to be honest, to be real, to be growing-in-process. Through her guidance, I became a more active listener and connected more deeply to other people’s stories. That was the game changer: being a powerful listener is the substance of true, life-long connections.
I loved having a designated space, time, and community with which to dive deep into the most pressing questions in my personal and professional life. This structure worked really well for me because it provided structured times to pose and answer important questions, an accountability group that inspired me and pushed me to dig deeper, and finally a look into the questions, struggles, and aha moments of other ambitious people! After this mastermind, I have seriously wondered how people function without a similar support network and structure!
My experience has been transformational, especially on the inside. I was in The Wise Women’s Council in 2020 during the pandemic, with twin babies and zero childcare. While I didn’t “double my revenue,” I did address my business foundations, I started using my voice, I pitched and got featured, and I still managed my writing business. Most importantly, I gained tools and community far beyond business building, which is priceless.
“I feel so proud of everyone — not only for what we’ve achieved this year, but for being vulnerable in discussions that helped us grow.”
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS
HOW ALUMNI DESCRIBE THE PROGRAM
How our alumni describe the program
“I honestly don’t know who I would be without the Wise Women’s Council. I don’t know how you led us through this in a pandemic, but it was everything I needed and more.”
— MaryKate, Senior Transportation & Engineering Consultant
WWC has been such a rich experience for me—deep, juicy, layered, textured, expansive, and affirming. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of a grueling second pandemic year, the contrast could not be more stark. WWC was a haven and a respite and a source of energy, strength, creativity, courage, and community when I needed all of those things perhaps more than ever before.
— Caroline O.
WWC is a community of women who are doing interesting work and supporting each other. If you’re working solo, working from home, or just want to build a new community of supportive peers, WWC is an incredible blessing. It was a gift I didn’t know I needed. I found companionship, friendship, business support, cheerleaders, and new ideas. WWC helped me find new inspiration I have applied to my work and my personal relationships, including my relationship with myself.
— Lee Price
This was the best investment into myself this year. This group has helped me grow, sometimes just by being a non-judgmental sounding board where I could pour in my ideas, my progress, my struggles. Knowing that there are other women out there who can relate, who understand, and who who can roll their eyes out loud with, that has been transformational.
And then there were prompts that helped me to think through ideas I didn’t even know I had, the voxer groups that took unexpected turns, and the personal conversations that covered everything from parenting to relationships to entrepreneurship and all the fascinating mess you can create when combining all three. Thank you, everyone. You made my year fascinating.”
— Valentina T.
As a member this year I can state unequivocally that this is the best, most open and nurturing group of women I’ve ever had the joy of knowing. Full of rockstar women at the top of their game and wonderfully facilitated. Can’t say enough good things.
— Hilary Hendershott
There’s just no other place where I can bring my mess, knowing it will be acknowledged and seen but also not used as an excuse to dismiss me or disqualify me from doing the things I want to do. I’ve never had a space like that, and it gave me room to level up into the person I want to be. And to know these people who I’m so grateful to know.”
— Sarah G.
“There’s relief in spending time with people who share a few of the multi-realities, identities, and dreams: parents and builders, care-givers and creatives, stain-removers and business leaders, unwilling baby sleep experts and veterans of professional disappointment.”
“We each live in a constant state of Things Having Changed. Our bodies changed. Our kids changed. The time of year changed. The motivation for certain kinds of work changed. nothing is static but an ever-present tumult. Change isn’t something we choose or not choose (as if we ever did) — it is something we navigate.”
— Dana Ray
Writer, Language Strategist, and Chronic Illness and Disability Justice Advocate
“It’s hard to even imagine this year without all the richness this community brought to my life. I will cherish the moments of vulnerability and compassion most.”
— Marya C, Scientist, Public Health Advocate
WWC was the group I didn’t know I needed. And as big as the surprise was, the more I got from it. I didn’t quite understand what the program was about, but decided to go with my intuition.
I’ve learned, connected, felt close to, cried, shared stories that I’ve never thought others would care about, asked for advise, laughed, dug deep (and then even deeper), challenged by my own perspectives of things and — had the privilege to hear from so many inspiring women. Sarah, you are creating something so magical here, which is why I suppose it’s so hard to understand what the WWC is all about.
— Liron T.
“This year took such an unexpected turn for me, and I’m so grateful that WWC was here to be a support system that I could bring my whole self to without fear of judgment. For that I am so deeply appreciative. Small group coaching was an amazing experience, serving my biggest lesson this year — sharing your wins is not solely about you. Sharing your wins lifts others up and inspires everyone that bears witness! Hearing wins and stories of progress were rays of light on some dark days this year. Thank you all!”
— Jessica K.
I am closing out the year with so much gratitude for learning through and with each of you how to be the full complex human, mother, and business owner that I am. Prior to joining this group I knew almost no female entrepreneurs with kids and I am leaving with inspiration and freedom to find my own way into my new role as a mother.
— Alicia J.
What an amazing tribe of womxn, drumming strongly and standing for their full selves. Thank you for inspiring me in my (very fresh) parenting journey, while keeping me grounded in my passion for what I am good at and can offer this world. I think of your stamina, vulnerability, strength, and joy and I think of you children who are lucky to have you as their guiding forces. This is how we weave hope for the future. Salud! Such a pleasure to share with you in such wholesome space. SKP, you are a force! Abrazos a todas!
— Mariana V.
WWC has been such a rich experience for me—deep, juicy, layered, textured, expansive, and affirming. Juxtaposed against the backdrop of a grueling second pandemic year, the contrast could not be more stark.
WWC was a haven and a respite and a source of energy, strength, creativity, courage, and community when I needed all of those things perhaps more than ever before. Two of the biggest lessons I will take away from this experience are the power of being part of an intentional community and the power of reflecting on one’s own story, experiences, beliefs, habits, and values.
Sarah K Peck, you have done a brilliant job of curating this group in every way, from convening this specific assemblage of beautifully human humans to shaping the experience with thought, care, and no shortage of magic all the way through.
— Jody R. K.
The unconditional ‘come as you are’ space was so affirming, and the kindness and curiosity of others was such a gift. I learned SO MUCH from the amazing guest speakers, and I absorbed ideas, tools, and new perspectives that are already changing how I live and work.
For all of us that are in the THICK of it — keep going! — because showing up messy and whole is revolutionary, and it’s the foundation for future generations of wise women.
— Alexis G. B.
“It felt like we’d known each other forever — a feeling I’ve had since our first interaction months ago.”
“It’s hard to even put into words what it was like to sit around a table with women I’ve spoken to almost daily since November, but had never actually met in person.
To be surrounded by people I can go with to anything is something I will never take for granted. This group has been a place for advice, for empathy, for validation, for ideation, and for respite.”
— Sara Frandina
Certified Conversion Copywriter, Co-Founder Long Live Studio
“I was lying awake at night thinking, ‘Could I do this? Could I quit my job?’ It was a job I really loved, but I realized that if I ever wanted to have a family, live the life I wanted, I was going to have to make something new and build it myself. I loved the questions Sarah asked of us, giving us space to pause, question, accept, and sit with ALL THE THINGS. We covered so much ground.”
— Erin Simpson, founder of Wild Cat
There was not a time we got together that I wasn’t openly weeping about something, because I had so much to process and I didn’t realize it. The Wise Women’s COuncil gave me space to process motherhood and everything that comes with it.
— Sharon S.
“This year took such an unexpected turn for me, and I’m so grateful that WWC was here to be a support system that I could bring my whole self to without fear of judgment. For that I am so deeply appreciative. Small group coaching was an amazing experience, serving my biggest lesson this year — sharing your wins is not solely about you. Sharing your wins lifts others up and inspires everyone that bears witness! Hearing wins and stories of progress were rays of light on some dark days this year. Thank you all!”
— Jessica K.
Sarah has an uncanny ability to ask the right questions at the right time, and give you space to explore what’s really going on beneath all of the stress. She makes you feel like you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.”
— Margo A.
You were my emotional support, my encouragement, and my group to celebrate with. You pushed me to do things I knew I should do but couldn’t figure out how. You even gave me new ways to make deep connections outside of WWC … It’s the proudest I’ve been of myself in a very long while. Thanks, and let’s do it again sometime!
— Avery S.
This group has given me so much comfort and courage; comfort in knowing that the new challenges I’m facing are not uncommon, and the courage to rethink what things might look like. As we near the end of the year I’m so proud of myself for all of the ways I’ve started to embody this courage, and I’m so thankful to this group for the help along the way. Thank you all for showing up as your brave, brilliant selves.
— Jessica B.
My biggest takeaway was the power of reflection, and specifically the power of communal reflection. Having these structured conversations with all of you has pushed me to do continual reflection that I probably wouldn’t have made time or brain space for on my own.”
— L.P.
APPLY TO JOIN
Enter your name and email address below to be taken to the application.
More from Alumni:
Testimonials and experiences from previous alumni, including a few notes from mastermind participants who were in the earliest group program iterations before this officially became the Wise Women’s Council.
LOVED connecting with other women, especially async when possible. It made me feel seen and less alone. I am a Voxer lover now too 🙂
I loved the call to be generous with our time and talents, and how that was met by each deeply invested participant. I felt as if I had a new circle of supporters, people who I also wanted to help meet their goals and dig into challenges and big ideas. The community, all centered around wanting to do and be even better selves, was incredibly empowering.
The experience of going through the mastermind with you and our crew was incredible. It left me feeling inspired, supported, poised, and empowered to take action to make my dream of running my own business a reality! I learned concrete tools and ideas from you and my peers in the group and felt truly held and heard in all of our interactions. Thank you for creating this space for our group to gather.
I loved the diversity of people who shared the same values of motivation, growth and learning. It totally exceeded my expectations! This is a structured Mastermind with the opportunity to meet other high-quality, motivated people, dig deep into your questions via deep dives and make progress on your goals.
Sarah’s ability to connect people is like magic. Once you meet your Mastermind tribe, you’re sure to build relationships that have the potential to last longer than the months you’re together.
Sarah was a thoughtful and committed guide through this process. I found the monthly rhythms and the check-in calls with her to be wildly helpful. Even more so, I found her theme of asking questions to upend all of my thinking about how to make progress on problems. Instead of saying, I need an action plan! Sarah would ask, why do you feel this way? Why do you think you need that? Throughout that process, you could start to get a better grip and handle on what was actually going on in your own mind.