Note: Today is the last day to register for my Q&A tomorrow at 8:30AM PT, where I'll be answering questions about The Council. → Reserve Your Seat

Hi Reader,

​​In 2018, Tara and I created the Earth Shakers Forum: 36 people across 3 groups with 6 facilitators.

It was a long program, spanning 18 months and ending in January 2020, but it wasn’t a particularly heavy time commitment. Members would meet 1:1 every week, and then groups would gather in-person for quarterly 3-day retreats.

One of the members of Earth Shakers was Michael Nagle, a brilliant Sri-Lankan American writer from Los Angeles.

In late 2023, Michael received devastating news: Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. The diagnosis was severe, requiring immediate and aggressive chemotherapy. The treatment ravaged his body, leaving him physically and emotionally depleted.

Without hesitation, Janine Parziale, a member of his Earth Shakers group, dropped everything to join his first chemo sessions and manage his care for the first 3 months. Then Mark Alexander, who also knew Michael through Earth Shakers, traveled to LA to help care for him.

What followed was extraordinary: In total, 9 Earth Shakers members, 6 from his group, created an informal rotation, taking turns living with Michael for weeks at a time.

When I found this out, I wept. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and pride for the people in Earth Shakers. And I knew that everybody who committed to this group would get similar support if they needed it — even the facilitators who led the group.

These people weren't fulfilling an obligation. They weren't checking a box or doing what was expected. They wanted to be there.

Even more amazing was that this was 4 years after the program had finished, and wasn't organized by any one person or even asked for.

It emerged organically from the bonds formed during their time together.

The power of groups that show up

After I witnessed this outpouring of support, it crystallized something I've always known about the power of intentionally structured support groups.

The connections we build in these spaces aren't superficial networking relationships. They're not the kind of support groups where people give misattuned advice or get stuck in cycles of unproductive empathy. When done right, these groups create bonds that run soul-deep.

When you’re building something significant - whether a company or a marriage - you need real support.

It's why Tara and I have committed to our couples group for 18 years. We meet quarterly, for four hours, plus a weekend retreat every other year.

Joe Hudson @FU_joehudson My wife, Tara, and I have been married for 25 years, and one of the most powerful things in supporting us has been being in a Couples Group. Some tips - Make sure leaderships switches so no one becomes the leader or facilitator. - Agree on 1-3 formats and revise them from time… https://x.com/i/web/status/1881765706489901456 10:8 AM • Jan 21, 2025 1 Retweets 72 Likes Read 1 replies

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And it’s why we want to build The Council as a community of practice for leaders.

So many executives, managers, and others carry their burdens alone. That isolation ripples through their organizations, affecting every employee, every team, every decision.

But when leaders get the support they need, it lifts up entire communities. The impact flows far beyond the boardroom, touching every person in their organizations, as well as the ones they serve.

Big Love,

Joe

PS We will be closing applications to The Council by the end of January. If you'd like to join us, please inquire here.