Question 1

What services are included in Chief membership?

Accepted Answer

Chief provides the community, knowledge, and support women need to explore new possibilities and lead on your own terms. Our experience is tailored to your unique journey, with the flexibility to evolve as you evolve. Membership includes: Unlimited access to our Clubhouses in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Coaching that’s customized to your goals either through one-on-one sessions or a curated peer group. Invitations to ChiefX summits — one-of-a-kind full-day events offering inspiring keynotes, dynamic panels and workshops, and fulfilling ways to connect. Bespoke pop-ups at big events like CES, SXSW, and HumanX, with dedicated space just for Chief Members. A full calendar of in-person and virtual speakers, workshops, panels and networking events, curated around your interests and priorities. Quarterly courses from the Wharton School of Business to sharpen your skills in areas like AI, entrepreneurship, board readiness, and finance. A community and team dedicated to your growth every step of the way.

Question 2

How long is the membership term?

Accepted Answer

Chief membership terms are annual.

Question 3

Can my company sponsor my Chief membership?

Accepted Answer

A majority of Chief Members are sponsored by their companies. For more information, visit chief.com/sponsor-your-executive.

Question 4

Does Chief have an enterprise offering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chief Enterprise partners with companies that are looking to proactively invest in their leaders and unlock new growth opportunities for their business.

Question 5

If I have specific questions about Chief membership, who can I reach out to?

Accepted Answer

Please reach out to applications@chief.com with any specific questions about Chief membership.

Question 6

What is the Chief Grant Program?

Accepted Answer

Chief membership is designed for those who have senior leadership responsibility within their organization. We believe the diversity of our community makes us exponentially more impactful, and our vision is a future where one's identity is not a barrier to leadership. The Chief Grant Program was developed to reduce the financial barrier to membership for executives who have historically faced socioeconomic barriers, those experiencing financial hardship (current members only), and those employed in the nonprofit sector. We evaluate applications based on a short personal statement and a range of applicant experiences. Grants offer a subsidy toward annual Chief membership and are available for both new members and existing members at their time of renewal. The subsidy offered is the same for all grant recipients.

Question 7

Who is eligible for a grant?

Accepted Answer

Grants are available for executives who have historically faced socioeconomic barriers (as defined by our criteria below) as well as those in the nonprofit sector. We give grants to both new members and existing members at their time of renewal. Eligibility is defined as meeting at least one of the following criteria: First-generation college student (first in the family to attend or graduate from college) Head of household with caregiving responsibilities Nonprofit sector executive In addition to meeting at least one of our criteria, we also request a short personal statement from each applicant to understand any circumstances that led them to apply for a grant. Our Emergency Support Fund is only available to renewing Chief Members who are either experiencing an extenuating financial hardship or are in transition due to the loss of a job. Because we have a limited number of grants, we prioritize a number of factors when evaluating applications, including individual circumstances (i.e., meeting multiple criteria) and whether an applicant’s organization is able to sponsor their membership.

Question 8

How can I apply for a grant?

Accepted Answer

New members can apply for a grant after they complete their Chief application. The grant application process is separate from the membership process. Existing members can reach out to concierge@chief.com as they approach their membership renewal date. Once we receive an application, our Grants team evaluates it based on a short personal statement, criteria that includes being first-generation college student, being a head of household with caregiving responsibilities, holding a nonprofit senior executive role, and whether or not the applicant’s organization is able to sponsor their membership. We review applications on a weekly basis and aim to notify members of their grant status via email within four weeks of receipt. Because we have a limited number of grants, we prioritize a number of factors when evaluating applications, including individual circumstances (i.e., meeting multiple criteria) and whether or not an applicant’s organization is able to sponsor their membership. If you have questions, please email concierge@chief.com.

Question 9

What are Chief’s membership requirements?

Accepted Answer

Chief exists to create more possibilities for women in leadership. The Chief experience is designed for members with: Tenure: 15+ years of leadership experience Influence: Board seats, thought leadership platforms, keynote engagements, and more Impact: Roles with significant scope and responsibility. In order to qualify for membership, applicants must meet the criteria in one or more of the following categories: C-Suite: Have a CXO (or equivalent) title at an organization with 1,000+ employees OR sit on a board of directors of a publicly held company. Senior Leaders and Executives: CEO, CXO, VP/SVP, and Founders at mid-market to enterprise-scale companies. To calibrate for seniority across company size, we also consider levels from the CEO and size of team managed. Senior Directors/Directors at companies with 10,000+ full-time employees are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Builders and Navigators: Solopreneurs, Consultants, Founders, or Fractional Leaders whose past experience includes CXO or VP+ roles at credentialed companies OR their business has $2 million+ in annual revenue or venture funding.

Question 10

Are there any nuances to how Chief considers industry- or region-specific titles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, certain industries and titles can vary in terms of their qualification for Chief membership. Here are examples of industry specifics: Banking/financial services: For national/global banks, qualifying titles include Managing Director, C-Level and, in some cases, Executive Director For regional banks without MDs, seniority criteria includes VPs who are three levels below the CEO PR/advertising/marketing agencies: Qualifying titles include SVP, C-Level, and Partner Nonprofit organizations: Qualifying titles include Executive Director Law firms: Qualifying titles include Partner, with an average team size of more than 5 Government administration: Qualifying titles include Deputy Director, with an average team size of more than Higher education: Qualifying titles include Deans and Chancellors Titles such as \"Chief of Staff\" and \"Head Of\" can vary with company size, reporting structure, levels away from CEO, and past experience. Different regions may use alternative titles, such as Managing Director or Director as the seniority equivalent of CXO or Vice President. In those circumstances, we consider the size of the company, levels from the CEO, and size of the team, in addition to scope and responsibility.

Question 11

What can I expect from the application process?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to submit an application. If you meet our membership criteria, we reach out, on average, within two weeks to schedule a 30-minute interview. During the call, we will spend time getting to know your career and professional goals and share more details about how Chief membership can help you achieve them. We will also have plenty of time to answer questions.

Question 12

How can I check in on or offer an update regarding my application?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about the status of your application or would like to share an update on your role, title, or company, please contact applications@chief.com.

Question 13

Is a Chief membership relevant for me if I am not currently in a corporate or C-Suite role?

Accepted Answer

We know that there is no one path to leadership. Whether you are in a corporate role, taking on consulting opportunities, building something new, or figuring out your next move, our tailored journeys are built to meet you where you are in your career.

Question 14

If I know someone who would be a great fit for Chief, how can I submit a nomination?

Accepted Answer

We welcome nominations for new Chief Members. Please take a moment to review our membership criteria and then submit a nomination.

Question 15

What is the role of a Chief Guide in the Core experience?

Accepted Answer

Coaching at Chief is entirely centered around your professional goals, whether you’re launching a business, building your personal brand, leveling up as a leader, or preparing for board service. You can explore topics like clarifying your next career move, refining your pitch or strategy, strengthening executive presence, building confidence for high-stakes conversations, and developing a board-readiness roadmap.

Question 16

How are Core Groups curated?

Accepted Answer

Core Groups are curated based on your professional goals and how they align with the following three journeys: C-Suite: Senior leaders looking to amplify their impact across teams, industries, and boardrooms Executive Leader: High-impact leaders looking to expand influence, build strong teams, and further cultivate their leadership edge Builder (Solopreneur, Consultant, Founder, Fractional): Solopreneurs, Consultants, Founders, and Fractional Leaders looking to create and scale value-aligned, thriving businesses We also take into account your professional goals, role, company size, scope of responsibility, and life stage to ensure the best possible fit. The goal is to place you with a group of peers with whom you can learn, grow, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Question 17

What are common topics covered in Core meetings?

Accepted Answer

Each Core Journey – C-Suite, Executive Leaders, and Builders – follows a distinct framework. Meetings and discussion topics are rooted in one of six leadership pillars and tied specifically to a journey, but groups have the flexibility to explore each in the way that is most relevant to their needs. Examples of the leadership pillars include: C-Suite: Transforming Uncertainty Into Your Advantage; Sustaining Your Executive Capacity; Building a Legacy That Endures Executive Leader: Influencing at Every Level With Presence and Authority; Harnessing Your Growth Edge for Impact; Navigating Complexity With Confidence Builder (Solopreneur, Consultant, Founder, Fractional): Attracting, Securing, and Keeping Customers; Scaling Systems to 10x Your Impact; Fortifying Your Financial Armor

Question 18

As my career goals evolve, can I switch between Core and Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon your annual membership renewal, you can switch between Core Groups and Coaching to match your evolving career goals and development needs.

Question 19

What is the role of a Chief Guide in the Core experience?

Accepted Answer

Coaching at Chief is entirely centered around your professional goals, whether you’re launching a business, building your personal brand, leveling up as a leader, or preparing for board service. You can explore topics like clarifying your next career move, refining your pitch or strategy, strengthening executive presence, building confidence for high-stakes conversations, and developing a board-readiness roadmap.

Question 20

What are common topics covered in Core meetings?

Accepted Answer

Each Core Journey – C-Suite, Executive Leaders, and Builders – follows a distinct framework. Meetings and discussion topics are rooted in one of six leadership pillars and tied specifically to a journey, but groups have the flexibility to explore each in the way that is most relevant to their needs. Examples of the leadership pillars include: C-Suite: Transforming Uncertainty Into Your Advantage; Sustaining Your Executive Capacity; Building a Legacy That Endures Executive Leader: Influencing at Every Level With Presence and Authority; Harnessing Your Growth Edge for Impact; Navigating Complexity With Confidence Builder (Solopreneur, Consultant, Founder, Fractional): Attracting, Securing, and Keeping Customers; Scaling Systems to 10x Your Impact; Fortifying Your Financial Armor

Question 21

As my career goals evolve, can I switch between Core and Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon your annual membership renewal, you can switch between Core Groups and Coaching to match your evolving career goals and development needs.

Question 22

How are Core Groups curated?

Accepted Answer

Core Groups are curated based on your professional goals and how they align with the following three journeys: C-Suite: Senior leaders looking to amplify their impact across teams, industries, and boardrooms Executive Leader: High-impact leaders looking to expand influence, build strong teams, and further cultivate their leadership edge Builder (Solopreneur, Consultant, Founder, Fractional): Solopreneurs, Consultants, Founders, and Fractional Leaders looking to create and scale value-aligned, thriving businesses We also take into account your professional goals, role, company size, scope of responsibility, and life stage to ensure the best possible fit. The goal is to place you with a group of peers with whom you can learn, grow, and achieve meaningful outcomes.

Question 23

Does Chief offer both in-person and virtual programming?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chief offers both in-person and virtual programming. Most of our events are available in both formats to ensure our members' experience is the same, regardless of their location.

Question 24

On average, how many events does Chief host every month?

Accepted Answer

Although the number varies by month and market, Chief hosts dozens of in-person and virtual events per month across the country. This ensures we can provide a robust programming lineup that also accommodates our members' busy schedules.

Question 25

What can I expect from a ChiefX event?

Accepted Answer

ChiefX events are special opportunities to connect with Chief Members across the country. These full-day summits feature bold keynotes with speakers like Jenna Lyons, Valerie Jarrett, and Sallie Krawcheck, interactive leadership workshops, and fulfilling ways to strengthen relationships with peers in the Chief community.

Question 26

Which industry events and conferences will Chief be hosting pop-ups at in 2026?

Accepted Answer

This list will continue to be updated, but in 2026, you can expect to see Chief at CES (Las Vegas), HumanX (San Francisco), SXSW (Austin), and HLTH (location to be determined).

Question 27

Do I receive a certification after completing a Chief executive education course?

Accepted Answer

Members who attend all three live sessions of a Chief executive education course will receive an official certification, issued in partnership with the Wharton School of Business. Certifications can be uploaded to your LinkedIn profile and shared with your employer.

Question 28

Who can I contact regarding partnership or speaking opportunities for these events?

Accepted Answer

We love receiving partnership and speaker recommendations. Share ideas with partnerships@chief.com and programming@chief.com. Due to request volume, we are only able to respond to opportunities that are a fit.

Question 29

How does community shape the Chief experience?

Accepted Answer

Community is the power of Chief. When you join, you become part of a collective of senior women leaders who are ambitious, supportive, and determined to reshape leadership. Every part of the Chief experience is designed to strengthen your network and your impact. You'll be supported by a dedicated team including a Core Guide, Executive Coach, Community Manager, Clubhouse Managers, and a personal Concierge — all focused on making sure you get the most from your membership.

Question 30

How can I meet or connect with other Chief Members?

Accepted Answer

Chief offers many ways to connect with other members. Monthly events bring members together around timely topics and shared interests. Our five Clubhouse spaces in major cities are designed for in-person connection and collaboration. Annual summits (ChiefX) offer immersive multi-day experiences. And with over 100 community groups organized by industry, interest, and identity, you'll always find your people.

Question 31

As a member, what kind of support will I have from the Chief team?

Accepted Answer

Your Concierge is your personal guide to the Chief experience — helping you navigate membership, make connections, and find the right opportunities. Community Managers in your region enhance your network effect through curated introductions and local programming. Clubhouse Managers ensure our physical spaces are welcoming and well-run so every visit feels like coming home.

Question 32

Do Chief Members have access to all Clubhouses?

Accepted Answer

Chief Members have access to all Clubhouses, located in New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Whether you are based in one of these cities or travel for work, these are spaces to build connections, sip a cocktail, host clients and offsites, or enjoy a change of pace during your work day. Chief Clubhouses are not your traditional coworking space or social club — our weekly programming is curated to support who you are as a leader and a person.

Question 33

What amenities do Chief Clubhouses offer?

Accepted Answer

All Clubhouses have free WiFi, bookable meeting rooms, private call rooms, lounge spaces, a wellness room, and also offer complimentary coffee and tea. Each Clubhouse also has a seasonal all-day food and beverage menu, with light bites and drinks available for purchase.

Question 34

Can I work and take meetings at Clubhouses?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chief Members work on their laptops and take meetings in any of our communal spaces or private call rooms.

Question 35

What kinds of events are hosted at Clubhouses?

Accepted Answer

Clubhouses host a variety of events, from curated networking gatherings and casual cocktail hours to fireside chats with industry leaders. Our programming is designed to spark connection, inspire growth, and support both your work and your life.

Question 36

Can I bring guests to a Clubhouse?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring up to three guests at a time of any gender or gender identity. We just ask that all guests be 18 years or older.

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