20 Years of Leaders helping Leaders

Associate Councils

Cultivating Tomorrow’s Leaders in Our Republic

Welcome to the nurturing ground of our modern Republic of Leaders. Our Associate Councils are where high-potential individuals and first-time managers come together to accelerate their growth, driving innovation and excellence in their organizations from the ground up.

Membership Requirements

  • Early-Career Individual Contributors & First-time Managers in Product
  • Designed for (but not limited to) Women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ professionals
  • Commitment to our “asking for help” ethic – the cornerstone of our community

Organizational Impact

  • Retain and develop high-potential early-career talent in product roles
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation
  • Build a pipeline of future leaders equipped with cross-industry insights
  • Demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion in leadership development

What Members Get:

A Curated Ecosystem for Accelerated Growth

  • Your Council: A Peer Advisory Board • Placement on a council with non-competing peers from diverse companies • Eight Zoom meetings per year led by experienced moderators • Safe space to ask for help, share challenges, and celebrate victories
  • The 365 Program: Continuous Support and Learning • Peer Coaching Calls™ (PCC) for targeted expert advice • RFHs™ (Requests for Help) for immediate community support • 1:1 connections for confidential guidance
  • Coaching & Outplacement • CG Coach trained in our methodologies there to support you every step of they way. Your CG Coach will plug you into the community to help you leverage your membership in the most impactful ways. Outplacement services leveraging our “Never Search Alone” methodology

Member Benefits

  • Real-time tactical and strategic help from peers
  • Better, faster decision-making skills
  • Support to realize short- and long-term career goals
  • Access to a community that fosters hope, motivation, accountability, and trust

Our Track Record

  • 20+ years of building genuine community and deep trust
  • Thousands of members successfully promoted
  • Proven methodology designed for 21st-century product managers

Investment

  • $3,000 annual membership fee
  • $500 one-time onboarding fee for new members (first year only)

Members consistently report

  • Increased confidence in navigating political, cultural, and social challenges in their roles
  • Actionable insights from high-performing, non-competitive peers
  • Enhanced ability to build a “village” of support, including allies and informal mentors
  • Empowerment to thrive and increase their chances of promotion
Apply Here

Need more before you apply?

Read more about our values and why we do this and download our brochure.

Testimonials

“The Associate Councils has been an incredible space for me—a supportive yet challenging environment where I’ve grown both personally and professionally. Having a trusted group to share challenges with and receive honest, thoughtful feedback has been invaluable. It’s helped me find my voice, build confidence, and navigate tough conversations and senior stakeholders with a sense of ease I didn’t have before.”
– Amber Butyn, Senior Product Manager, Iteris, Inc.
*CG Member since 2023* 

“The Associate Councils helped me reclaim control over my career path when I felt stuck. Through honest discussions and strategic guidance, I gained the confidence to advocate for myself—successfully getting two promotions in less than two years. What I valued most was learning to reshape my relationship with work, finding happiness in my role by setting clear boundaries and owning my professional narrative. This community gave me both the courage and tactics to create the work environment I deserved instead of simply accepting the one I had.”
– Marveliz Santos, Sr. PM, ALICE Technologies 
*CG Member since 2023*

“Over the years, my Associate Council has been my lifeline through organizational changes and uncertainties. They’ve provided critical support during leadership shifts and team restructures, helping me transform challenges into growth opportunities. I often joke they’re my work therapists—but their guidance has been genuine and invaluable in keeping me engaged and resilient.”
– Emily Teter, Product Manager, CDW
*CG Member since 2021* 

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