Forum is EO’s small-group experience where entrepreneurs come together to discuss the realities of building and leading a business. Each Forum brings together a group of members who meet in a structured and confidential environment designed for open conversation and thoughtful reflection.
Members explore real situations from their professional and personal lives with peers who understand the pressures of entrepreneurship. The setting allows conversations that are often difficult to have inside a company or with friends and family.
Over time, Forum becomes a place where trust grows, and members gain perspective from the lived experiences of other entrepreneurs.
Interested in joining a Forum?
Forum is designed to support members in different situations and communities. While the methodology remains the same, EO offers several formats so members can participate in a group that fits their needs.
Chapter Forum
Builds trusted relationships among entrepreneurs within the same chapter, creating a consistent circle of peers who understand the local business environment.
Bridge Forum
Connects members across countries or regions through virtual meetings that provide insight into different markets and leadership environments.
Experience Forum
Focuses discussion among members who share a specific industry, interest or field of work, allowing deeper exploration of common challenges.
Spouse and Life Partner Forum
Supports partners of EO members with a confidential environment to share experiences and connect with others living the realities of entrepreneurship.
Key Executive Forum
Gathers senior leaders from members’ companies to discuss leadership challenges and professional development within a trusted group setting.
Forum conversations follow a structured format that helps members share openly and learn from one another’s experiences.
Members present real situations they are facing in their businesses or personal lives. Instead of giving advice, participants respond by sharing relevant experiences from their own journeys. This approach helps members gain perspective while maintaining ownership of their decisions.
Before joining a Forum, members complete Forum Training to learn how the format works and how to participate effectively.
Confidentiality is central to the process. What is shared in Forum remains within the group
Many members describe Forum as the most meaningful part of their EO experience.
Forum provides a consistent place to reflect on leadership decisions, explore challenges and celebrate milestones with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey. Over time, the group becomes a trusted circle that supports both personal and professional growth.
The relationships built through Forum often extend well beyond the meetings themselves.
Being able to expose our frustrations, dreams, and insecurities is key. It is equally key, I think, to have a place to share successes — I am somebody who struggles with celebrating. So, the one thing above all else that life in EO has brought me? A safe place where I can share the good without feeling self-promotional and share the difficult without feeling judged.
Jeremy Ames, EO Idaho
Forum Leadership is often one of the first ways members contribute to their chapter. Because Forum plays such a central role in the EO experience, the leaders who support it help shape the quality of engagement across the entire chapter.
Forum Leaders help establish new groups, guide structured conversations and ensure that the Forum principles are applied consistently. Their work helps maintain the trust and accountability that make Forum valuable for members.
Serving on Forum Leadership also allows members to deepen their understanding of the Forum structure and strengthen their facilitation and leadership skills.
Several leadership roles support the Forum ecosystem within EO:
Seed Moderator
Guides the early development of new Forums by facilitating initial meetings and helping members establish strong foundations for participation.
Learn About the Seed Moderator Role
Forum Moderator
Facilitates ongoing Forum meetings and maintains the structure that allows members to share experiences and reflect on leadership challenges.
Learn About the Forum Moderator Role
Forum Trainer
Delivers official Forum training programs and helps members understand and apply the Forum principles.Members interested in serving in one of these roles can explore the responsibilities, training requirements and pathways for participation.
