Why 2CI is different
The Second Circle Institute serves leaders in a unique spot — directors, VPs, and other senior managers who drive strategy but don’t yet sit in the top seat. They’re often overlooked by executive networks and underserved by traditional leadership programs.
2CI bridges that gap with an immersive Accelerator for rapid growth, and a sustained peer network for ongoing connection and accountability — a program built exclusively for the “second circle” of leadership.
What sets 2CI apart
Begins with an immersive, 3-day experience — not just a membership directory or message board
Keeps your original cohort intact — for long-term support, accountability, and trust
Blends intensive in-person learning with ongoing membership — coaching, curated peer groups, and national gatherings
Anchored by real experiences, not endless Zoom calls — every member starts in person
More accessible — typically half the cost of elite executive communities
2CI was built for you.
Our story
The Second Circle Institute (2CI) was created by OtterBear, the boutique advisory firm founded by Mark Schindler. After years of coaching and consulting, he saw the same pattern everywhere:
Non-executive leaders — directors, VPs, and senior managers — carrying mission-critical responsibility with minimal support, facing strikingly similar challenges across industries and company sizes.
2CI was built to change that. It begins with an immersive, 3-day leadership accelerator and continues with a year-round membership that blends coaching, peer learning, and applied best practices — creating a modern, high-impact experience designed for lasting results.
Read the white paper that inspired it.