Vistage is a leading global organization that provides executive coaching and peer advisory services to CEOs, business owners, and key executives in small and midsize businesses. Through a proven blend of peer advisory groups, personalized executive coaching, and expert speaker workshops, Vistage offers invaluable resources for leaders looking to enhance their strategic decision-making and growth. Founded in 1957, Vistage has grown to encompass a membership of over 45,000 executives across more than 20 countries, each benefiting from its extensive suite of leadership development tools.
Nick Berry, entrepreneur, CEO, and advisor, is a 10-year Vistage member. He highlights the profound impact Vistage has had on his journey as a business owner. Vistage comes up frequently among guests of The Business Owner's Journey podcast, as most are members, speakers, or both.
At the core of Vistage’s approach are its peer advisory groups. In these groups, leaders gather in a confidential, supportive environment to share challenges, exchange ideas, and find actionable solutions. Each group is guided by a Vistage Chair - an experienced business leader trained to facilitate in-depth discussions. These meetings enable members to gain new perspectives, make informed decisions, and build meaningful professional relationships.
Steve McFarland, who was one of the first guests on The Business Owner's Journey podcast, is the Chair of the Indianapolis Peer Group that Nick credits for so much of his growth.
For more targeted support, Vistage offers one-on-one executive coaching tailored to the unique needs of each leader. Vistage Coaches work closely with members to identify areas for growth, uncover blind spots, and develop effective strategies to achieve personal and professional goals. Members benefit from direct insights from experienced coaches, helping them navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity.
Vistage members gain access to workshops featuring industry-leading experts who offer insights into the latest trends and business practices. These sessions are designed to equip leaders with knowledge to stay competitive and adapt to evolving market landscapes. Additionally, Vistage provides a variety of leadership development programs, from tools to refine decision-making to comprehensive resources aimed at fostering long-term growth.
Nick, who has been a member of peer groups in Louisville and Indianapolis, describes Vistage as one of the top five most impactful elements of his professional life. He recalls initially sensing that something was missing in his leadership journey until he attended his first Vistage meeting. “What I was missing was a group of people like that around me to support and challenge me to grow into the best version of myself,” he says, underscoring the power of peer advisory support in propelling him toward his goals.
As he explains, successful business owners benefit from three essential layers of support: a one-on-one coach, a broad community network, and a more intimate peer advisory group. This multifaceted support system exemplifies the Vistage approach, empowering leaders to overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable growth. Recently on The Business Owner's Journey podcast, he discussed the role of Vistage and peer advisory groups for small business owners: Nick Berry: The 3 Pillars of Support Every Small Business Owner Needs
Nick Berry describes the structure of Vistage peer group meetings as highly focused yet adaptable, designed to maximize time and facilitate productive conversations. Meetings are typically held monthly and last a full day, allowing members to fully immerse themselves in strategic discussions and focus on long-term growth. Each meeting follows a structured agenda, beginning with a check-in from each participant, where members share recent wins, pressing challenges, and updates from the previous month’s commitments. This segment fosters accountability and gives members insight into each other’s ongoing business developments.
The core of Vistage peer group meetings is the “Issue Processing” segment. Nick emphasizes that this is where the true value of Vistage lies. Each member has the opportunity to present a specific challenge, goal, or decision they’re grappling with, and the group collaboratively explores it from multiple perspectives. Through probing questions and honest feedback, members gain new insights and potential solutions. Nick explains that this process is invaluable because of the diversity within the group; each member’s varied background brings fresh viewpoints that might not be readily available within their own organization.
In addition to Issue Processing, Vistage meetings often include a segment with an expert speaker. These speakers provide valuable industry insights on topics such as economic trends, leadership skills, and emerging technologies. Nick Berry notes that combining Issue Processing with expert-driven learning in each meeting gives him both the tactical solutions he needs for immediate challenges and the broader knowledge to lead effectively long-term.
Meetings conclude with each member committing to specific actions based on insights gained during the meeting, adding accountability and momentum to their development journey.
Nick Berry acknowledges that while Vistage has been transformative in his professional journey, several other organizations offer similar peer advisory and leadership development services. For instance:
To learn more about Vistage’s programs and opportunities, explore their official website and social media channels:
Nick Berry is an accomplished entrepreneur and CEO, whose track record includes founding and leading numerous companies since 2002.
He is also a mentor and coach to other entrepreneurs and business owners who are looking for a trusted (and proven) advisor.
Among peers, colleagues, staff, and clients, Nick has been referred to as both 'The Business Guy' as well as 'The Anti-Guru', due to his pragmatic approach and principled leadership.
He shares his insights and lessons learned, along with those of his expert guests,
on his podcast, 'The Business Owner's Journey'.
