Revealing Genius Mastermind Spheres of Influence take a cue from Ben Franklin’s roundtable.
By Mary E. Maloney
Masterminds have been around throughout history. And groups of masterminds have been forming to share ideas and support one another for just as long. Maybe you could say masterminds have a long history of “masterminding” good for themselves and the world.
All joking aside, consider the benefits created by the group of masterminds Ben Franklin formed. A renowned inventor and statesman, Franklin formed his “junto,” which means “together” in Spanish, in 1727 as a self-improvement club.
The junto met weekly for several decades, organized largely around the discussion of Franklin’s 13 “virtues” (temperance, silence, order, resolution, frugality, industry, sincerity, justice, moderation, cleanliness, chastity, tranquility, and humility).
The group’s diverse members included printers, surveyors, a cabinetmaker, a clerk, and a bartender.
Taking a Cue From Franklin’s Junto
I can attest that masterminds are still meeting regularly to mastermind good for the world. I facilitate such a group every week. It’s the Revealing Genius Mastermind Sphere of Influence (SOI).
The seasoned leaders we attract self-identify as changemakers, outliers, innovators, trailblazers, pioneers, visionaries, disruptors. game-changers, groundbreakers, truthseekers, way/pathfinders, catalysts, architects, builders, futurists and alchemists. They all have experienced imposter syndrome.
In the Revealing Genius Mastermind Spheres of Influence, we formalize our resolve to be intentional about our personal brands and to support one another about where we should focus our precious energy in six vital areas captured on a Vision Grid: spirituality, health & style, relationships, work/finance, recreation/fun, learning/education. I often remind myself that what we say “yes” to speaks volumes about our personal brands.
We do an exercise called “More of this, please!” to help members excavate what fills their cups—what matters to them most and sometimes even more importantly—what needs to be shed.
Why a Mastermind Sphere?
What makes a Mastermind Sphere so powerful?
It’s not just another networking group. It’s a transformative collective of like-minded individuals committed to turning each group member’s “someday” into “today” by developing and actioning a strategic plan for their personal brand. Here’s why these groups work so very, very well:
✅ Collective Accountability: No more solo struggling. Join, and you’ll have a dedicated group that checks in on your progress, celebrates your wins, and helps you navigate challenges weekly.
âś… Strategic Support: Your sphere of influence will help you focus on four critical pillars:
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- Your success MODEL
- Powerful MESSAGING
- Effective MARKETING
- Winning MINDSET
✅ Helpful Facilitation: Among other helpful exercises, you’ll identify what you need to shed elegantly and say “no” to gracefully to make space for what you desire most. You’d be amazed at just how powerful this is. You may even breathe a sigh of relief.
Imagine having a group that has your back as you refine your strategies, challenges your limiting beliefs, holds you accountable for making necessary power moves, and keeps you laser-focused on your “keystone goals.”
Franklin’s junto meetings led to such innovations as volunteer fire-fighting organizations, improved security through night watchmen, a public hospital, and—something Franklin is famous for—the first public library. All arguably initiatives that impact the 7th generation.
What will your participation in a Mastermind Sphere of Influence make possible?
