Junto Retreat
This September 26th and 27th we will be convening at the Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia for the first ever Junto Retreat.
The Junto was originally formed by Ben Franklin and friends in 1727 “to exchange knowledge of business affairs” with the goal of mutual improvement. This diverse group of business leaders met on a regular basis to share knowledge that would improve themselves, their businesses, and their community.
It is time to reconvene the Junto in this same spirit so that we can dialogue in a new way as business leaders and to create some time for reflection on what it means to be “not just for profit”. The Junto will be a time to find inspiration on running our businesses in a way that makes a positive impact on our communities.
This gathering of business owners and leaders will be a place to learn and to share practical advice on how to be more profitable while doing good. This will not be your typical conference. There will be a few speakers interspersed throughout the two days, but the majority of time will be set aside for you to learn from your fellow attendees and for guided personal reflection.
It is "important to reflect upon our work, match it up against the life we want to live, and consider, “What am I doing?” and, “Why am I doing this?"
This is strictly limited to 50 tickets, so grab your spot now if you know this will help you run your business in a more profitable and meaningful way.
Register for the Retreat Prices in USD
Additional Information
What if I don’t run a business? Is this retreat for me?
Yes, we believe so. It is never too early to start thinking about how you want to run your own business. This is also a great time to think about how to bring change to the place you currently work. You can start the dialogue.
What if my business isn’t about changing the world? What if I am not delivering clean water to a developing country?
That’s okay. This is still for you. We have speakers that make ice cream and clean laundry. The Junto is about creating human businesses. Business that we are proud to run because we treat people with respect and we think about our impact in the world. It all adds up and this is a time to reflect on how your business can be more aligned with who you are and what you believe.
It is also an opportunity to look for ways to make a positive social impact that align with your business. Ben Franklin and the original Junto members described this as “common benefit”. Maybe we will uncover some common benefits that will also serve the common good.
This all sounds great, but will I be learning anything practical?
The Junto might be the most practical and grounded event you will attend all year. This will be an opportunity to talk with other business owners to learn proven ways to solve problems. We will certainly reflect and dream at the Junto, but not without considering how to take the next step towards those dreams. The opportunity to create lasting bonds with other people that run businesses will also pay dividends far into the future.
Running A Business is Hard
Running a business is hard, especially if you want to run it in a way that stays true to your business values. Often it seems like decisions we face pit our ability to stay in business against our desire to make progress toward a larger purpose. This retreat will be a perfect time to remind yourself of the kind of impact you want make as you create your business (and personal) legacy.
Running a Business Can be Lonely
The Junto Retreat will be a time to meet other business owners and to develop meaningful relationship. Running a business can be a solitary experience if you don’t have someone within your own business that understands the pressures. Intentional time will be scheduled for open dialogue with colleagues. Expect to share, learn, and maybe even be a little vulnerable along the way.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in September.
Geoff DiMasi, Junto Retreat, organizer
Indy Hall, cofounder
P’unk Ave, principal
Ignite Philly, cofounder and curator