REF Chicago
Leaders Powered by Collective Intelligence
CEO Peer Goups for Business Owners in Chicago
REF is a Global organization of Peer Advisory Boards for Top-Tier Business Leaders.
Members access the Collective Intelligence of their Peers in an environment of trust and confidentiality, locally and globally.
We propel Collective Intelligence through a personal, professional, and business development approach.
REF, formerly "Renaissance Executive Forums"
Founded 30 years ago in the USA
Global Membership of peer advisory boards for business leaders
Composed of over 3,000+ Members (2025) across 20 countries, in Latin America, USA, and Europe.
Forum Groups are the foundation of every REF membership—carefully curated peer advisory boards where 12-15 business executives from non-competing industries come together in a confidential, high-trust environment.
Meeting one morning each month, members connect, challenge each other, and grow together, gaining invaluable insights and strategic clarity to navigate leadership with confidence.
Exclusive Peer Group – Each Forum consists of 12 to 15 business leaders from non-competing industries, ensuring diverse perspectives without conflicts of interest.
Monthly Meetings – Members meet one morning per month for structured, high-impact discussions.
Expert Facilitation – Every session is led by a certified REF Forum Leader, ensuring depth, structure, and meaningful takeaways.
A Safe & Trusted Space – Built on transparency, trust, and confidentiality, enabling open dialogue on real challenges.
Strategic Reflection & Growth – A dedicated space for reflection, planning, and high-level decision-making.
Collective Intelligence in Action – Members gain peer-to-peer feedback that unlocks new perspectives and drives transformation.
Make better strategic decisions
Maximize company value
Optimize leadership skills
Structure process of professional and personal growth
Global network of Business Leaders
Build authentic connections
Exclusive Peer Groups by invitation only – Confidential, high-level discussions with non-competing industry leaders.
Proven Methodology – 30 years of refining a structure that accelerates personal, professional, and business evolution.
Global & Local Impact – A powerful community of leaders shaping the future of business.
Access to the wisdom that emerges from the Collective Intelligence of leaders with exceptional backgrounds.
Forums evolve from Peer Advisory Boards into Circles of Trust
Meet our Team in REF Chicago
It can be lonely at the top, but it doesn't have to be. We help CEO's and Top Executives move from where they are now to where they would like to be personally, professionally and in business. I’m a Trusted Advisor, confidante and facilitator using proven processes to help Members reach their goals, reduce risk and thrive.
Life is a learning experience that does not end until you leave this world. You can go it alone which is what I did for many years. I believed in myself and that I had all the answers and could forge through anything that came my way, personally or professionally. That worked for me, until I learned from my husband, a member of REF for 15 years, and realized that I was not as self aware and authentic as I believed. Through my exposure to REF, I expanded my knowledge and met incredibly caring thoughtful CEO’s.
REF Purpose is
Empowering Business Leaders to be a positive force in the world by accelerating their personal and business evolution.
CEO, Owner, President, or equivalent.
SMB: $5M-$30M in revenue.
Corporate: $30M-$300M in revenue.
Large Corporations: More than $300M in revenue.
C-Suite and upper management.
Corporate: $30M-$300M in revenue.
Large Corporations: More than $300M in revenue.
REF's Impact
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“Being part of REF has given me access to a community with the most amazing group of leaders and executives across the world.”
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“Having the opportunity to share my wrestles, my story, and my vulnerabilities with other business leaders has been a great value add to me as a business owner.”
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“I have really enjoyed being a part of my forum group. In particular I have appreciated being able to share on a deep level about business topics as well as personal life.”
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“If we are going to grow our business, we have to keep growing as individuals.”
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“I found a group of individuals who were going through similar situations and can provide valuable insight to help me navigate my biggest business challenges.”
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“When we share time truly listening to one another and our challenges, we are often able to hear beyond the surface issue and help each other go deeper”
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“I joined Executive Forums in 2014 not entirely knowing what to expect. Through the years, the advice and insight I have received from my peers has been astounding!”
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“Our business is on pace to double revenue this year, and be more profitable than ever before. I thank everyone in my Forum Group for being a big part of my success”
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“It’s a great opportunity to learn from peers and build a trusted network of support, outside your own four walls, that you can always count on.”
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“To join a Forum Group was a no-brainer for me. I surround myself with successful people who can give me advice on crucial business decisions, and cheer me on.”
