The Trajectory Mastermind brings together a small, select group of talented and successful self-employed professionals to help each other grow and scale their businesses, become thought leaders in their field, raise their fees, and leverage more passive income. 

It's a powerful way to connect with like-minded peers, learn from each other, receive personalized guidance and feedback from me, and raise your game. All participants are experienced, mid-to high six-figure professionals looking to grow their successful businesses even further. 

The photo above is from a past retreat in New York City.

If you've been looking for a high-level peer group that meets both virtually and in person, and would like to spend more time with me in a small group setting, the Trajectory Mastermind may be a perfect option. It provides a dose of intense business clarity, new ideas and techniques, and extremely fun socializing with talented colleagues. 

The mastermind is a year-long experience. Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Please email me directly at [email protected] if you'd like to learn more. 

The 2025 Trajectory Mastermind includes:

  • Regular virtual mastermind gatherings, including "hot seat" individual coaching, the ability to gain insights from successful peers, and personal advice from me.

  • Spring: In-person group mastermind retreat in Miami (Jan 23-25)

  • Fall: In-person group mastermind retreat in NYC (Sept 4-6)

  • 2 hours of private, 1-1 coaching time with me. I suggest a 30 minute check-in coaching call every quarter, but you can allocate the time however you'd like!

Testimonial - Luis Velasquez

"I’m a proud repeat member of Dorie Clark's Trajectory Mastermind, having joined not once, not twice, but four times! Why? Because it’s been a game-changer for me, both personally and professionally. My coaching practice has skyrocketed, and I owe a big chunk of that success to Dorie’s mastermind.

Since joining, I’ve been published multiple times in Harvard Business Review—a dream come true that seemed impossible when I started. Some of those articles have not only opened doors to fantastic opportunities but have also cemented my reputation as an expert in my field. I recently published a book and  It’s doing fantastic.  I have gotten a lot of support and help from fellow REXers, particularly the ones in my current Mastermind group. I’m now coaching at the highest level, commanding six figures for a single coaching engagement—something I once thought impossible for me to attain. 

Harvard Business Review articles by Luis

"But the mastermind hasn’t just boosted my business. It’s also had a profound impact on my life as a father and husband. As I push for more in my career, I’m also finding ways to carve out precious time for my family—a treasure that’s priceless to me. 

And the people I’ve met through Dorie? Simply incredible. Not only have they contributed to my growth, but some have become strategic partners, and a few have become lifelong friends (even if they don’t know it yet).

If I had to sum up what I’ve gained from Dorie’s mastermind, it would be these three things:

1. I’ve raised the bar for myself higher than I ever thought possible.

2. I’ve found unwavering support and accountability from peers who truly get it.

3. I’ve had the space to experiment, reflect, and be inspired in ways that have transformed my approach to life and work.

So, if you’re on the fence about joining, let me save you some time: just do it. You’ll thank yourself later." 

- Luis Velasquez

Dorie listening to Luis' insights during our Feb 2023 Miami Mastermind retreat

The cost is $25,000 USD for full payment upfront, or two payments of $13,500.

All participants will be personally vetted by me to ensure they're the right fit and will contribute to the overall quality of the group. Here's a photo a past Trajectory Mastermind NYC retreat.


Here's our Mastermind having a blast at a gathering in South Beach. 


And here's one of our fun virtual sessions! 

We also bring in terrific guest speakers, including Zen Media founder and CEO Shama Hyder, who is a social media expert and prolific keynote speaker. 

Here's another great guest speaker - Harvard Business Review author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, who joined us for one of our NYC sessions. 

In Fall 2024, we had Fast Company editor Julia Herbst (center) join us for a visit as our special guest star in NYC! 

4 Trajectory Mastermind alumni have been named to the list of the Top 50 coaches in the world.

It's all about surrounding yourself with the right people who can help you grow.

Testimonials

My business income grew significantly

Steve Morris - Creative Agency Founder, Consultant, Keynote Speaker, San Diego, CA

"Our group was one of the best investments I’ve made in myself and my business. Dorie proved to be a thoughtful and insightful leader, who was extremely generous in sharing insight, guidance, advice and mentorship. No issue was off limits. No topic was avoided. All the hard questions we explored and answered. The topics that our group delved into were wide ranging and the learnings nourished my consultancy practice, which has amplified my business and prowess as a recognized expert. During and after my involvement the Trajectory Mastermind, my business income grew significantly and I was able to widen my income streams, all while heightening my own professional visibility. Dorie’s Trajectory Mastermind accelerated my vocational journey and I had a blast while doing so."

By far, the best investment I've ever made for my business

Christopher Littlefield - International & TEDx Speaker/Founder of AcknowledgementWorks, Washington, DC

“This program is by far the best investment I have ever made for myself and my business. The caliber of ideas and connections I have gained have been priceless. I am not just upgrading my business, company messaging, online presence, but my business network as well! Many programs just provide insights, but this program provides the path and community to turn insights into actual results. Thank you.”

I learned to think bigger

Karen Walker - Management Consultant/Forbes & Fast Company contributor, Jupiter, FL

"In 2017, I discovered Dorie and immediately knew that I wanted to learn from her. After a 2-day mastermind experience, I asked her if she had plans for an annual group – and she did! I joined immediately. The Trajectory Mastermind introduced me to stellar colleagues and a process we refined to best fit our schedules and needs. My biggest takeaways? Learning to think bigger, learning and sharing experiences with colleagues, and friendships. I launched a book, grew my business and more importantly, made actionable plans for what’s next. I’m continuing my participation for another year – and looking forward to more!"

One of the best ways to develop yourself strategically

Anne Sugar - Executive Coach/Speaker/HBR & Forbes Contributor, Boston, MA

"There are many ways to develop yourself professionally and create a strategic plan for your business. Personally, I have found that joining a mastermind group is one of the best ways to create that opportunity in an organized and systematic fashion."

A huge win

Corey Blake - Founder/CEO Round Table Companies, Chicago, IL

“My first year in the Trajectory Mastermind was a huge win: the process revealed my thought leadership strategy while helping me carve out the time to aggressively execute on my plan in the coming year. I also committed to a second year because Dorie’s commitment to our group, her abundant expertise, and her sincere enthusiasm for our success are all invaluable, as is the input of my colleagues in the group—both the business owners and the consultants who have become lifelong friends.”

It couldn't have been a better time to make the investment

Amii Barnard-Bahn, JD - Former Fortune 50 C-Suite executive, executive coach & consultant/HBR contributor, San Francisco,CA

“The Mastermind has bonded as a team. It couldn’t have been a better time to make the investment. I recommend Dorie’s mastermind for anyone who is serious about doubling down on their results, peer network and entrepreneurial effectiveness.”

Already a great return on investment

Dr. Dirk Schroeder - Founder & CEO, Updraft Health Innovation Advisors; HBR contributor, Atlanta, GA

"A year ago, I was on the fence about joining the Trajectory Mastermind, but I so respect Dorie and her work that I took the leap - and I am SO happy that I did! Over the past 12 months, I have had the opportunity to work with a small group of truly extraordinary peers who, like me, are looking to take their entrepreneurial businesses to the next level. Through our many virtual sessions, we each had a chance to present our individual goals and challenges, and receive specific guidance, support and feedback from colleagues who truly cared about each other's success. Dorie was the consummate "ring master," hanging back as we offered our thoughts, but then providing specific, actionable recommendations that made sense. Directly as a result of the Trajectory Mastermind and Dorie's support, I published my first article in the Harvard Business Review, gained critical clarity about my personal brand positioning, and kick started the building of my new business advisory firm. I have already received a great return on the investment I made in the program and expect these returns to continue for many years to come."

High caliber peer group

Rebecca Zucker, Co-Founder, NextStep Partners; HBR & Forbes contributor, San Francisco, CA

“I directly experienced the benefits of this high-caliber peer group. The mastermind left me energized and hopeful, along with a list of action items to keep moving forward and build on past successes.”

Extremely impactful

Richard Bistrong, CEO, Front-Line Anti-Bribery LLC; FastCompany contributor, New York, NY

“Dorie put together a perfect and well thought-out schedule, whereby everyone had a chance to share their own goals and challenges, with an opportunity to discuss and exchange best practices. Dorie’s moderation and leadership was extremely impactful, with plenty of time for less-scheduled ‘free-flowing’ exchanges, which also provided inspiring and actionable takeaways! While it’s not always easy or intuitive to keep a group engaged over an extended period of time, Dorie not only accomplished that goal, she helped spark conversations and relationships that continued to grow and flourish between sessions.”

I saw my name on the front page of Harvard Business Review twice

Dina Denham Smith, Executive Coach; HBR/Fast Company contributor, San Francisco, CA

“Seeing my name listed twice on the HBR homepage today as an author was pretty exciting. Thanks for all the guidance and support you’ve provided over the last 1.5 years – it 100% helped make it possible!”

Here are the types of topics we discuss in the Mastermind:

(Including but not limited to!)

  • How to attract more C-suite clients

  • Positioning strategies and how to talk most effectively about what we do

  • Landing a book deal (and marketing your book)

  • Balancing long-term content creation with short-term client acquisition

  • Building a speaking business

  • Identifying article ideas and keynote topics to drive business

  • Breaking into prestigious, high profile publications

  • Time management strategies when you have the 'good problem' of too much business

  • Life balance as a successful professional, and how to think bigger and reap the rewards of your work

  • Strategies to create passive income (online courses, setting up referral fees, etc.)

If the Mastermind Sounds Interesting...

If we haven't yet spoken about this and you think the Trajectory Mastermind might be of interest, let's discuss the possibility further. Please email me directly at [email protected] and I'd be glad to answer any questions you might have. I'd also love to learn more about your goals and objectives so we can mutually see if it seems like a good fit. 


At my home in Miami, February 2023

And here's a snap from a 2019 mastermind in NYC! 

Testimonials

A transformative experience

Tony Martignetti, Executive & Leadership Coach, Boston, MA

"This mastermind was a transformative experience that went beyond conventional wisdom to create a circle of impact. The value of connecting throughout the year and then coming together in person brought an unparalleled depth to our discussions, enabling us to elevate not just our businesses but our lives as a whole."

A new world of support

Kathryn Valentine, Speaker & Corporate Trainer, Atlanta, GA

"Before joining Dorie's mastermind, I was seeing progress in my business, but not at the pace I wanted to, and I was finding the entrepreneurial journey a bit lonely. I joined the mastermind group and immediately was surrounded by brilliant, kind, fun entrepreneurs. It's amazing how different it feels to be doing my business with this support - and the business shows it! If you are considering joining, I highly recommend it!"

Achieve goals faster and with less stress

Darcy Eikenberg, Author & Executive Coach, Bonita Springs, FL

"I've been a part of other 'expert' mastermind groups in the past, and many of them were poorly run or filled with people looking for a quick fix without putting in the effort. However, Dorie Clark's group is different. She has a unique ability to bring together individuals who are not only driven to succeed personally but also genuinely care about the success of others. Dorie takes special care in guiding our discussions, ensuring that they lead to progress for everyone involved. What sets Dorie apart even more is her practical coaching and advice. She's been in our shoes, so she knows the ropes. Her insights help us avoid common mistakes, allowing us to achieve our goals faster and with less stress."

I broke into HBR and now contribute regularly!

Tutti Taygerly, leadership coach, San Francisco, CA

"Through the mastermind, I developed incredible, deep relationships with a knowledgeable and generous peer group. As a result, I broke into Harvard Business Review and now contribute regularly. I got so much out of the mastermind experience, I signed up for a second year. It dramatically accelerated my business to be with a peer group tackling similar problems and pushing each other's creative boundaries. Dorie's leadership was a wonderful blend of holding the space and offering up insightful mic drop solutions to many entrepreneurial challenges."

So glad I made this investment in myself & my business

Christine Laperriere, President, Toronto, Canada

“I’ve run a successful business for 15 years and I feel like I’ve seen it all - but I want to take my business to the next level. I’m happy to report that I’ve just finished my first in person off-site in Dorie's program and I am confident this program will more than pay for itself. I feel energized. I have pages of fresh ideas and approaches. I also love that Dorie shares her experiences openly and has curated a group of fantastic thought leaders and small business owners. The energy in the room was warm, helpful and full of bright ideas and lived experience. I’m so glad I made this investment in myself and my business.”

I'm already reaping the benefits

Marissa Fernandez, executive coach and former Chief Marketing Officer, New Jersey

"As the saying goes: if you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. This past weekend, I was in the right room. My greatest successes, steepest personal growth, and biggest lessons in business have come from doing something I haven't felt *quite* ready for. Joining this mastermind with elite business owners and entrepreneurs was on that edge for me, and I'm already reaping the benefits."

Enjoying the sights in NYC, Fall 2022

Masterminding on my Miami roofdeck, Spring 2022

Starting the day at a cool coffeeshop in Lower Manhattan, Fall 2024! 

FAQ

  • Who is the Trajectory Mastermind for?

    The Trajectory Mastermind is for self-employed professionals (often solopreneurs or those who run small boutique firms) who are already earning in the mid six-figures and would like to take their business and their platform to the next level.

  • Is the mastermind appropriate for me if I'm just starting my business?

    No, the mastermind is specifically for experienced entrepreneurs. A great alternative to check out is the Recognized Expert course and community, which includes members at all levels of their professional journey, and can be found at dorieclark.com/rex.

  • Who else will be in the group?

    Many participants find the group so valuable, they "re-up" for multiple years, but the precise composition of the group changes every year. Every participant is personally vetted by me to ensure they are a thoughtful, generous professional who will both learn from the group and give back to it in a collaborative spirit. Past participants include published authors, contributors for prominent outlets including the Harvard Business Review and Fast Company, coaches for C-suite executives, instructors at top universities, and more. You'll be in great company.

  • What if I have to miss an in-person session?

    We set the retreat dates well in advance, so it's important to ensure you're available to attend, in order to take full advantage of the mastermind experience. That being said, emergencies do come up, and if it's a true emergency situation, I'd be glad to comp you into an appropriate future in-person gathering at a mutually agreeable time, but no refunds will be given.

  • How is payment handled?

    The cost is $25,000 USD for payment upfront. An alternative is two payments of $13,500 apiece - one by the end of the calendar year, and the final payment by the next June.

  • Do you accept other payment plans?

    Alas, no. If finances are a concern, it's best to wait until another time. I want participants to feel comfortable with the investment and be able to fully engage without the pressures of financial stress.

Testimonials

I reached my very first $1 million year!

Marie Incontrera, Founder/CEO Incontrera Consulting, New York, NY

“Surrounding myself with Dorie and my smart peers in the Trajectory Mastermind was the best move I could have made - I reached my very first $1 million year!”

“One of the best decisions I have made professionally”

Curt Anderson, Author and eCommerce Evangelist, Lakewood, New York

“Joining the Trajectory Mastermind with Dorie Clark is one of the best decisions I have made professionally and certainly serves as THE highlight for 2023. Dorie fosters an environment of trust, confidence, and enthusiasm. There is truly a unique camaraderie with this group where everyone is relentlessly and selflessly rooting each other on to victory. It is incredibly powerful to have such a dynamic support system. The level of experience, expertise and passion that the entire team offers is off the charts. Best of all, the friendships and relationships built are absolutely priceless. Plus, the one-on-one sessions with Dorie deliver tremendous value. I have experienced direct positive impact with healthy ROI from Dorie’s outstanding strategies, guidance and advice. I am extremely blessed to be part of this amazing group and wish you the same success as you take the leap.”

An incredibly valuable experience

Nihar Chhaya, Fortune 500 executive coach and HBR/Fast Company/Forbes contributor, Houston, TX

"Trajectory Mastermind participants included amazing thought leaders and experts across a range of subject domains, as well as geographic locations. Dorie’s ability to spot patterns between each of our different goals and business challenges helped facilitate an incredibly valuable experience for all of us. I not only gained insights and action plans to accelerate my business from Dorie and my fellow attendees, but I made deep friendships and partnerships that continue to this day."

Inspiring conversations and helpful advice

Patricia Carl, CEO, Highland Performance Solutions | Executive Coach | Forbes & HBR Contributor, Chicago, IL

"I always know these gatherings will yield inspiring conversations, helpful advice, and most importantly, the reminder that we’re a bedrock of support for one another in our entrepreneurial journeys."

Totally worth the investment

Sharon Melnick, Ph.D., Author of "In Your Power" (Wiley, 2022) and women's leadership expert, New York, NY

"Dorie helps you find a fierce sense of clarity about what you offer and how it serves your market. You'll get a clear strategic plan that helps you know what to prioritize. You'll get practical strategies from the granular level (e.g., article titles) to the more abstract (e.g., branding and positioning). Because of the people Dorie attracts, you'll also get a profound sense of support and connection to lifelong friends who reflect back your unique genius. I became much more strategic in my approach to my business and up-leveled my brand. I also got a systematic process to launch my book. When you are serious about becoming a Recognized Expert, Dorie's Mastermind will be the game changer for your business and life. It's totally worth the investment. "

I highly recommend this to any emerging expert!

Scott Eblin, Top 10 Coach by Global Gurus and best-selling author of The Next Level: What Insiders Know About Executive Success, Raleigh, NC

“Dorie Clark has a unique gift for bringing like-minded people together to create a community of mutual support. I was fortunate enough to be a part of her Trajectory Mastermind program during the peak pandemic period and found it to be a valuable source of support, connection, and ideas as I was building out a digital learning platform for our leadership coaching business…I highly recommend it to any emerging expert who believes they can benefit from being part of a supportive community of bright people led and facilitated by Dorie, the brightest of bright people!”

A super inspiring group

Frans van Loef, Executive Coach, Amsterdam, Netherlands

"A super inspiring group (friends already), who already feel like we've been working together for years. And what is really unique is that we get each other out of comfort zones almost unnoticed. With the result that already within three months we realize steps, which we did not do at the beginning of this year. And facilitated by Dorie Clark who has an extraordinary talent to make you hold on to your goal and do take further steps all the time. Finally, as the only European in this cohort, highly recommended to everyone, no matter where you're from, how you think and where you're headed. Many thanks friends and can't wait for the next sessions together."

A treasure trove of resources, support, and ideas!

Sarah Mann, Executive & Leadership Coach, Boston, MA

“The Trajectory Mastermind with Dorie has been a wonderful experience. I have had the opportunity to learn not only from Dorie, but also from an amazing group of like-minded professionals she has convened for the purpose of growing our respective businesses. The group has been a treasure trove of resources, support, and ideas that has been greatly beneficial for both my business and me personally. Participating in the group has helped me view my business and opportunities through a new lens.”

One of the best decisions I ever made!

Julia Phelan, Ph.D, Learning Engineer, Malibu, CA

“I am in my second year of the Mastermind and frankly, it’s one of the best decisions I ever made! What stands out for me is the richness created by the diverse perspectives of folks from different walks of life, different industries, different backgrounds, all motivated to move forward in their business and help others do so as well. And Dorie is exceptional, both as a leader, cheerleader, and facilitator, and in her ability to create and encourage an inspirational and motivating network of collaborators, supporters and friends.”

Sharpened my business with colleagues who are friends for life!

Jordan Stark, Partner & Executive Coach, Next Step Partners, San Francisco, CA

“I have had an excellent experience in the Mastermind Group for two years. Dorie always brings amazing positive energy, lots of experience and an ability tune into what people want to learn. Being able to collaborate with other accomplished professionals has been both practical, and most importantly, inspiring. I’ve also made wonderful new friends for life. Highly recommend!”

Team photo, Fall 2023 in NYC! 

Here's a great Harvard Business Review article that two masterminders - Frans van Loef and Dina Smith - collaborated on! 


A fun dinner out in NYC, Fall 2023

And here's a terrific LinkedIn post Marissa Fernandez shared about her mastermind experience. 

Meet your Instructor

Author: The Long Game, Reinventing You, Entrepreneurial You, and Stand Out

Dorie Clark

Dorie Clark teaches executive education for Columbia Business School and is the author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine. A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, the New York Times described her as an “expert at self-reinvention and helping others make changes in their lives," and she has been named three times as one of the Top 50 Business Thinkers in the World by Thinkers50. Named the #1 Communication Coach in the World by the Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coaches Awards, Clark is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review and hosts a weekly interview show for Newsweek. Recognized as a “branding expert” by the Associated Press, Inc., and Fortune, Clark is a marketing strategy consultant and speaker for clients including Google, Microsoft, Yale University, Fidelity, the U.S. State Department, and the World Bank. She's also the producer of a multiple Grammy-winning jazz album. You can download her free Long Game Strategic Thinking Self-Assessment at dorieclark.com/thelonggame