What Even Is Junto?
First of all, what the f*ck is a Junto? If you think it sounds like a term for a mid-life crisis or perhaps a firecracker, you wouldn’t be the first. Words and definitions are important. So, before I get into the mechanics of the who/what/how of the Junto Roastery Owners group, let's get the definition and origin out of the way.
In the simplest of terms, Junto is a noun that means a group that is joined for a common purpose. Now, I considered a slew of other names like “Pomelo Braintrust”, “Mastermind” and a few other ones that I wont mention because they’re just plain corny. I settled on Junto because it seemed to encapsulate the very essence of what I was hoping the group would achieve. A collective of roastery owners who were joined for a common purpose. That purpose, to create a sanctuary for owners of roasteries who were seeking camaraderie and candid feedback to help them grow personally and professionally.
Starting this group was something I had considered for years but every time I’d get close to starting it, I got the sense that it was contrived, the wrong time, or simply didn’t think anyone would be interested. That is until a fateful conversation I had with a client that I was wrapping up an engagement with. During the engagement, this client had asked if I knew of any communities where roastery owners were collaborative, supportive and provided a space for feedback?’ I said, “No but that I had considered starting something like that.”
Months passed after that conversation but I could not shake the idea. It kept coming up, I kept seeing opportunities and one night I couldn’t stop thinking about it and knew I needed to take a swing at it. Truthfully, I had a few adult beverages in my system and I said, I’m going to try this…no more excuses. So here we are. About to begin our next cohort in January 2025.
What are the Junto Group Meetings Like?
Put simply, Junto is a monthly gathering of owners who share learnings from the previous month in business but they also share their learnings from the learning opportunities that they are offered each month. As a facilitator, I offer them reading, writing, and listening opportunities that are specifically curated for owners of roasteries. Notice, I didn’t say “homework”. I know what it’s like being an owner and the demands on your time are often extensive. So they’re learning opportunities but the reality is that owners only get what they put into these meetings. However, generally speaking, the owners end up doing 90-95% of the learning opportunities and to me, that’s a win!
Each meeting, there’s also a check in on each member's big projects that they’re working on. This isn’t one of those shame-y environments where not showing up with your projects fully completed is going to get you sent to the principal's office. Instead, this is a supportive environment where we might ask a question like, “Why weren’t you able to make progress on your project(s) this month?” The point is never to shame or make anyone feel bad but to provide a space for accountability and a bit of a challenge to do better between now and the next meeting together.
Next up, each owner shares the big wins and also the losses they experienced over the last month. In my opinion, the reason this one is important is to celebrate the wins collectively. To give each other a virtual pat on the back and a word of encouragement. We’re at the top of the org chart as owners and we often aren’t acknowledged when we get over a hurdle, but we all could use a little acknowledgment of our wins. The losses on the other hand, are almost just as important because the weight of failures and losses are almost entirely shouldered by us as owners. This portion of the Junto group is a response to that weight. It’s a collective shouldering of those losses and creates space for the members to say, “I’m sorry to hear that, but that one’s not on you” or “You’ll win the next one!”
Finally, at the very end of every group, each member is offered 3 minutes to share a specific challenge they are facing in their business. Next, the group is given 5 minutes to ask clarifying questions. Once there is clarity around the challenge, the members are prompted to offer support. The only thing the members are allowed to share during this section is from their own experience handling similar challenges and nothing they say can be prescriptive. This is where the support and camaraderie culminate each week and it’s beautiful to see as a facilitator.
Why This Format?
I created this group because it’s exactly what I wish I’d had when I started my own journey. It’s a sanctuary for coffee business owners—a place for camaraderie, candid feedback and shared growth in a safe, private environment. Within the 4 walls of the virtual rooms of this Junto, what is shared remains between us. The point is to create an environment where owners can have open conversations around their businesses and their own professional development.
Our community is built on a foundation of unwavering support. Every interaction is driven by a tone of encouragement, aiming not to dictate, but to foster growth through thoughtful questions and insights gained from our own learning. In this group, collaboration triumphs over competition. Each member is viewed not as a rival, but as a partner in creating businesses that make a positive impact and foster each member’s professional development.
Member of Junto, you are stepping into a space where confidentiality is paramount. What is shared here remains between us, creating a safe environment for open and honest conversations.
A while back, I heard a conversation where Simon Sinek was sharing about a friend of his that had reached out for support. The friend asked to meet with him weekly and after the first meeting his friend felt that this was just what they needed from him and they could feel the progress. This progress was retained for about two - three days and then they found themselves stuck once again. This pattern of feeling stuck, meeting, feeling unstuck, feeling good for a few days and then getting stuck again and meeting to only start the cycle all over again went on for a month or two. Then Simon asked his friend if he might be able to share the struggles that he was going through too to see if this friend in need might also be able to support him? The friend of course agreed and then they kept meeting. After just a few weeks of mutual support and sharing there was a shift in the conversation. The friend that had initially needed support and was jammed up for months all of the sudden wasn’t stuck any more.
I share that story because it illustrates our collective need for each other. It showcases that when our fellow human needs us, it forces us to take our task seriously, to not just hobble along but to take responsibility for each other. To shoulder the weight with each other, to care, and to also be honest and provide feedback for each other's benefit. This is why I’m not the person who’s talking the whole time. Within the virtual walls of Junto, we are responsible for caring, encouraging and supporting each other. Why? Because we need our fellow human and that is Junto– a group gathered for a common cause–the betterment of our fellow human.