Inviting members

Inviting Members

The people you invite shape everything — the conversations, the trust, and the growth that follows. Choose them thoughtfully.

Start with people you trust

You're aiming for 8–12 members, ideally with a full group from the start. The most effective way to get there is to begin with a small, strong core.

Reach out personally to 2–3 women you trust — people who show up, follow through, and help others feel comfortable. Then ask each of them to invite one person they believe would add value.

This approach does two things. It reduces the pressure on you to know everyone. And it ensures that each person walks into the first meeting already connected to someone else in the group.

As you think about who to invite, focus on women who are open, supportive, and engaged. Women who want to grow and are willing to contribute. That's your foundation.

Ready-to-send invitations

Use the templates below as a starting point. Personalize them so they sound like you, and so they clearly reflect why you thought of this person.

People are far more likely to say yes when they feel specifically chosen. Tell them directly.

For a close colleague

Sample email

Subject: I'd love for you to be part of my Circle

Hi [Name],

I've recently started a Lean In Circle — a small group of peers who meet monthly to build leadership skills and support each other's ambitions. I immediately thought of you.

I'd love for you to be part of the founding group because [insert personal reason — e.g. you bring such a thoughtful perspective / I always leave our conversations feeling energized].

We'll meet monthly — in person or online — and Lean In provides the discussion guides and materials, so it's straightforward to run. I believe this will have a meaningful impact on all of us.

Interested? Let me know and we can chat more.

Warmly, [Your name]

Sample text or DM

Hey [Name]! I'm starting a Lean In Circle — a small peer group that meets monthly to support each other's leadership goals — and I'd love for you to be part of it.

I thought of you right away because [insert personal reason]. Let me know if you're interested and I'll share more!

For a professional acquaintance

Sample email

Subject: I'd love for you to be part of my Circle

Hi [Name],

We've spoken about [insert topic] before, and I thought of you because I'm starting a Lean In Circle — a small peer group that meets monthly to build skills and support each other's goals.

I'd love for you to join us because [insert personal reason — e.g. you bring such a thoughtful perspective / I always leave our conversations feeling energized].

Each month we focus on a specific topic. Lean In provides free discussion guides and materials. Let me know if you'd like to learn more.

Warmly, [Your name]

Sample text or DM

Hey [Name]! We've talked about [insert topic] before — I'm starting a Lean In Circle around that. It's a small group that meets monthly and I immediately thought of you because [insert personal reason]. Let me know if you're interested!

For a friend outside of work

Sample email

Subject: I've been thinking about you

Hi [Name],

I know you've been navigating [insert topic — e.g. a difficult work environment, a promotion review cycle], and I've been thinking about you. I'm starting a Lean In Circle — a small group of women who meet monthly to support each other through exactly that kind of experience.

We'll focus on building skills, holding each other accountable to our goals, and supporting one another along the way.

I'd love for you to be part of it because [insert personal reason — e.g. you bring such a thoughtful perspective].

Lean In provides free materials, so each meeting is practical and focused. I really hope you'll consider joining.

Warmly, [Your name]

Sample text or DM

Hey [Name]! I know you've been navigating [insert topic — e.g. negotiating your new job offer]. I'm starting a small group of women who meet monthly to support each other through things like that — and I'd love for you to join. You'd bring so much to the group. Let me know if you're interested!

If people don't respond

Don't take it personally. People are busy, and timing matters. Follow up once, keep it warm, and consider trying a different channel.

If you're not getting responses, consider reframing your message. Lead with what they'll gain — connection, growth, support — not just what you're asking them to do.

Once they've said yes

Follow up with a short, welcoming message. Share what to expect, when you'll meet, and let them know you're genuinely glad they're joining.

It also helps to say that the group is still forming, and to ask for their input. Hearing "you're one of the first people I've asked" reinforces that they're helping build something.