The CEO Circle
Leadership can be a lonely journey. The weight of decision-making, the burden of responsibility, and the pressure to perform can often feel overwhelming. However, when leaders come together in a trusted environment to share their challenges, the results can be extraordinary.
“The B4 CEO Circle has given me space & time to think."
Introducing the B4 CEO Circle
This was precisely the case for a dynamic group of six leaders who committed to a six-session journey of deep, candid conversations, mutual support, and transformational growth with the B4 CEO Circle over the past year.
The essence of this group’s success lay in the creation of a confidential and psychologically safe space. Over six carefully structured sessions, each leader brought forward their most pressing challenges—be it strategic dilemmas, personnel struggles, or personal resilience. By fostering an environment free from judgment, these leaders unlocked the power of vulnerability and collective wisdom.
Another factor was the programme itself, designed jointly by B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser, and Executive Coaching facilitator Alison Haill, CEO of Oxford Professional Consulting. We gained useful input from Jarl Severn, formerly Managing Director of Owen Mumford, who had first suggested the idea and the CEO of Blenheim Palace, Dominic Hare, who supported it.
Joining Dominic and Jarl as the six participants in our pilot were Liz Nicholson, Managing Director of Nicholsons; Richard Wade, Managing Partner at Blake Morgan; Jo Stevens, Managing Director at Oxford Innovation Space and B4’s CEO, Richard Rosser.
Jo Stevens commented. “The B4 CEO Circle has given me space and time to think and question.” Liz Nicholson added. “This was a fabulous opportunity to use a like-minded network to work through some thorny problems in a confidential space – invaluable.”
Yes, this is a Mastermind group, with a B4 twist. We started and ended with an in-person meeting in a quality venue. Our group began with a ‘getting to know you’ working lunch at The Yurt at Nicholsons. It was an important opportunity for everyone to meet in person and build trust. The final session, where the group analysed the success of the pilot, was again in person at Nicholsons.
Jarl Severn added. “Sharing my experiences and challenges in a safe environment with people I trust was incredibly useful.”
So what were the key points of the B4 CEO Circle's success?
1. Strength in Shared Experience
One of the most immediate realisations for the group was that they were not alone. Despite coming from different industries, they discovered striking similarities in their challenges. This mutual recognition provided reassurance and enabled fresh perspectives on longstanding issues.
2. Breakthrough Problem-Solving
Through structured dialogue and guided facilitation, each session became a catalyst for breakthrough thinking. Leaders gained new insights into strategic roadblocks, refined decision-making frameworks, and identified creative solutions they had previously not considered or had overlooked.
3. Building Resilience and Confidence
Those participating often arrived at the sessions carrying a certain amount of worry and uncertainty. By the end, they left with a renewed sense of confidence. The group acted as a sounding board, allowing each individual to test ideas, receive constructive feedback, and move forward with greater clarity and conviction.
4. Strengthening Leadership Skills
The discussions helped sharpen essential leadership competencies, from effective delegation to handling difficult conversations. They embraced new approaches to team management, culture building, and conflict resolution that they could immediately apply within their organisations.
5. Deep Trust and Lasting Relationships
Beyond the immediate business benefits, an unexpected yet invaluable outcome was the deep bonds formed among the participants. These relationships extended beyond the sessions, evolving into a trusted network of peers who will continue to support one another in their leadership journeys.
6. Great Venues
Although the pilot was a mix of venues and in person meetings, B4's incredible network of some of Oxfordshire's most prestigious venues sets it apart from just another mastermind group meeting in an unspectacular venue. See more about our pilot venues below with more to be announced.
The Lasting Impact
Alison Haill, who led the sessions as facilitator, commented: “In the six sessions of the pilot, our leaders tackled some of their toughest challenges and gained a support network that will continue to provide guidance, encouragement and inspiration. They gained not only in solutions and answers but in becoming a collective force for positive change. Their unanimous agreement to continue for another six sessions is resounding proof of the B4 CEO Circle’s success.”
Richard Rosser added. “It was a pleasure to be involved in the B4 CEO Circle as the 6th member of the group. As a business owner of a much smaller business in comparison with the likes of Blenheim and Nicholsons, it was so interesting to hear of the challenges that leaders of larger organisations face. The trust and respect generated amongst participants was clear early on and it was wonderful to hear how continuing for another cycle of sessions was everyone’s expectation.”
Our Expert Facilitator
Alison Hail, CEO, Oxford Professional Consulting
Alison Haill, founder and CEO, has successfully run the boutique consultancy Oxford Professional Consulting since 1998 through several international wars and economic slow-downs, due largely to her own determination, courage and resilience.
A successful businesswoman and former teacher, who has worked everywhere from Brazil and Singapore to Egypt, Croatia and finally Oxford, she now works with C-level leaders as their confidential partner, helping them find make better decisions.
Her wide experience with leaders of all levels and nationalities over the last 30 years, enables her to lead discussion, ask incisive questions and challenge without fear.
Clients value her wisdom from lived experience combined with her practical business expertise and powerful coaching techniques, as well as the relevant findings of neuroscience and cross-cultural linguistics that she shares.
Alison’s first career included 13 years working round the world and several university degrees so she was at the top of her game when she started a second career 25 years ago.
Alison Haill is an inspiration to anyone but especially women over 50 - to know that you have a great future ahead and can turn your expertise and experience into a valuable service. She is proof that neither age nor gender should be a barrier to ambition and financial success.
She is delighted to help experienced women in business here and across the world do what she has done to transform their self-concept, expand confidence and skills, reach up to new levels of performance and leadership - so they make a positive impact in their organisation & community, and earn what they are worth.
Official B4 Venues
The Yurt & Huts & Nicholsons
The Yurt & Huts & Nicholsons
The Yurt & Huts & Nicholsons
The five Private Huts at The Yurt are perfect for our leaders events offering privacy and intimacy. The food provided by Andrew Carr and his team from The Yurt is reason enough to visit but when you combine the environment with the output it's a winning combination.
Blenheim Palace
The Yurt & Huts & Nicholsons
The Yurt & Huts & Nicholsons
Blenheim is an inspiring venue and has hosted many of our leaders events. Pictured is The Orangery which B4 uses for its regular breakfast events but our leaders events meet in the private meeting rooms for maximum discretion.
Keble College
The Yurt & Huts & Nicholsons
Keble College
Keble College is one of Oxford University’s largest colleges. Built in 1870, its iconic red brick buildings have attracted much attention over the years. Located just 300 metres north of the original college, our graduate hub, The H B Allen Centre, is one of the most exciting and significant new building projects in Oxford and play host to our leaders events.
Rhodes House
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Keble College
Since its opening in 1929, Rhodes House has been an Oxford landmark, a historic Grade II* listed country house in the heart of the city. Today, it is also home to the city's newest and most technologically advanced conference centre, creating the ideal spaces to bring people together. What a perfect location for our leaders events.
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Surrounded by lawns, flower borders and orchards, Le Manoir is postcard-perfect.
Created by celebrated chef Raymond Blanc OBE, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons is one of the country's most cherished manor house hotels. A special venue for our leaders events without doubt. Please note Le Manoir will is closed for 18 months from 1st January 2026.
Hundred Hills
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons
Immerse yourself in the art of fine winemaking, all while enjoying the stunning surroundings and craftsmanship of Hundred Hills. Enjoy elegant wine-paired lunches overlooking the vines to beautiful guided tours and curated tasting experiences.
The Randolph Hotel
The Randolph Hotel
The Randolph Hotel
With stunning views of Oxford’s spires and the Ashmolean Museum, The Randolph Hotel is a landmark venue for our leaders events. Discover impressive event spaces of all sizes, stylish accommodations, and an expert events and catering team on hand to ensure the perfect meeting or event.