If it’s lonely at the top, it’s a lot lonelier when you’re a woman. This realization led Lindsay Kaplan and Carolyn Childers to create Chief, a private membership network that focuses specifically on female executives. Recognizing that the executive woman often becomes the de facto mentor or speaker at other women-focused organizations, Kaplan and Childers saw a need to connect and support female leaders in a unique way.
Since its launch in 2019, Chief has grown to include 20,000 members from prestigious companies such as Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Shondaland, A24, UTA, and Capitol Music Group. Membership dues range from $5,800 to $7,900 per year, with many employers covering the majority of the fees. Women must apply or be nominated to join the network. Chief now has clubhouses in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and London. In 2022, the company closed a $100 million Series B funding round, valuing the company at $1.1 billion.
Chief opened its Los Angeles outpost in 2021, but due to the pandemic, it initially operated in a limited capacity. Two years later, the space is finally open for member events. The Los Angeles clubhouse, located on La Cienega Boulevard near Melrose Place, was brought to life by architect and designer Tanya Paz of TAP Studio, in partnership with JM|A+D and AvroKO. The space, which was once a puppet theater in the 1940s and ’50s, features large conference rooms, smaller meeting spaces, a bar, and a lounge. During the renovation, Paz discovered a wall of celebrity signatures from past roasts, adding to the unique character of the venue.
Unlike co-working spaces where members simply plug in and work, Chief’s clubhouse is designed to foster connection and idea sharing. The goal is for people to connect with one another and feel supported. Heather Somaini, Chief Administrative Officer at Hackman Capital, compares Chief to Soho House but finds it to be more accessible.
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Chief offers a range of membership benefits, including access to workshops, guest speakers, community events, and Core Groups. Core Groups consist of 10 to 12 women who are curated based on their level of job experience. They meet monthly with an executive coach to discuss challenges and receive support. While the majority of members in L.A. work in the entertainment industry, there are also executives from fashion, tech, and other industries. The confidential nature of these conversations allows members to speak openly about the unique pressures they face as women executives.
Diversity is a key focus at Chief. Despite only 18% of women at the VP level and above in corporate America identifying as a person of color, Chief reports that 33% of its community identifies as women of color. The organization committed $5 million in grants last year to cover the membership fees of those who couldn’t afford them. Chief also provides DEI programming and identity groups, as well as a $1 million annual commitment to donate to causes related to reproductive rights and supporting young female leaders.
Kaplan emphasizes that Chief stands out from other private clubs in Los Angeles because of its focus on community-building and changing the face of leadership. The network aims to create a supportive and inclusive space for female executives to connect, share ideas, and navigate the challenges unique to their roles.
In a world where women continue to face obstacles in leadership positions, Chief is making a significant impact by providing a platform for female executives to support one another and thrive. As the network continues to expand, it’s reshaping the landscape of female leadership and empowering women to rise to the top.
