Not every Deep Dive needs to be about personal struggle because sometimes, it’s about gaining wisdom.
A Forum I worked with last year was stuck in a rut. Month after month, they cycled through personal and professional Deep Dives, but the group energy was dipping. That’s when someone asked, “What if we brought in an expert on hiring? We’re all facing team challenges right now.”
The next month, they invited a former COO to run a 60-minute session. It was practical, fast-paced, and full of takeaways. And most importantly, it reignited the group’s curiosity.
Deep Dives aren’t just about emotional depth. They’re also about expanding insight.
Topic Expert Deep Dives are a powerful way to level up your group’s collective knowledge, when done with purpose and structure.
Internal / External Deep Dives:
There are two types of Topic Expert Deep Dives. Both can be high-impact when matched to your group’s current season or pain point.
1. Outside Expert
This is when the group brings in a subject-matter expert from outside the Forum. Think:
- A financial advisor to talk about legacy planning
- A culture consultant to explore hiring frameworks
- A relationship coach for better communication at home
Best used when:
- Multiple members are facing the same challenge
- The group wants outside perspective
- You want to shake up the format and inject new energy
2. Internal Expert
This is when a Forum member shares their own expertise with the group. Maybe one member is incredible at negotiation, systems thinking, or branding.
Best used when:
- A member has deep expertise that hasn’t been tapped yet
- You want to build connection through contribution
- The group wants peer-led, experience-based insight
Sample Flow: How to Run a Topic Expert Deep Dive
Total time: 60–75 minutes
A. Introduction (5 min)
- Deep Dive coordinator shares what the topic is
- Why this topic matters right now
- Quick bio of the speaker (internal or external)
B. Expert Presentation (20–30 min)
- Share insights, frameworks, stories, tools
- Encourage relevance to the Forum audience
- Use slides or handouts only if they add value
- NEVER SELLS OR PITCHES THEIR STUFF
C. Q&A and Discussion (15–20 min)
- Allow group members to ask clarifying or exploratory questions
- Encourage members to tie it back to their own situation
D. Application and Takeaways (10–15 min)
- Round-robin: “What’s one thing you’re taking from this?”
- Optional: “What’s one action you’ll take in the next 30 days?”
Moderator Tips for Running a Great Topic Expert Session
1. Set the Prep
Frame the session in advance. Let the group know this is about insight and learning and ask them to bring any relevant documents needed to share with the group. (e.g. P&L, workout routines, onboarding documents, etc)
2. Vet the Outside Expert Well
They should get that the Forum vibe is safe space, no selling, no pontificating. Do a 15-minute prep call to explain the audience and expectations.
3. Keep It Tight
Time can easily run away in a Topic Deep Dive. Use a timer, and let the presenter know their boundaries. Don’t let one person take up too much time or dominate the conversation.
4. Moderate the Q&A
Help the group stay focused. You may need to cut long-winded questions or redirect tangents.
5. Tie It Back to the Forum
Close the loop with application. Ask: “How does this relate to what you’re working on right now?” Forums aren’t just about learning, they’re about action.
For Your Next Meeting:
Want to energize your next meeting? Try adding a Topic Expert Deep Dive to your rotation. Whether it’s a guest from the outside or a hidden gem inside your own Forum, shared insight creates shared momentum.
Need help choosing the right format or prepping an expert? Reach out, I’m happy to help.
