One of the many uncomfortable aspects of late stage capitalism is how our close relationships are tied to where and how we do our work.
When you strike out on your own, you quickly realize just how quiet it can be.
In the 10+ years I have been working for myself, I’ve joined the traditional networking groups. I've been a member at co-working spaces. I’ve paid for the slick business masterminds. And classes. Many many classes. Almost all of them left me exhausted. They’re usually full of people performing competence and confidence.
SJ and I even made our own coven when we were running Bid Boss Consulting. What we built together does and always will hold a special place in my heart. Yet, that work life also came to an end.
But it turns out, what I really wanted all along was something bigger.
What I really want is a coven.
Not in a spooky, performative way—just in the old, original sense of the word. A gathering of practitioners quietly comparing notes, sharing remedies, building their own buffers, and looking out for one another while honing their craft outside of the dominant system.
In the context of doing purpose-driven solo work under late-stage capitalism, that metaphor feels pretty damn accurate.
The space is open and the coven is yours to join if it is what you need.
What is the Bosscraft coven?
It’s not complicated. It’s an intentional, vulnerable space to step away from deliverables and be a real human being with other real human beings. A place where authentic connections are built to last.
After quite a bit of experimentation with, well, you name it—podcasting, paid memberships, exclusive content, 40-module courses, digital downloads—I am taking the Bosscraft coven back to basics:
You get full access to all the essays and reflections I only share with paid subscribers. Writing pieces that are ‘coven-only’ gives me some psychological safety, and the members-only chat offers y’all a low stakes virtual watercooler. Celebrate a win, pose a question, share an opportunity, or just drop an existential sigh to people who are speaking your language.
The first Tuesday of the month (ish), we get together on a casual video call. No slide decks, no icebreakers, and no awkward networking games. Just an hour in which we can share our highs and lows, talk shop honestly, talk life honestly, and build authentic friendships.
Every other month, we select a book to read and discuss together. For the first half of 2027, I’ve picked the books, but I expect the catalogue to grow with the group. My goal is to gravitate toward reads that look at how we work, rest, think, and stay human in an economy that would prefer we become machines. It’s an intentional move to slow down and exercise our brains on something nourishing.
A quick warning. I will tolerate absolutely no hate in this community. Magic only happens when we can be authentically our whole selves, which means that the whole selves of historically marginalized groups need space to breathe. Members should support one and other, learn and grow together, and respect each other. Anyone who can’t accept that will not be welcome in the coven.
Pull Up a Chair
This space is intended for purpose-driven folks, whether you’re working independently or navigating nonprofit life. Anyone who is looking for practical stability and room to breathe is welcome.
It’s for the people who want to be paid what they are worth, build real sustainability, and make smart moves—without losing their souls, their sanity, or their sense of humor in the process.
If you’re craving a space where you can be ambitious, tired, strategic, and a little bit introspective all at once, you’re welcome here.
The book club is a new addition to the Bosscraft coven for 2027, and I can’t wait to see how it goes! Here’s a sneak peek into the reading list:
January - Talking to Humans by Giff Constable
March - The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff
May - Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
July - The 1-Page Marketing Plan by Allan Dib
As with every book club I’ve ever been in, the Bosscraft coven version will not require anyone to finish the book in order to join in the discussion. We also reserve the right to not read a book! Maybe we’ll listen to a collection of podcast episodes. Or a particularly interesting article. We’re all busy and we can exercise our wisdom as a group to choose what makes sense for us.
How to Join (It’s Really That Simple)
There are no complex portals, separate community logins, or high-ticket fees.
All you need to do is maintain a paid subscription on Substack at any level. Clicky clicky and choose your own adventure 👇
As soon as you do, you’ll receive the calendar invites, access links to the chat, and all the details for our upcoming meetups and book club reads right in your inbox. If you ever need to pause or step away, you can manage or cancel your subscription anytime with zero awkwardness.
Walk your own path.
Just know that wherever you’re going, you don’t have to go it alone.
(Looking for organizational business development, coaching services for your team, or INGO advisory support? That work lives separately over at Boss Insights.)