Coaching Pods
What is a coaching pod?
A time-boxed group mentorship program format for PMI-SD chapter members. An experienced project manager will hold group coaching sessions with up to 4-5 mentees. Each coaching pod uses an Outcome-Based Mentoring (OBM) approach — every mentee defines a specific professional goal and works toward it across the 7-week cohort. The program format is as follows:
- 60-minute virtual Mentor Orientation Session (mentors only).
- 90-minute Kick-Off and Orientation Session for both mentors and mentees.
- Six 60 to 90-minute structured coaching sessions to be conducted over 7 weeks. Session date/time to be mutually determined by each pod. Sessions are usually held on a weekday after 5:00 p.m., PT.
There are no additional fees to participate if selected. Selected mentees must be an active PMI-SD chapter member.
When will the coaching pods be offered and what topics will each pod focus on?
The Fall 2026 cohort will be from September 2 to November 7, 2026 including orientation session and graduation ceremony. Registration is now open and will close on August 7, 2026.
Pods are formed around shared professional goals. Common goal areas include:
- Job search strategy and execution
- Career clarity and direction-setting
- Skill development (e.g., stakeholder management, communication, conflict resolution)
- Confidence and professional presence
- Transition planning (industry, role, or function change, including military to civilian)
- Career progression and leadership growth
Other goal areas may be supported based on mentor availability and applicant interest.
What are the expectations and time commitment for Mentors?
- Attend both virtual Mentor Orientation Session (August 24, 2026) and the Kick-Off Orientation Session (September 2, 2026) for Mentors and Mentees.
- Propose and align on the topics for the 6 coaching pod sessions.
- Guide structured pod discussions — ask strong questions, support goal clarity, and share relevant experience, resources, and perspective.
- Facilitate rather than lecture — help mentees clarify their goals, make progress, and hold themselves accountable.
- Encourage mentees to share their own experiences and knowledge.
- Manage the 6 coaching pod session logistics:
- Align on the dates/times for the 6 coaching pod sessions.
- Schedule the 6 coaching pod sessions.
- Track attendance and topics covered in each of the sessions.
- Submit feedback to chapter about the coach pod program including program improvements.
What are the expectations and time commitment for Mentees?
- Attend the mandatory virtual Kick-Off Orientation Session for Mentors/Mentees if accepted to the program. Kick-off Orientation will be held in September 2, 2026.
- Attend at least 5 out of the 6 weekly sessions. Weekly sessions are 60-90 minutes and typically held between 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., PT on weekdays. If your schedule poses challenges to attend the 6 sessions, please consider applying for the next cohort in Spring 2027.
- Provide input to the mentor and pod on topics for the 6 coaching pod sessions.
- Commit your time to prepare, attend and be engaged during the 6 coaching pod sessions.
- Expand your knowledge and be willing to learn.
- Offer your experiences and knowledge to fellow mentees.
- Be able to accept feedback.
- Come prepared with a professional goal. As part of the application, you will define a primary goal and describe what success looks like by the end of the program. Your goal anchors every pod session — the more specific it is, the more value you will get from the experience.
- Complete three program surveys (post-kickoff, mid-program, and end-of-program). Survey completion is required for certificate of completion eligibility.
How does the coaching pod selection process work?
Pod formation is based on mentor availability and alignment across primary goal focus and career context. The mentorship committee reviews each application and groups mentees whose professional situations and goals will create the most relevant peer learning environment. The committee will make every effort to match participants to their primary goal preference.
Will there be a fee to if I get selected to be a mentor or mentee?
There will be no fees assessed for participation in the program. Mentees must have an active PMI-SD chapter membership in order to participate.
Will PDUs be offered for participants?
PMI-SD Chapter members who have a registered PMI credential (PMP, PMI-ACP, etc.) can earn PDUs. Mentors can report Power Skills PDUs by submitting the coaching pod hours under the “Education, Informal Learning" and mentees can report PDUs by submitting coaching pod hours under "Education, Informal Learning".
Setting your Mentee Goal
Coaching Pods use an Outcome-Based Mentoring (OBM) approach. Each mentee defines a professional goal before the program begins and works toward it across all six sessions.
Learn more about goal setting and download the OBM Goal-Setting Worksheet.
When is the deadline to apply and how can I apply to be a mentor or mentee?
Registration for both mentors and mentees for the Fall 2026 cohort is now open and registration closes on August 7. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions about the program.
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