"People may spend their whole lives climbing the ladder of success only to find, once they reach the top, that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall."
- Thomas Merton
The Sycamore Community
Sycamore is a peer community of high responsibility, high capacity leaders and professionals who want to thrive emotionally, in their character, in family and friendship, and at work from a spiritual foundation. Professional bonds may form organically, but the focus is building honorable, purpose-oriented lives through:
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connection with God and peers who share similar challenges and hopes
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prioritizing honorable character and eulogy virtues
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embracing the humble path of downward mobility
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understanding and embracing healthy ambition
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creating a custom life and leadership plan for each participant
Venue, Schedule, Cost
Participants in the Core program gather once monthly for three hours at Donald and Betsy Miller's Carriage House in Green Hills. Each month features a core life and leadership theme with teaching, interviews, life stories, roundtable talks, and peer connection.
Each participant is also part of a smaller peer group that connects monthly with Scott and each other. Monthly 1:1 coaching and support from Scott is also available to all who desire it.
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For those who desire more frequent and deeper connection only through smaller groups, there is also a twice-monthly, peer group only track.
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Optional extras include social gatherings, special outings, and an overnight retreat. Applications are now being received for the 2025-2026 class, and will close as soon as all spots are filled.
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To confirm your interest, you may apply here.
Name and Meaning
The name “Sycamore” is inspired by a public figure in the Bible whose job title began with the word “Chief.” Sensing there must be more to life than chasing power and hitting a number, this man embarked on a search for meaning.
Jesus noticed him perched on a sycamore branch above the crowd, alone and unsettled. Jesus called him by name, entered his home, surrounded him with friends, and inspired him to live honorably and meaningfully​.
About Scott Sauls
Scott Sauls is the founder and guide for the Sycamore Community. He has spent nearly 30 years leading as a pastor, author, speaker, board member and chair, master’s level instructor, backstage chaplain, and confidant to leaders. Scott also co-founded a faith and work institute that helps professionals think well, live with integrity, and contribute meaningfully. He now pours energy that once went into serving thousands into a deeply connected, focused few.
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As a self-described recovering overachiever, part of Scott’s mission is helping high output leaders avoid similar pitfalls as they seek to flourish in faith, at home, in friendship, and professionally.