The Awake Forward Ayahuasca Mastermind

Join a curated group of entrepreneurial business leaders for the professional and personal development accelerator of a lifetime!  

Apply Now

Let’s be honest.
The life of a pioneering business leader is really, really hard!

The pace, the pressure, the learning curve; the isolation at the top, the relentless demands on your time and attention. It never stops and there is nowhere to hide from your critics – especially your inner critic.  

According to a 2019 report by CB Insights, approximately 92% of venture-backed startups fail. To beat the odds you have to win both the inner game of personal development as well as the outer game of management and leadership.

Imposter syndrome is a distraction, overwhelm is a handicap, co-founder conflict is toxic and burnout is a killer.

But how do you develop yourself when therapy is too slow and retreats take your attention away from the company?

I’m Michael Costuros, a former startup founder turned executive coach to some of Silicon Valley’s most talented entrepreneurs. I developed the Awake Forward Mastermind Accelerator for my clients as a way to get a year’s worth of executive coaching and personal development results in just two months, without interrupting your workflow.

The accelerator will meet your current challenges, professional and personal, and provide access to the next level in every area of your life.

The lessons and breakthrough insights you experience throughout the accelerator will be applicable to your life and business challenges right away.

  • The accelerator artfully weaves together executive coaching, a business mastermind, and a private ayahuasca retreat to achieve breakthrough results on all levels in record time.
  • The accelerator’s pacing and timing is designed to fit into the workflow of even the busiest CEO.
  • The 1-1 coaching ensures that the accelerator will address the specific obstacles you are facing.
  • The mastermind component ensures that you will get strategic introductions, timely advice, and new friendships that extend well beyond the accelerator.
  • The private ayahuasca retreat is specifically designed to heal limiting beliefs, bad habits and blindspots that are holding you back from operating at your full potential.

Our confidence to make these claims comes from running nine successful masterminds before this one. This year’s accelerator will be our best yet, so don’t miss your chance to join this exclusive community of CEOs who are ready to elevate, connect, and transform.

There are only two seats left in the spring accelerator starting April 15th.
Want to consider joining?

Scroll down to section 2 to discover if you pass our first two screening questions.

Step 1: Self-qualification

I have two self-qualification questions for you to answer.
Before you do, I want you to understand the key elements of the mastermind that makes it, unlike any other program.

  1. This is not merely an ayahuasca retreat, but rather a meticulously curated business mastermind program crafted to deliver personal, spiritual, and professional transformation.

     

  2. The program includes a private ayahuasca retreat weekend designed to tie together and multiply the value of the coaching leading up to and following the retreat.

     

  3. The curated group of peers will provide you with a new high-trust network of advisors inspired to help you win.

     

  4. The program is uniquely designed to offer a measurable business ROI many times the value of your investment of time and money, while also providing personal transformation of equal or greater value.

     

  5. The program’s pacing and timing are designed to fit into the workflow of even the busiest CEO.

These ingredients, artfully woven together, enable you to get results WAY BEYOND what an ayahuasca retreat, executive coaching, or a mastermind program alone can provide, all in just 10 weeks!

 

Can you say yes to these two qualifiers?
There is no point in learning more about the mastermind if the dates don’t work for you and you’re not a fit for the group that has formed. Answer these questions to find out.

Question 1: Can you make these dates work?

The retreat weekend starts at 2 pm Friday, May 26th, and ends on Monday, May 29th at noon. The location is two hours from San Francisco.
If not, you can apply to join our fall program.

Question 2: Are you a fit for this group?
We have 6 of the 8 participants for the Spring mastermind committed.

All are co-founders of financially successful companies.

Three are currently in the CEO role, a climate tech, a fintech, and an Ag-tech VC firm.

Three are between companies after a successful exit and incubating their next projects.

All participants identify as men so I have decided to make this accelerator a men’s program. (The fall accelerator will be co-ed.)

To be a good fit for this cohort you need to have the following qualifications.
* You must be a founder or CEO who has a successful track record.
* You must identify as a man.
* You must have experienced at least one profound psychedelic “trip” in the last 3 years. Unlike the upcoming fall program, this one is not a fit for those without psychedelic experience.

Do you qualify? 
If you can make the dates work and feel like you are a fit for the group, Wonderful! Please scroll down to step two of the qualification process.

If you can’t, consider applying for our fall program.

Alumni Testimonials

I wasn’t totally clear on what I wanted, I just felt I needed to go and it would be revealed to me there…the experience showed me exactly what was holding me back in both my business and personal life. Within just one month after returning I’d used what I’d learned to deepen my relationships with my family, then later, with my business partners and staff, which surely was a factor in us having our most successful year ever.
Craig ClemensCo-founder of Golden Hippo Media, a 10-figure internet marketing business.
Craig Clemens
When I participated in the first Peru retreat back in 2012. (I've gone twice!) Back then, despite all my great achievements, I still carried a sense of inadequacy. I feel more capable of giving my gifts to the world than ever before. Writing and publishing the book I have long wanted to complete is just one example!
Jena La FlammeFounder, The Pleasurable Weight Loss Movement. Author of Pleasurable Weight Loss
Jena La Flamme
I strategically chose to engage with psychedelic-assisted executive coaching four months before raising my seed round. I believed that the combination of psychedelic therapy and executive coaching would put me in top shape for pitching. Mostly I wanted to increase my confidence and inner congruence before starting the raise. The impact far exceeded my expectations and the round is currently oversubscribed!
Itai LiptzFounder/CEO of Rimar Capital
Itai Liptz
At the time I hired Michael I was struggling with a major business decision, a broken heart and facing health challenges. I was seeking the combination of executive coaching and guided psychedelic therapy to accelerate my emotional healing and clear my mind. I am happy to report it worked -- better than I could have imagined. The combination of Michael’s expert coaching and working with experienced psychedelic guides helped me make profound changes in my life. These changes have brought me closer to the people I love, empowered me to make a greater impact, and live a more deeply fulfilling life.
Alex GierczykFounder & CEO @ ANG Ventures | Tender.fi
Alex Gierczyk
Michael’s exceptional experience as both a business coach and transformation coach enables him to integrate every area of life into our sessions. In a recent session we seamlessly wove together resolving a partner conflict, developing new parenting strategies, and better ways to leverage psychedelic-assisted therapy. His holistic approach has my work feeling more integrated, powerful and on target. I highly recommend him!
John S. JohnsonFounder/Chair at Harmony Labs
John S. Johnson
If you have been wanting an epic journey in the world, while taking an epic journey within, the Peru experience may be your ticket home.
Nisha MoodilyFounder/CEO Fierce Fabulous and FreeCo-Founder and CEO, AirHelp
Nisha Moodily
I've had the pleasure of being coached by Michael in my role as CEO for a 1000 person company. Michael is a great analyst and communicator. He's see the situation from multiple perspectives and provide you with clear vision on what and how to communicate your message for optimal results. He possess a vast set of skills within management consulting that provides you with tangible tools you can use again and again. No doubt Michael has improved my managerial skills. Warmest recommendation.
Henrik ZillmerCo-Founder and CEO, AirHelp
Henrik Zillmer
Micheal and I worked together as he coached me through one of the most demanding periods of my entrepreneurial career. Micheal has a unique ability to connect at a very deep personal level. He helped me address some of the most pressing issues right away. During our meetings, Michael provided me with immediately useful tools as well as with a medium-term leadership development plan. Our work together allowed me to achieve an even more functional and productive relationship with my co-founders and my team, unlocking potential that had yet to be realized. Micheal’s experience and leadership style proved invaluable in helping me be the best CEO I could be. Even after our program was over, he remained a close mentor, friend, and advisor.
Fede MenapaceFormer Co-Founder and CEO Travel Nuts, Now head of strategy at MAPS
Fede Menapace
Michael brings in an unusually wide range of techniques and frameworks to his coaching, which I've found extremely helpful. Whether it's been family relationships, business challenges or deep personal work, Michael has shown exceptional empathy for both what I've been going through, as well as the perspective of other people involved in the situation. Michael's superpower of empathy enable him to offer just the right framework or suggestion for many of your challenges. He's also very enthusiastic and makes it fun to work on even the heaviest of issues.
David LangerFounding Partner at Lionheart Ventures
David Langer
Thanks to the integration coaching, I have to say that the experience did more for my personal growth and transformation than any other ayahuasca program I have tried.
Robert BienstockCo-founder/COO of Carlin-America Music Publishing (Acquired by Round Hill Publishing)
Robert Bienstock
A year later, I realized that as a result of the mastermind component of this program I received advice and an introduction that enabled me to more than double the revenue, reach and impact of my business.
Keith KranceCo-founder, Dominate Web Media
Keith Krance
As CEO of a start-up in hyper-growth, I feared the time away in Peru would hurt my business. What I discovered was the perspective that came with distance was truly valuable. I got a better understanding of what I want to achieve, my core values, and who I am as a human.
Bertram MeyerCEO and Co-Founder of Taulia and One Dome
Bertram Meyer
Nothing has accelerated my learning curve faster than the time I was in an executive coaching engagement with Michael. His ability to recognize behavioral patterns and empathetically coach entrepreneurs is truly superhuman. Michael is also an expert system implementer, he gave me many mental models to view my challenges through. I highly recommend Michael for entrepreneurs who are serious about leveling up their personal and professional game.
CEO, The Bazaar, Inc.Bradley Nardick
CEO, The Bazaar, Inc.
An integral part of founder life is weeding through the myriad opportunities to work with consultants, guides, mentors, and advisors of every variety. I heard about Michael through an existing relationship and took a leap of faith. After having worked with him for going on 5 months my only advice, if you're considering hiring him, is to proceed with abandon. He is capable, connected, and heartfully vested.
Khellar Crawford Co-founder & CEO at Otomo
Khellar Crawford
As the CEO of a venture-backed start-up, I need to make sure that every dollar and every hour spent by me and my team is put to good use. I estimate the time and money spent with Michael saved us at least 1000x his price in potential mistakes. The cost of handling tough situations badly for startup founders can be deadly, and when I had a situation that I know needed to be handled with the utmost integrity and care, I relied on Michael to help me and my co-founders find the right path for us. It was frictionless and everyone ended up far better than we started. I'm grateful for Michael's influence and leadership. *Don't Try To Do It Alone* When you can have a resource like Michael at your side / having your back, it would be insane not to take advantage of it.
Bryan FranklinCo-Founder and CEO, Outbound Works
Bryan Franklin
"As co-founder of a startup that has grown from 40 to 140 people over the last two years my role and challenges are constantly changing. Where Michael helps me the most is understanding where I want to be, what I can do and where I need support as my role shifts. There’s lots I can say about our work over the last two years but one thing that comes to mind is I appreciate how Michael turned one of my personality quirks that my co-founders complained about - my habit of being reactive and seeing situations in black and white, into a strength they now appreciate. Now I know how to find the gray, and I choose the black and white reaction when it is the best response to get the job done."
Markus AmentCo-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Taulia
Markus Ament
I am so grateful for my experience in Peru. It was the pinnacle of experiential learning for me. I found it profound and healing, both physically and emotionally. Previously I had self-doubt clouded my vision. Today that is no longer the case!
Eric NeunerSerial CEO, Founder & Investor
Eric Neuner

Step 2: Evaluate the Program Details

The Mastermind has Three Phases

Phase 1
Inspiration, Preparation, and Accelerated Learning
1 Month Before

You will be expertly prepared for your ayahuasca retreat during the month leading up to your retreat.

30 days before: All-hand kick-off Zoom meeting

25 days before: 1-1 prep coaching session to clarify your goals

14 days before: All-hand ayahuasca retreat prep Zoom meeting

7 days before: 1-1 ayahuasca prep coaching session

Additional 1-1 coaching included as needed. 

Phase 2
Accelerated Transformation: The private ayahuasca experience
4 Day Retreat

You will arrive Friday afternoon feeling excited, a little nervous, and very prepared. The retreat staff will attend to your every need. There will be ample time for group and individual support throughout the three-day weekend.


Friday: Arrive , connect, and prepare for the first night of ayahuasca

Saturday: Integrate and prepare for the second night of ayahuasca

Sunday: Group and individual integration support

Monday: Closing circle and departure

Phase 3
INTEGRATION COACHING & MASTERMIND SESSION
For 6-weeks After

During the month following the retreat, you will be supported with 1-1 and group integration video calls. In addition, your business will leap forward as a result of the group mastermind exercises and 1-1 executive coaching. 

7 days after the retreat: All-hand ayahuasca integration Zoom call

7 – 21 days after: 1-1 integration coaching calls 
21 days after: Small group integration coaching calls
30 days after: Group mastermind call focused on solving your #1 business challenge
40 days after: Final 1-1 executive coaching session 

Meet Your Coaches

Michael

Lead Facilitator of Content and Coaching 

See Bio

Ray

Executive Coach and Co-facilitator

See Bio

Meet your Ayahuasca Facilitator

We have partnered with Alex Theberge to organize a profound ayahuasca experience that balances authentic Peruvian tribal tradition with western psychotherapeutic protocols.

Safety

Alex has facilitated, assisted, or co-facilitated over 100 ayahuasca ceremonies in the Peruvian Amazon. With more than 13 years of experience, he knows how to organize a safe experience for all.

Experience

Alex is a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in helping people prepare for and integrate ayahuasca plant medicine ceremonies for deep personal healing. He has been working both personally and professionally with Ayahuasca since 2010, as a participant, a facilitator, a guide, a shamanic apprentice, and an integration therapist. During that time he has guided hundreds of people before, during, and after their journeys with Ayahuasca. He knows the terrain well and can help you to get the most out of your ceremony or retreat.

Comfort

The private retreat center we will be using for this program is in a beautiful location and knows what we are doing. Thanks to the decriminalization of ayahuasca and other plant medicines, verything is above board.

Pricing for the Spring 2023 Ayahuasca Mastermind Accelerator

Program Spans: April 23rd – June 30th
Retreat weekend: May 26th – 29th, Memorial Day weekend
Tiered Pricing (Includes everything except for travel to and form the retreat.)

By now I think you can sense how the combination of coaching, a private ayahuasca retreat, a cohort of inspiring peers, and a business mastermind woven together into one program can deliver results that exceed expectations.

Participants
1 through 3

$9500
SOLD OUT

Participants
4 through 6

$12,500
SOLD OUT

Participants
7 and 8

$14,500

Schedule a discovery call now

The Final Step

Truth is, as much as this program appeals to you, you can’t be sure that it is worth the investment of time and money until we talk about it. If the cost isn’t a deal breaker, let’s hop on a call to set inspiring goals and align on realistic expectations. 

I look forward to meeting you.

In service,
Michael, Ray and team

2% of our gross revenue goes to Pachamana Alliance

Fast Company assigned a documentary filmmaker to create a profile on the 2017 Machu Picchu Ayahuasca Mastermind program. It’s an honest portrayal of the program experience and impact. 

See it now on Fast Company’s website.

watch this short overview
  • You want to do ayahusca and have been waiting for the right opportunity.
  • You believe that you are capable of more and something is holding you back.
  • You have a few bad habits that you are ready to let go of once and for all.
  • You want to experience even deeper fulfillment and satisfaction in your daily life.
  • You want to more freely express your love and affection for those you care for most.
  • You want to resolve past experiences that are still affecting you in the present.
  • You are at a crossroads and want a fresh perspective before making a big decision.
  • You want to know what you don’t know you don’t know about yourself.
  • You want to experience a true mystical experience.

If three or more of these outcomes appeal to you then this program WILL exceed your expectations!

Apply Now
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Michael


Executive Coach, Startup Advisor, creator of  The Awake Forward Method

I co-founded a successful tech startup and about 4 years in I hit a wall. I was burnt out, frustrated with my co-founders, and lost my guiding intuition. Through a series of unlikely events, (long story), I found myself in Peru to attend my first ayahuasca retreat.

I remember holding my first cup of ayahuasca. Everyone was waiting for me to drink it. I was so afraid that it would show me that my life was off course and that I should leave my company. That was the worst outcome I could imagine. I almost backed out, but deep inside I knew it was the right thing to do. I drank it down. A week later I returned to work. My resentments, fears, and ego attachments were gone. I felt reborn! But about 10 days after that some of the old patterns started resurfacing. I felt a sinking feeling in my gut. Would I lose all that I thought I had gained?

I started searching for an ayahuasca integration coach only to find out that there was no such thing. That was back in 2008, ayahuasca was almost unheard of. So I started working with an executive coach and he helped me hold on to what I would have lost. Two years later I left my company to become an executive coach myself. I wanted my clients to benefit from ayahuasca in the ways I did and I wanted them to have the prep and integration support that I didn’t. So in 2011 my wife and I went to Peru for 5 months to immerse ourselves in the ayahuasca subcultures. During that time we figured out a way to work with ayahuasca that got predictable results, which required developing a prep and integration coaching program specifically for entrepreneurs.

A year later the Entrepreneurs Awakening Mastermind was born and my first group program in 2012 that included ayahuasca in Peru was a success! As of 2022 My team and I have led more than 100 entrepreneurs through our programs.

Our 2023 program will be more potent than ever!

Ray

Executive Coach, Startup Advisor

TBD

 

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