The Key to My Network: 30 Years as a Member of Key Group Women’s Business Leads Group

Every Tuesday morning for the last 30 years, I’ve gathered with a remarkable group of women who have become the foundation of my professional life, and in many ways, my personal one as well. Key Group Women’s Business Leads Group isn’t just another networking circle. It has been the key to my business network, the first place I turn to for referrals, advice, problem-solving, and encouragement.

More Than a Leads Group

When I first joined Key Group three decades ago, I was looking to grow my business network. What I found was something far deeper, a trusted circle of professionals genuinely invested in one another’s success.

Throughout the years, these women have become my go-to advisors. Whether I was wrestling with a tough business decision or simply needed a sounding board, they were there. Over time, our weekly gatherings evolved from networking opportunities into a place of real trust and connection.

In addition to our regular Tuesday meetings, the group would gather annually for a retreat—sometimes in Arizona, sometimes out of state. These retreats were part fun, part strategic, and completely enriching. We laughed, shared stories, swapped insights, and spent time connecting without the structure of an agenda. In my 30 years of membership, I’ve only missed three of these getaways, because it was often at these retreats where the most genuine and lasting connections were formed. And of course, as we always say, what happened on a Key Group retreat, stayed at the Key Group retreat.

From Campus to Entrepreneurship: A Deeper Reliance

When I worked at a large university, I had a built-in network of colleagues and collaborators. There was always someone just down the hall or across campus I could call on for advice or help. But when I transitioned into business ownership more than three years ago, that internal support system disappeared.

That’s when I realized just how essential Key Group had become. Without that university infrastructure, I leaned into Key Group more than ever. It wasn’t just helpful, it was foundational. Even now, I reach out to former members and alumni of the group regularly. Their insight remains just as valuable, and their advice is always rooted in trust and shared experience.

A Legacy of Trust, Consistency, and Change

It is hard to believe that I’ve been meeting with the same group every Tuesday morning for 30 years. That consistency is rare in professional life. But it’s also true that the group has evolved. Membership can change over time, with some individuals joining for a year and others remaining for five, ten, twenty, or even more years.

This balance of continuity and fresh perspective keeps the group dynamic. We’re always learning, always growing, and always welcoming new voices who bring their own unique experiences and insights. While we also learn to work as a group with varying opinions and perspectives.

Celebrating Life—Together

Key Group is more than a business circle. It is a community. Throughout the decades, we’ve shared the full arc of life. We’ve supported one another through divorces, the loss of loved ones, health challenges, and career changes. And we’ve celebrated marriages, graduations, children, promotions, new ventures, and personal milestones. These shared experiences have deepened our connection beyond professional networking. We don’t just support one another in business—we support one another in life.

A Network That Works

My joy comes from helping those in the group, making a connection, helping someone’s child, providing a referral. The individuals in Key Group have helped my business grow through the services they provide, frankly they’ve helped my health too. The referrals I’ve received have been instrumental in building and sustaining my business. When someone in the group recommends a contact, a resource, or solution, I don’t question it. I know that recommendation comes with real confidence and personal accountability.

We don’t just exchange contact information. We advocate for one another with sincerity and professionalism.

Women Supporting Women

In today’s world, women’s leadership and peer-to-peer support are more important than ever. I’m proud to be part of a group that lifts each other up, challenges one another to grow, and shows up even when things are hard.

This group has taught me that strong leadership doesn’t mean going it alone. It means cultivating a community that grows with you and helps you grow, too.

Want a Network Like This? Here’s How to Find One

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I’d love to have a group like that,” here are a few things I’ve learned over the years about creating or finding a support system like Key Group:

1. Look for shared values, not just shared industries.
A great networking group doesn’t have to be filled with people who do exactly what you do. What matters most is that you all care about trust, follow-through, and mutual support and respect.

2. Commit to regular meetings.
Consistency is key. Weekly or biweekly meetings help deepen relationships. Trust builds with repetition and presence.

3. Define the group culture early.
Decide what the group is for—leads, mentorship, accountability, or a mix—and set expectations accordingly. A shared understanding helps keep everyone aligned.

4. Be generous first.
Offer help, insight, and referrals before asking for them. When generosity becomes the group’s norm, everyone benefits.

5. Don’t wait to be invited.
If a group like this doesn’t exist near you, start one. Invite a few trusted colleagues or acquaintances. You might be surprised how many others are looking for the same kind of connection.

6. Let it evolve.
People will come and go. Circumstances change. Embrace the evolution of the group but keep its core purpose and values strong. On a side note, frankly new members have tried to bring in aspects that the original founders didn’t include in Key Group by laws and I believe because we have been true to what the founders wanted it makes Key Group unique.

Grateful and Grounded

Thirty years is a long time. In that time, technology has changed the way we work, industries have shifted, and my own career has taken new shape. But one thing hasn’t changed: Key Group remains a foundation of wisdom, support, and strength.

To the women of Key Group—past, present, and future—thank you. You are the KEY that continues to unlock new possibilities, keep me grounded, and make this journey as meaningful as it is successful.

Here’s the next chapter, and to the power of showing up, together, every Tuesday morning.

Check out this article in Biz Tucson (pages: 51 & 62-63) https://issuu.com/mcserres/docs/biztucsonsummer2025?fr=sNDczMzg2Njk3ODQ