A total of 233 EO-member companies were named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest growing, privately held companies. We asked these elite leaders how being a member of EO has impacted their success.

We spotted a common theme in many answers: learning—whether it’s incidental learning among peers or formal education at events. Learning to improve your leadership, your business practices, your focus, your relationships is a hallmark of EO’s benefits and a significant driver in the success of any business.

Here’s what our members say about learning through EO.

“EO has been a great resource for me—getting input or best practices from other members right when I need it is wonderful. I’ve also learned a great deal from the courses that are provided.” – Lynda Stafford, EO Southeast Virginia, founder and CEO, RMGS, Inc., No. 4,694 on 2020 Inc. 5000

“EO has been a life-changing experience for me for a lot of reasons. Having a local network of growth-minded business owners, pushes me to be better, provides different models of success, and gives me people I can bounce ideas off of. Five hours a month in our Forum meetings and three days per year on our retreat allow me to step back, reset my mindset, and look at the totality of my business. It also gives me a sense of being part of group, and not being alone in my issues. Going to the international events opens my eyes to the unlimited opportunities that exist around the world, and how many of these entrepreneurs are doing business around the world. I’m not sure I can put into words the difference it has made in my life, but I can say that I am not only a better business person, but a better husband, father and person.” – David Singer, EO St. Louis, founder and CEO, Warehouse of Fixtures, No. 3,091 on 2020 Inc. 5000

“The learning events have been very impactful in stretching my thinking. My Forum mates have been a very helpful sounding board for me—personally and professionally.” – Gregg Smith, EO St. Louis, founder and CEO, Pearl Solutions Group, No. 3,467 on 2020 Inc. 5000

“I am so fortunate to get to know and learn from the hundreds of EO members who I have met over the years, from all over the world. One common thread among the EO members who I really admire is understanding the importance of taking a step back from the day to day of running a business and running a life in order to reflect on what is important. I don’t see myself as a “success” in terms of reaching a quantitative goal. I think success is the ability to look in the mirror and to ask myself “Was I a good person today? Did I do my best to leave the world better than I found it today?” If I can answer “yes” to both of those questions, then that day was a success. But I have to do it again tomorrow. If I keep answering yes to those 2 questions, then in the long run, success will follow.” – Jeff Becker, EO San Diego, founder and CEO, Pegasus Cleanroom Services, No. 3,901 on 2020 Inc. 5000

“Being an EO member has made my leadership learning curve a lot smaller. By nature of the people that I surround myself with in EO, I’m always picking up leadership hacks, tips, and experience shares. This has allowed me to step out and lead the orchestra instead of playing in the orchestra.” – Anthony Ramirez, EO Chicago, founder and CEO, Lincoln Security Services, No. 2,463 on 2020 Inc. 5000

“Leading in EO taught me so much about leading virtual teams. Those lessons are paying huge dividends now as I lead our team remotely. I feel the experience of leading in EO and building teams remotely across the globe, gave me a huge leg up as we entered COVID lockdown.” – Brandon Dempsey, EO St. Louis, founder and CEO, goBRANDgo!, No. 4,827 on 2020 Inc. 5000