I still remember the moment I first heard about TEC Canada. I had already built a coaching practice in the Middle East, co-founding Team In Motion, guiding teams and leaders. When I relocated to Canada, I realized that leadership isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you surround yourself with. Peer support, trusted feedback, shared experience—these became critical to navigating new challenges.
That’s why as I built Fingerprint Leadership, I paid careful attention to leadership development bodies like TEC Canada. Leaders often ask me: What does TEC membership cost? And is it worth it compared to private executive coaching, group coaching, or working with an executive coaching agency? I’ve explored this question deeply—both in helping other leaders make decisions, and in aligning my own offerings to what truly delivers value.
Here’s what I’ve learned, and what you should know, if you’re considering TEC Canada membership.
What IS TEC Canada, Exactly?
Before talking about cost, let’s be clear on what TEC offers. TEC (The Executive Committee) is a peer advisory and executive leadership development organization. TEC Canada+2TEC Canada+2
Key pillars of TEC membership include:
- Confidential peer groups, meeting regularly and facilitated by a Chair. TEC Canada+1
- One-on-one executive coaching with a Chair. TEC Canada+1
- Thought leadership: access to expert speakers, online learning content, best practice toolkits. TEC Canada+2TEC Canada+2
- Global and national network: connections with other business leaders across Canada and ties to Vistage Worldwide. TEC Canada+2TEC Canada+2
TEC offers different programs depending on where you are in your leadership journey: TEC CEO, KEY Executive, TEC Small Business, TEC Advancing Leaders, etc. TEC Canada+2TEC Canada+2
What About the Cost? (Spoiler: It’s Not Publicly Transparent)
Here’s where many people get stuck: TEC Canada does not list fixed membership fees on its website. Cost depends on which program you qualify for (CEO, KEY Executive, Small Business, etc.), your company’s size, revenue, and your leadership role. TEC Canada+3TEC Canada+3TEC Canada+3
For example:
- The KEY Executive program requires you to be a senior executive (reporting to CEO/Founder), in a company with 25+ employees and revenue of at least ~$5 million. TEC Canada+1
- The Small Business program applies to business owners with 5-24 employees and annual revenue between ~$500,000–$5 million. TEC Canada
Because eligibility and scope vary so much, TEC asks potential members to fill out an application form. TEC then connects with you to discuss program details and pricing. TEC Canada+1
How to Estimate the Investment: What Goes Into the Price
While they don’t post exact fees, TEC membership cost tends to include multiple things that private executive coaching or other coaching agencies sometimes do separately:
| Component | Typical Included Elements in TEC Membership |
|---|---|
| Peer Group Meetings | Regular meetings (monthly or similar frequency), facilitated by Chairs. TEC Canada+1 |
| One-on-one Coaching | Personal coaching with the Chair. TEC Canada+1 |
| Learning Content & Expert Speakers | Workshops, speaker events, resources. TEC Canada+2TEC Canada+2 |
| Networking / Global Connections | Access to the TEC/Vistage network, connections with other leaders across Canada. TEC Canada+2TEC Canada+2 |
| Confidential & Safe Space | Groups are non-competitive, strict confidentiality. TEC Canada+1 |
Because of this bundled value, the cost tends to be substantial. But when you spread it across all those services, it often offers more integrated value than hiring an executive coach + organizing a peer or mastermind group + attending occasional leadership workshops.
Is TEC Canada Membership Worth It?
From my experience coaching leaders across Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Halifax, I see a few criteria that make TEC membership a great fit — and some situations where something more custom (private executive coaching, a focused leadership development path) might be better.
Here are the benefits vs downside, as I see them:
The Benefits
- Broader Perspective & Accountability
You’re not alone. Peer groups challenge your thinking; Chairs push you. That external pressure and perspective can keep you from getting stuck. - Built-In Structure
TEC has an established rhythm: group meetings, coaching, learning, reflection. If you benefit from structure, this is huge. - Network & Credibility
As you grow, having access to peers across industries, the credibility of being part of TEC, plus the global connections via Vistage, can open doors. - Economy of Scale
Some things are less expensive “per unit” when bundled—speaker events, workshops, tools, and peer group benefits. - Holistic Growth
Not just business strategy or leadership skills, but the whole person: decision-making, mindset, resilience, stress, etc.
The Trade-Offs / What to Consider
- Cost: Without a published fee, you’ll need to evaluate whether the investment aligns with your budget. For some leaders, private coaching + targeted courses may be cheaper.
- Fit: If your organization or leadership goals are highly specialized, or you need highly customized coaching, a private executive coaching agency or bespoke team coaching model might serve you better.
- Time Commitment: Regular meetings, reflection, and engagement are expected. If you don’t have space for that, TEC may feel like overhead rather than benefit.
- Group Dynamics: Your peer group matters. If your Chair or group isn’t the right match, you may get less value.
My View: When I Recommend TEC vs Private Executive Coaching
Here’s how I decide with my clients which path makes more sense:
| Scenario | I Lean Toward TEC Canada | I Lean Toward Private Coaching / Agency |
|---|---|---|
| I’m a CEO or senior executive in a stable or scaling organization, looking to break isolation, get peer input, improve strategic thinking | ✔ | |
| I’m an owner/founder managing many roles & need structure to grow business + self | ✔ | |
| I need a highly-tailored leadership program, e.g. transforming a specific team, a niche industry, or a specific personal challenge | ✔ | |
| I want more flexibility, maybe lower cost, or want to focus on specific skills rather than full leadership maturity journey | ✔ |
Cost vs Value: What I’ve Seen Leaders Get Back
As someone who values both impact and integrity, I always look for evidence that the return justifies the investment. In the leaders I’ve worked with who joined TEC:
- Several reported improved decision-making that led to more efficient operations, saving time and money.
- Some expanded their networks, opening up partnerships, new clients, or mentorships.
- Many cited personal growth: better work-life balance, more clarity, less isolation.
One leader I coached in Ottawa said that participating in TEC Key Executive helped her double her business growth within two years — not strictly because of TEC alone, but because the accountability and exposure enabled her to refine strategy, make bolder moves, and delegate better.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It for YOU?
If you are a leader ready to step across a threshold — from managing daily operations to leading with vision; from working in isolation to being part of a community; from reacting to challenges to proactively shaping your future — then TEC Canada membership can absolutely be worth the cost.
