OpenWater is a curated community of experienced professionals. Every member has been selected — and every member has chosen to be here. That intentionality is what makes the community work.
We look for people with 20 or more years of professional experience who bring not just career achievement, but a genuine willingness to contribute to others. OpenWater is built on a culture of generosity: members who share connections, knowledge, and support as readily as they seek it.
We are committed to building a community strengthened by diverse backgrounds, expertise, industries, ethnicities, and gender identities. The best professional communities reflect the full range of experience and perspective, and we actively work toward that.
There are two paths to OpenWater membership:
Most new members join through a nomination from an existing OpenWater member in good standing. If you've been nominated, you'll be asked to complete a brief application so our membership team can learn more about you.
If you don't yet have a connection to a current member, you're welcome to apply directly. As part of the review process, our membership team may reach out to learn more about you and your interest in the community.
When we review each application, we consider:
Experience. Has this person been professionally active for 20 years or more?
Expertise. In what areas is the applicant a recognized leader or deep practitioner?
Reputation. How is this person regarded by colleagues, peers, and their broader community?
Engagement. Will this person contribute as much as they benefit? OpenWater thrives because members show up for each other.
Story. What's the path that brought this person to where they are today — and where are they headed next?
Applications and nominations are reviewed on a rolling basis, with new members welcomed monthly. If you're selected, you'll receive a notification of acceptance along with your Membership Agreement, which outlines the terms of membership including our Code of Conduct, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.
Your membership is personal to you, subject to our Membership Agreement, and contingent on continued alignment with our community standards. OpenWater reserves the right to accept or decline any application at its discretion.