Traditional business networking, often characterized by events on platforms like LinkedIn or corporate retreats, is frequently perceived as a chore rather than a genuine opportunity for connection. A survey cited by SalezWORKS indicates that 73% of professionals dread networking events, which can prioritize superficial interactions over meaningful relationships.
In response to this perceived disconnect, The Art of Mondays has emerged as an exclusive, application-only community. Founded by Jai Howitt, 28, and Evan Bryce, 31, the organization aims to redefine the networking experience for "lifestyle founders." These entrepreneurs typically run online businesses, travel extensively, and emphasize personal well-being and authentic friendships over constant work.
The core philosophy of The Art of Mondays centers on the idea of working to live, rather than living to work. Both founders embody this principle, operating the company remotely from various global locations. "We believe that you can create a business that works and also not have to sacrifice the love of your day-to-day life," Bryce explained. "There’s always time and place for [the hustle]… but we take that business side of things and combine that with our personal philosophies."
Global Residencies and Unique Experiences
Instead of conventional conference venues, The Art of Mondays organizes intimate 10- to 12-day residencies in distinctive locations worldwide, including Japan, Alaska, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa. These events are designed to blend personal connection with business development. Bryce noted that they prefer the term "residencies" over "retreats" due to the ongoing value provided to members.
A recent event, "Camp Mondays," saw the organization book an entire French village for 112 vetted founders. The event featured guests like Sam Kolder and Matt Gray, and tickets sold out rapidly, with one batch disappearing in just 71 seconds. Future plans include an event titled "Founder Residency: Castaway" on a private island in Southeast Asia.
The structure of these residencies typically involves an initial phase focused on fostering connection and vulnerability, followed by a period of collaboration and creation, and concluding with celebration. Bryce, who has experience facilitating youth camps, incorporates informal educational elements, using games and activities to encourage interaction among participants. Howitt's background, influenced by an unconventional education emphasizing alternative learning and travel, also informs the community's approach.
"You can learn about business anywhere, but where can you get that feeling of true belonging? Where can you get that feeling of youth or nostalgia that you had going to summer camps as a kid? I think that’s what makes us really special," Bryce said.
Vetting Process and Community Values
Over the past two years, The Art of Mondays has conducted approximately 30 residencies across six continents. The community maintains a high level of exclusivity through a rigorous vetting process. With over 7,000 applications received, only about 300 members have been accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of roughly 3.8%.
Prospective members must meet specific revenue thresholds and operate an online business. However, the primary criterion for acceptance is alignment with the community's values. "We’re not trying to be the community that grows the fastest and makes the most money," Bryce stated. "We’re not the kind of founders who wear Rolexes and drive Lamborghinis. We’re the kind of founders who maybe make a fair bit of money but give that money to their parents to help them retire, or go on a trip." He describes the individuals attracted to The Art of Mondays as "quiet achievers."
The community actively promotes digital detoxes during its events, prioritizing presence and offline interaction. "Offline is the new luxury," Bryce emphasized, citing practices like family-style dinners where participants are asked to set aside their phones.
Redefining the "Monday Scaries"
The partnership between Howitt and Bryce began through a podcast and is built on complementary strengths, with Howitt as the creative visionary and Bryce as the operational leader. Beyond their in-person events, they offer virtual monthly calls and an online hub to combat the isolation often experienced by solo entrepreneurs.
The name "The Art of Mondays" directly addresses the common "Sunday Scaries" and the dread associated with the start of the work week. "Most people dread waking up on a Monday. They have to go to a job they hate just to pay the bills," Bryce said. "The Art of Mondays comes from the idea of, if you can create a life that you can’t wait to wake up to — if you can’t wait to wake up on Monday, that’s the goal. How people feel about Mondays often is a representation of how they feel about a lot of things. So we want to make Monday the best day of the week.“