CEOs, CFOs Predict ‘Red Wave’ In Congress and Strong Inflation for 2022 In New Survey
Dow 40,000? GOP Congress? Inflation soaring? We asked America’s business and finance chiefs to roll out the crystal ball for the year ahead. Here’s what they see.
Dow 40,000? GOP Congress? Inflation soaring? We asked America’s business and finance chiefs to roll out the crystal ball for the year ahead. Here’s what they see.
After a shaky start to the year, CEO optimism is buoyed by steady demand and hopes for greater policy clarity. ‘I’m hoping for split government and gridlock.’
After two decades of New Year optimism, America’s chief executives are starting 2026 with unusual caution, as policy uncertainty clouds business outlook. ‘Uncertainty is the new certainty.’
In December 2024, Chief Executive asked hundreds of CEOs around the country for predictions for 2025. How’d you do? Safe to say, this year didn’t make predicting easy—and 2026 looks much the same.
Outlooks for the second half of 2026 are growing ever more optimistic amid increasing evidence they can continue to navigate the turbulent economic environment.
CEOs’ confidence in their ability to navigate continued volatility is pushing optimism higher in November polling, though many say there are still a lot of unknowns on the horizon. ‘Very hard to say what that looks like in a month, let alone a year.’
Our latest survey finds CEOs increasingly confident in their ability to find growth in the current economic environment, despite ongoing uncertainties and turmoil in Washington.
A long-term analysis of our ongoing CEO Confidence Index finds anticipation of disruption is almost always worse than what actually happens. With two exceptions: The Great Recession and 2025.
CEOs are toning down their optimism for the coming months, amid continued worries about tariffs, trade, the Fed, the overall economy. “Too hard for people to create strategies when the ground moves every 30-60 days.”
New poll of more than 350 CEOs finds renewed concerns over impact of Trump’s policies on U.S. business in the months ahead. ‘An economic goat rodeo.’
Halfway through the year, CEOs grow more optimistic that trade uncertainty will soon resolve, bringing more clarity for business. “The economy will get past the tariff issues.”
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.