Which CEOs made the most egregious errors in 2013? Forbes’s Sandy Adams compiled a diverse roster of bosses’ mistakes that cover a range of behavior, from obliterating their companies’ stock value to making appallingly offensive statements that brought ridicule on them and in one case a boycott of the company’s products.
Venture capitalists (VCs) and CEOs of venture-backed companies are showing a mix of greater optimism, confidence and measured concern for the venture ecosystem in 2014 according to the results from this year’s Venture View predictions survey. The survey was conducted by the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Dow Jones VentureSource. Respondents predict next year will bring improvements across several fronts, including greater IPO (initial public offering) volume for venture-backed companies, greater employment at startups and improved returns to limited fronts.
Data leaks and government surveillance have spillover effects for consumer brands causing web privacy to become the new luxury. Now is the time for luxury ecommerce leaders to seize the high ground and cultivate customer loyalty in fresh ways to combat growing, global consumer cynicism.
“Knock and talk” is a law enforcement investigative tool used by government officials with great success on unsuspecting executives to obtain statements from witnesses before they can consult with counsel. Don’t be taken unawares. Here’s how to deal with it should you find yourself the target.
Few companies can trace their lineage to Oprah Winfrey, but Scentsy of Meridian, Idaho can. Flashback to 2003. Kara Egan, and her sister-in-law, Colette Gunnell were watching Oprah’s “Millionaire Mom’s” show, and were inspired to create something amazing that people could not live without. They began working on a safe and simple way to scent the space around them, a wickless alternative to the typical flame operated candles. The result was Scentsy.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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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.
