Few CEOs have been more willing than Ginni Rometty to embrace the business opportunities posed by the Trump administration. And few CEOs are wearing more criticism from employees upset by some of the president’s more controversial policy moves.
Even so, the IBM CEO is standing her ground, writing in a new letter to staff that she’ll continue to meet with the president and suggest ways in which the computer giant could help his cause. She’s not alone in taking the open engagement approach, with Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook arguing that little can be achieved from the sidelines.
To be sure, Rometty and others haven’t suggested they’ll agree with everything the president says or does. Instead, Rometty in particular is advocating means by which IBM could help move things forward, perhaps by bridging competing interests with technology.
“We would not be the company we are today without the benefit of immigration and the flow of talent across all our markets,” Rometty wrote, in a clear reference to Trump’s controversial immigration ban.
But in a nod to his concerns about terrorism threats, she suggested to Trump at a meeting on Friday how advanced technology could improve national security, while also permitting lawful immigration and travel. “I explained that this is not an either/or choice,” she said. “Our points were heard, and we will continue to engage to find solutions that align with our values.”
How IBM could help improve national security remains to be seen: Rometty’s stance could again be tested should the White House ever seek assistance putting together a controversial registry of Muslim Americans.
IBM was one of few big tech companies that elected not to join a legal action against the travel ban, which was supported by more than 100 CEOs, including Cook and Musk. “IBM does not espouse a partisan or political point of view,” Rometty said, while adding: “But if IBM does not have politics, it does have values.”
According to Rometty, such non-political values involve “helping our clients succeed beyond even their own expectations, in innovation that matters to the world; in building relationships based on trust and personal responsibility.”
IBM, she added, also has led the world of business in diversity, inclusion and tolerance. “Inspired by those values and that legacy, I offer every government leader with whom I engage innovative ideas to address national challenges.”
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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.
