Ideally, boards should conduct more comprehensive background checks that include vetting candidates for public-speaking gaffes or a track record of making controversial statements. Do the candidate’s views align with—or at least not aggressively contradict—those of the company’s employees, shareholders and customers?
However, Andor Capital CEO Benton notes that CEO searches are often conducted by search firms. “We only get to call references. A reference check is not a background check. It’s just past performance. We rely upon the search firm to vet the candidates.” The problem, he says, is that social issues in the last five years have really become national issues, so there is a need to review collected data differently. What’s more, abandoning a well-skilled CEO over his personal politics can entail a different sort of fallout, notes Cornell’s Professor Collins. “If there is a sense that the board will not really support the CEO, that may hurt its ability to attract the right person.”
Collins urges boards to work with their companies’ communications teams to think through any issues that may be sensitive before a new leader is announced. He also notes that while most CEOs who have contracts have behavior clauses that may be used to terminate a CEO, to date, there are no real rules about limiting one’s speech. “Today, choosing a CEO requires a holistic approach,” says Collins. “It is no longer just about a technical fit. The person must also fit the company’s culture.”
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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.
