Why The Best CEOs Stay Close To The Front Lines
Even in a data-driven world, the most effective CEOs lead by walking the floor, listening deeply and showing up when it counts.
Even in a data-driven world, the most effective CEOs lead by walking the floor, listening deeply and showing up when it counts.
From his time as a young athlete, Fogel learned that excelling requires a deliberate plan of action, not just raw talent—insight he still uses to lead one of the world’s largest online travel platforms.
Leadership and success in strategy execution is not about commanding from the front, but about walking alongside others, listening deeply and creating space for shared brilliance.
A great CEO, like a great maestro, doesn’t need to play every instrument. Instead, she must bring the orchestra together, align various voices and create harmony out of complexity.
Shane Connell’s reinvention of a legacy office park into a mixed-use destination has attracted major tenants, boosted occupancy, and positioned the property for long-term success.
Leading a company to success is hard—but keeping it there can be even harder. In the new book, A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership, four McKinsey senior partners share tried-and-true tactics top CEOs use to sustain high performance over the long term.
Beneath every high-performing organization lies a rarely discussed leadership architecture. Here’s what CEOs need to lead effectively—but often overlook until it’s too late.
At the executive level, results aren’t enough. Sustainable leadership requires the humility to invite input, build alignment, and elevate the team. A case study.
The University of Chicago Leadership & Society Initiative offers a bold new path—helping leaders harness their experience and influence toward a next chapter of purpose-driven impact.
To celebrate the 40th CEO of the Year, we share some lessons learned along the way.
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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.