A consultant diagnoses a problem and tells you what to do. An advisor offers perspectives based on their own experience and interests. A Chief Executive coach does something different—they help you think more clearly about your own situation, without an agenda and without a stake in the outcome. The relationship is confidential; the conversations are candid, and the goal is your clarity—not a deliverable or a recommendation. Most CEOs find it’s unlike any other professional relationship they have.
No—and most CEOs who reach out don’t. They know something isn’t working the way it should, or that the role has become harder to navigate alone. The first conversation is about understanding where you are, not fitting you into a category. You don’t need to have the problem fully defined before you pick up the phone.
Not at all. Most of the CEOs we work with are leading their companies effectively—they’ve simply reached a point where the role has become more complex, and they’ve recognized that an outside perspective would help them navigate it better. Some are managing a specific challenge. Others want a trusted sounding board as they grow. A few are preparing for a significant transition. What they have in common isn’t that something is wrong—it’s that they’re thoughtful enough to know what they can’t see from where they’re standing.
It’s a regular conversation—typically one-on-one, at a cadence that works for your schedule—focused on whatever is most pressing for you at that moment. There’s no fixed agenda, no homework, no reporting. Just a focused discussion with someone who has been in your seat and can ask the questions nobody else in your world is asking.
Every coach in our network is a former CEO—not a trained coach who has studied leadership, but someone who has actually held the role. That means the perspective you’re getting is grounded in real experience, not methodology. Combined with the depth of the Chief Executive network—built over 45 years of CEO conversation—it’s a resource no other coaching program can replicate.
That’s exactly why we don’t ask you to commit before you’re ready. You meet your coach before anything begins, and if the fit doesn’t feel right, you meet another. If at any point during the engagement you want to change coaches or step back entirely, you can—no awkward conversations, no obligation.
Every coach in our network has been through a rigorous vetting process—not just for their credentials but for their ability to work alongside a sitting CEO without an agenda. When we match you with a coach, we’re looking at the specific challenge you’re working through, the type of company you’re running, and the stage you’re at. You meet your coach before the engagement begins and only move forward when the fit feels right.
It varies depending on what you’re working through. A typical engagement runs from six months to a year, with the flexibility to extend if needed. There’s no minimum commitment required to start—the first step is simply a conversation.
Most clients meet with their coach bi-weekly or monthly, though cadence is flexible and adjusts to your schedule and what you’re working on. In addition to individual sessions, your coach may also work with your leadership team where relevant.
Completely. Confidentiality is the foundation of the coaching relationship. Nothing you share goes beyond your coach—no reports, no stakeholder updates, no exceptions.
Yes—and we make it easy. If your situation evolves and a different perspective would serve you better, or if the relationship simply isn’t working the way you’d hoped, we’ll facilitate the transition without any friction.
Pricing varies depending on the scope and duration of the engagement—there’s no single answer that fits every situation. The best way to get a clear picture is through an initial conversation, which is complimentary and carries no obligation. We’ll listen to what you’re working through and give you an honest sense of what’s involved.
Our coaching process is personalized to your unique needs. Starting with a comprehensive assessment, we match you with the best-suited coach, design a tailored action plan, and set measurable goals. Regular sessions, actionable feedback, and periodic reassessments ensure progress.
Each of our coaches undergoes a stringent selection process, ensuring they bring a wealth of C-suite experience, industry insights, and a proven track record of mentorship.
While the duration can vary based on individual goals and challenges, a typical coaching engagement lasts anywhere from six months to a year, with the flexibility to extend as needed.
Absolutely. Trust is paramount. All discussions, insights, and shared information during your coaching sessions are held in the strictest confidence.
Yes. While we take utmost care in pairing you with a coach, we understand the importance of synergy. If you feel the need for a change, we’re here to facilitate a seamless transition.
This largely depends on your preferences and needs. Typically, clients meet with their coaches bi-weekly or monthly. However, frequency can be adjusted based on your availability and objectives.
Our coaches are committed to your success. In urgent situations, arrangements can be made for prompt consultations or guidance.
Success metrics are set at the beginning of the coaching engagement, aligned with your specific goals. Periodic reviews and assessments ensure that progress is tracked and adjustments are made as necessary.
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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.