Through our magazine — reaching 40,000 CEOs every quarter — our peer communities, benchmarking research, and leadership events, we’ve built something no coaching firm can replicate: a deep, sustained understanding of what the CEO role actually demands. Not in theory. In practice, across thousands of conversations with leaders navigating the same challenges you’re facing now.
Chief Executive Coaching was built on that foundation. It’s the natural next step in a mission we’ve been committed to since 1977 — helping CEOs lead more effectively, with less isolation and more clarity.
We don’t work with consultants, academics, or career coaches. Every coach in our network has sat in the seat — has built teams, made hard calls, navigated growth, managed boards, and felt the weight of the role from the inside.
That matters because the most valuable thing a coach can offer isn’t a framework or a methodology. It’s the credibility to say ‘I’ve been exactly where you are’ — and mean it.
Our coaches bring experience across every type of company and ownership structure: private, PE-backed, family-owned, ESOP, and public. From businesses under $10 million to those well past $1 billion. Across industries, sectors, and leadership challenges.
After an initial conversation with our team, we identify coaches whose experience matches your specific situation — not just your industry or company size, but the challenge you’re actually working through. You meet as many as you’d like. You take your time. Nothing begins until the fit feels right.
And if your situation evolves and a different perspective would serve you better, the network is there.
When you work with Chief Executive Coaching, you’re not engaging a solo practitioner. You’re accessing a network of former CEOs whose collective experience spans decades, industries, and every kind of leadership challenge.
If an issue arises that goes beyond your individual coach’s direct experience, we draw on the broader network. You always have the right perspective available — not just the one you started with.
The coaching relationship is built on complete confidentiality. What you share stays between you and your coach — no reports, no stakeholder updates, no agenda beyond your clarity.
There’s no long-term commitment required to start. No fixed program to follow. The relationship is built around what’s most pressing for you, at a cadence that works for your schedule.
The first step is a conversation — to see if this makes sense for where you are.
Most CEOs who reach out aren’t certain coaching is what they need. They just know that something isn’t working the way it should. Talking it through with someone who’s been there tends to help.
That’s all the first conversation is. No commitment, no obligation — just an honest discussion about whether this makes sense for your situation.
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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.