CEO Optimism Rises In May Survey As Tariff Deal Hopes Grow
Chief Executive’s latest reading of CEO Confidence finds a slight uptick in optimism on hopes the tariff situation could resolve with limited impact on the U.S. economy.
Since 2002, Chief Executive has been engaging with U.S. CEOs on their outlook for business and the overall economy in both the near and long terms to gain a better understanding of the challenges they face—and provide solutions to help them grow their business.
The resulting CEO Confidence Index offers an exclusive look inside corporate America, from the perspective of the CEOs serving at organizations of all types and sizes. The results are anonymized to bring an unparalleled level of candor to the insights and reported on by TV and media outlets throughout the world, including Bloomberg Intelligence and FactSet Research Systems.
Thanks to our sister publications—Corporate Board Member, CFO Leadership and StrategicCHRO360—we also conduct similar research among public company board members, CFOs, CHROs and, since 2024, Canadian CEOs. The insights gleaned from this research provides a holistic and unbiased C-Suite perspective on the issues that matter most to business leaders today, across Canada and the United States.
Chief Executive’s latest reading of CEO Confidence finds a slight uptick in optimism on hopes the tariff situation could resolve with limited impact on the U.S. economy.
Chief Executive’s latest reading of CEO confidence finds optimism at a multi-year low amid president’s tariff rollout; 67 percent say they do not support the policies, 76 percent say it will hurt their businesses.
A poll of more than 220 U.S. CEOs finds business confidence at lowest level since November 2012—and recession fears on the rise.
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
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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.