The trickle of such companies has become a torrent lately as CEOs and business owners attempt to fight stagnation, maturation, wider competition and dwindling growth prospects. When they’re not trying to find the next big thing in their vertical, they’re working with startups in the burgeoning social-media field and other digital venues in the hopes of discovering and developing apps and other new tools that will give them a competitive edge.
CEOs for companies such as Chobani, Diageo and Nike are heading into such deals by shooting from the hip, with no proven ROI or other considerations they might normally have when making a capital expenditure or more traditional investment. Yet, there’s more competition than ever to find these diamond-in-the-rough startups that are truly worthy of their attention and funding; like the risk of any new endeavor, most won’t pan out even after selected.
But the rewards of a few successes can be significant even for a big company, and by sitting out this phenomenon, CEOs risk being the last horse out of the barn. Consider Chobani, for example.
The Greek-style yogurt maker is just the latest company to move in this direction. Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya took a chance as an entrepreneur several years ago in launching his firm. With Chobani having grabbed an estimated 36% of the U.S. yogurt market in just a decade, he wants to give a hand up to other entrepreneurs who might have a similarly winning idea.
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.
