How do you measure success? Revenues? EPS? Glassdoor rankings? Market share? How about years? In an era awash in data, there’s no shortage of metrics, but one is sadly undervalued: longevity.
The ability for a business to survive, to grow, to just keep going, across the decades, across changes in society and technology, across generations of leaders serving as stewards for something that will outlast their lifetimes—to me, that’s the real test of any organization. (Sorry, Wall Street.)
That’s why, starting this year, Chief Executive is hoping to begin a new annual tradition in American business by celebrating every sizable (over $100 million in annual revenues) standalone company we can find that’s turning 100 that year.
The idea came out of a conversation I had with Jim Collins last summer. “If I could pick the one thing that I would change in how executives lead companies by magically waving a wand,” he told me, “it would be the timeframe in which they operate—that you manage for the quarter century, not the quarter.”
In this PE-driven, CNBC-addled, beat-estimates-by-a-penny culture, that’s obviously way-easier said than done. But it does happen—we just don’t talk about it enough. With the Companies of a Century project, we’re hoping to start changing the conversation, if even just a little.
We couldn’t have asked for a better class to kick it off than the class of 2023. You’ll meet an incredible range of companies, including household names like Hasbro, Walt Disney and Time, multi-billion-dollar industry titans like Ecolab, Textron and Nielsen and a slew of lesser-known multi-generational regional powers like O&G Industries of Torrington, Conn., Granite City Electric of Quincy, Mass. and Turtle & Hughes of Linden, New Jersey. (If we missed your company, please let us know?)
Through their stories, we hope you’ll find tips, insights and, above all else, the inspiration you need to just keep going. And going. And going. After all, in business and in so much else in this life, that’s what really counts. Ladies and gentlemen, please join us in welcoming… the class of 2023. Meet the Companies and their Leaders >
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.
0
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.
