Editorial Guidelines

Chief Executive encourages articles and commentary from CEOs, presidents, chairmen or vice chairmen on issues of direct interest to CEOs. All submissions should be succinct with points closely argued and supported by detailed examples or cases.

Material that is devoid of specific examples or empirical evidence or makes gratuitous, promotional or self-serving claims for the author’s company or organization cannot be considered. For other features word lengths will vary, but generally do not exceed 2,000 words.

All contributors should email a treatment of the proposed topic to [email protected] indicating background of the author and examples and evidence to be cited. Please state clearly why the subject in question is pertinent and how the proposed submission will be useful to a CEO. Contributors are encouraged to submit supporting graphics such as charts and tables that advance critical understanding of data, if applicable. Upon acceptance publication may vary from six to eight weeks.

Be mindful that our reader is not a general business person but a CEO and often a business owner, someone who sees issues from a specific strategic perspective. The writer must slant the piece to ensure he/she responds to the questions such busy people bring to their overloaded business reading regimen.

“What’s in it for me?”
“Why should I bother with this subject?”
“How will I, or my business, be affected?”
“Will I be at risk for not being aware of this trend or development?”
If the answers to any of these questions aren’t clear in the first or second scan, the reader will stop reading right there.

In addition, the piece should offer specific insight, observation, and facts that help elevate a CEO’s effectiveness. This is explicit in the “What’s in it for me?” question.

In delivering this, the writer should not rely on unsupported assertions or unsubstantiated claims. The guidelines demand the use of examples, cases and wherever possible, data or empirical evidence. Facts carry the day. CEOs are persuaded by evidence not by empty assertion or the mere say-so of some writer, even a so-called expert or academic authority.

Finally, be concise. Your feature should not exceed 800 words tops—shorter if possible. Authors may add sidebars not to exceed 600 words that may offer cases, specific details, data, or a graphic exhibit that supports the central idea of the mainbar.

Roundtable

Strategic Planning Workshop

1:00 - 5:00 pm

We are in a period of rapid change. Customer needs, technologies, competitors and internal capabilities require companies to review and update their strategies for the new realities. In this workshop, strategy experts Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison will show you a systematic approach to strategic planning to help you refine or redefine your business strategy and approach including:

  • Learn what you need to know to develop an effective strategic plan. Put the right players on the strategic planning team.
  • Develop strategies that leverage your company’s unique position in the marketplace. Lift your management team beyond “business as usual” thought processes and activities.
  • Translate your strategies into action. Achieve your vision for success and generate superior financial results.
  • Identify exactly what you need to do now to position your company for future success.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.

New York, NY: ​​​Chief Executive's Corporate Citizenship Awards 2017

Women in Leadership Seminar and Peer Discussion

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.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $495 will be added to your total.

Golf Outing

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.

To sign up, select this option in your registration form. Additional fee of $295 will be added to your total.