The CEO’s Playbook For Growth In An Uncertain Economy
April 29, 2025
On July 30, 2018, Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson spoke at the United Nations Delegates Dining Room in New York City, accepting the honor as the 2018 CEO of the Year. Hewson spoke about the pace of technological innovation, the inter-connected global landscape, and the threats of security to peaceful nations. She spoke about the role that leaders will play in coming together and meeting the challenges of the 21st Century. She highlighted the work being done by her team at Lockheed Martin, her fellow CEOs, her peers in the aerospace and defense industry, and her family.
Below is an excerpt from this speech. The full speech can be read here.
As we look out at the world around us, it’s clear that the pace of technological change is accelerating at an exponential rate.
The global economy is more inter-connected – and more competitive than ever before.
And the threats to the security of peaceful nations and citizens, are complex, volatile, and far-reaching.
In such an environment, we need strong leaders – leaders who are committed to bringing people together to meet the daunting challenges of the 21st century.
We need leaders who set high expectations for themselves – not just in terms of vision and competence, but in how they express gratitude and exemplify civility.
We need leaders who uphold their company’s core values in every facet of their lives.
And we need leaders who understand how their words and actions influence not just the culture inside our companies, but the public’s broader trust in free markets, shared progress, and opportunity for all.
As this audience knows, these are tremendous challenges for any CEO.
That’s why it is such an honor to look out at this room as I receive this award. I see so many outstanding leaders here, some I know personally, others I have respected from afar.
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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.