CEOs On Leading Strategy Through Uncertainty
May 16, 2025
Jeff Bell believes the hardest thing a leader can do is make the complex seem simple, especially when it comes to motivating and managing people. Developing this skill is what sets apart many successful leaders, whether they are football coaches or Fortune 500 executives.
Jeff should know: he was a former All-American player at Kenyon College who has worked with some incredible football coaches. He’s also served in senior leadership roles at companies such as Ford, Chrysler, Microsoft and NBC Universal before taking the reins as CEO of legal services provider LegalShield.
“Leaders owe it to themselves to devote lots of energy to making the difficult simple,” Bell said, “Because once a process has been simplified and everybody understands it, that’s when you scale.” To illustrate, Bell recounts how his coach, Bob Gregg, turned the “triple option” play into four straight Western Ohio League championships at Centerville High School, and how Ford “brand maven” Jim Schroer introduced him to the concept of the “North Star” as a unifying and simplifying way to show each member of the team how he or she can best support the mission.
In this episode, he offers an abundance of practical tips on vulnerability, dealing with pressure and developing lifelong learning habits essential for leaders seeking to inspire their teams as well as progress in their own careers. And he makes sure each one is simplified for the listener!
(6:00) One way to make your team’s processes more effective.
(10:00) How to teach ownership to your team members.
(11:45) The greatest energy effort in leadership
(19:30) How to perform well under pressure.
(30:00) “Mission” and “vision” are buzz words, learn how to implement it successfully.
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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:
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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.