The old adage against arguing with someone who buys ink by the barrel has collapsed in at least two ways: Newspapers have crumbled, and today’s 24×7 internet-based newscycle and digital channels give brands direct and timely access to investors and other constituencies that they didn’t have before.
Entrepreneur Elon Musk has attempted to leverage this by barely letting the pixels dry on any significant criticism of his EV venture and first vehicle, the Tesla Model S. He used that strategy in blogging a detailed debunking of a critical New York Times report last winter; and Musk just returned to that mode in a long and strident defense of under-hood fires in the Model S that have prompted a federal investigation.
Even though the automotive, tech and popular press are all decidedly in his favor, Musk complained about “an onslaught of popular and financial media seeking to make a sensation” out of the two fires and even put a halo around what he thought was unfair coverage by a single publication, Automotive News.
Musk’s approach is reminiscent of that of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, though he was far more accessible to the press. Before global tech afficionados fell in love with Apple in recent years, it’s noteworthy that Jobs parried aggressively with media and used Jobs’ control-freak nature to further their criticism.
Another CEO who recently harangued critics is AIG CEO Robert Benmosche, who likened opposition to the insurance giant’s executive bonuses from the media and others to “pitch forks” and “hangman’s nooses” that terrorized civil-rights supporters in the South in an earlier era. But when his comments to The Wall Street Journal got immediate blowback from traditional and social media, as well as on Capitol Hill, Benmosche retreated with an apology.
Brad Phillips, owner of Mr. MediaTraining, a firm that provides such training to CEOs, said that, “corporate leaders complaining about media treatment doesn’t work particularly well as a long-term strategy.” But the sort of point-by-point refutation that Musk has used, Phillips said, can be effective in fighting back.
Consider this: It was shortly after Musk battled the Times that things began turning around for Tesla, including perceptions in the media and by investors, and the company and its stock began a magic carpet ride to the top of the global EV trade that continues – with some turbulence – to this day.
Read: https://articles.latimes.com/2011/oct/07/entertainment/la-et-onthemedia-20111008
Read: https://www.mediaite.com/online/aig-ceo-compares-outrage-over-bonuses-to-lynchings/
Read: https://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2013/09/24/aigs-benmosche-backs-off-inflammatory-comments/
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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.
