In late January, President Trump gave tech CEOs an issue that galvanized thousands of them to step up to oppose his ban on immigration from seven countries.
Tech outfits employ some of America’s most diverse workforces, and chiefs worried about having access to capable immigrants, as well as a perceived threat to the inclusivity ethos that fuels their trade.
Mid-market CEOs inside and outside of the sector were glad that judges throttled the ban and warned President Trump about doing perhaps unintended harm to one of the great engines of the U.S. economy.
“STEM talent from around the world should be attracted to the United States for the environment, talent and the economy, where they can create and we can absorb the ‘next best’ things,” argued Jeff Kiesel, CEO of Restaurant Technologies, maker of kitchen equipment.
From within the sector, Stephen Wakeling, CEO of wireless-tech outfit Phobio, observed that Trump has “indirectly hobbled technology for the future by changing the way the U.S. is marketed around the world. Most people see the U.S. as an inclusive place where they can come and, with hard work and intelligence, the sky’s the limit. Now [Trump] is changing it to an expectation that the U.S. may not be as inclusive and that people from around the world, dangerous or not, may not be as welcome.”
Jason Hogg would like to see President Trump direct his seeming interest in picking business “winners” and “losers” productively by having the federal government establish incubators for early-stage companies. “This model would not only create jobs as businesses grow and spin out, but would also expose mainstream companies to cutting-edge technologies, engineering practices and new market opportunities,” said the CEO of Tritium Partners, a private-equity firm.
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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.
