The New CEO Equation: Solving for X and Y
Ready or not, Generation X and Y now have their feet in the door of the C-suite.
According to Forbes, 20 companies with market caps higher than $1.8 billion have CEOs under the age of 40. Thousands of smaller organizations have Gen X and Y leaders at the helm. Many more are working their way upward in the more traditional approach.
“Observing the current class of CEOs, an important question comes to mind: Is their success sustainable and scalable over the life cycle of an organization?”
By all accounts, this new cohort of CEOs has already produced some outstanding examples of leadership. Just how does each generation generate exceptional leaders? I have found that all superior CEOs share several key success behaviors. This CEO “DNA” includes passion for an idea; an intense, competitive need to be on top; the urge to drive projects to completion; and a strong belief that “if I put my personal print on something, the result will be better because it reflects my vision and discipline.”
These traits are time-tested and observable by looking at a cross-section of exceptional leaders over the past 100 years. Henry Ford (20th Century), Alan Mulally (Boomer), Jeff Bezos (Gen X), Marissa Mayer (Gen X) and Mark Zuckerberg (Gen Y) would all score exceptionally high if assessed for these key leadership behaviors.
Observing the current class of CEOs, an important question comes to mind: Is their success sustainable and scalable over the life cycle of an organization? This context is vital because many startups operate with a simple organization model that allows the enterprise to grow rapidly. However, such speed usually comes with a cost. It robs new CEOs of the time to develop personal insights and to process knowledge gained from extended organizational experience—vital leadership assets that come from life, practical expertise gained by time on the job and the opportunity to learn from the occasional bloody nose.
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
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:
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.
