Dozens of high-profile CEOs may have urged British voters to remain in the European Union. Evidently, that didn’t help very much.
The rising populist sentiment that also helped sweep Donald Trump into the White House is characterized by a deep public mistrust of authority figures, including many in the business sector.
Perhaps fearing they too might undermine their own causes, French captains of industry have been conspicuously silent amid the rise of far-right politician Marine Le Pen. At least until now.
Le Pen on Sunday will compete in a presidential run-off with independent and pro-globalization candidate Emmanuel Macron, after the pair emerged as the leading candidates following first-stage elections last month.
The vote is widely seen as a global test case for the rise of populism, though there is some nuance. Trump, a businessman, was at least openly supported by some American CEOs enthused by his plans to cut taxes and regulation. Le Pen, however, is a career politician who has frequently criticized corporations.
Writing in local financial newspaper Les Echos, 13 CEOs of large French companies ended their silence this week, presumably hoping their opinions still hold weight with voters. There also is great fear in the local business community about the implications of Le Pen’s policy agenda, which would involve scrapping the euro and reintroducing the franc.
Such a move would be a “catastrophe” for the French people, Veolia CEO Antoine Frérot wrote. “It would result in higher prices for raw materials and imported goods,” he said.
Michelin CEO Jean-Dominique Senard said resulting inflation would put upward pressure on wages, triggering a “breakdown” in the tire maker’s global competitiveness. Airbus CEO Tom Enders, meanwhile, wrote to Macron pledging his “full support” in a letter published in LaTribune.
At least in their case, French CEOs appear to have more of the people on their side. The latest opinion polls predict Macron will win comfortably, with around 60% of the vote. But as recent votes in the U.S. and UK so clearly demonstrated, polls aren’t always to be trusted.
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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.
