A BIG Start To The Year

We're already nearly a quarter of the way through 2023, and this year has already proven to be a BIG one for the CEO Coaching International community.

Despite continued economic and global uncertainty, there are achievements, new adventures, and memorable moments to celebrate.

Here is what's been on my mind and what the CEO Coaching International community has been up to so far in Q1.

Recession-Proofing your Business

For yet another year, unpredictability is the only thing we can plan on. Between inflation, layoffs, and global turbulence, we're all leading through tough times.

It's important to remember that tough times don't last. Tough people do. Tough people navigate calmly, communicate clearly through crises, and find opportunities where no one else sees them.

With so many unknowns still ahead, all leaders must continuously revisit plans to account for all the possibilities.?

Our world-class coaching team has prepared a 20-point recession checklist to help you evaluate different areas of your business. One of our coaches would be more than happy to go through this list and perform a quick liquidity test to help qualifying leaders prepare for anything. If you or a fellow leader would benefit from some time with one of our world-class coaches, get in touch . We're happy to help.

BIG Accomplishments and Fresh Momentum

Despite economic turbulence, CEO Coaching International and our community members have started the year with some BIG momentum and achievements.

We were honored to be included on Inc. Magazine's 2023 List of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the Southeast Region , moving up to 120 on the list from 138 last year.??

What made the honor even more special was the fact that we were joined on Inc.'s regional lists by 10 of our clients . A BIG congratulations to BluShark Digital , Carson Group , CatLadyBox , ClarisHealth , Fountainhead , HealthFlex Home Health & Hospice , IdeaTek , Liquipel , VIPdesk Connect , and ShipMonk .

We look forward to seeing you move up the Regionals list and seeing more of you on it in 2024.

Other community accomplishments:

?+ Kerry Siggins and StoneAge Waterblast Tools team became 100% employee-owned through their Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP).

+ Stoneage (Kerry Siggins), DLP Capital ( Don Wenner ), and STS Capital Partners ( Rob Follows ) were recognized by Real Leaders on their list of the 300 "Top Impact Companies of 2023."

+ Strategic Partners Jerry Vance of Preferred CFO , Andy Harris of STS Capital Partners , and Brady Marlow, CFP?, AEP?, CAP?, CPWA? of Carson Wealth , were all recognized for their high-impact contributions to the CEO Coaching International Community at our third annual PICNIC Awards .?

+ Other PICNIC Awards winners included CMO Heidi Smith and Partners and Coaches Sheldon Harris , Kevin Adams , Jerry Swain , Craig Coleman , Tracy Tolbert , Christopher Mellon , Jacquie Hart , Odmar Almeida-Filho , Rafe Wilkinson , Kevin Adolphe , and Randy Dewey .

+ A special congratulations to our world-class coach Randy Dewey , who accepted the appointment of President and COO of CEO Coaching International . I have very high confidence in Randy and his ability to execute our vision and ensure we continue to help our clients Make BIG Happen. He is an experienced leader that thinks BIG and is inspired by making a difference.??

Quality Connections at Community Events

Since the moment our marquee event, the Make BIG Happen Summit, ended in October, I couldn't wait for our next in-person community event.

Our community has shown up in a BIG way in 2023. Our Strategic Partners and Coaches who joined us in January for our first team meeting of the year brought incredible energy and incredible style to our Casino Royale-themed social.?

Other events included our Napa Valley Wine Reserve evening, our Explosive Growth and Bourbon event in collaboration with EO Atlanta , and our Champagne and Sabering event — I was impressed with the footage of sabering from Cisco Sacasa , Erik Huberman , Trent Bryson , and Jaime Agustines . I'll have to see you demonstrate those skills during our next toast in person.

For those community members who have not attended a community event, I encourage you to consider attending one . Nothing beats the camaraderie, connection, and celebration time together in person. You never know who you'll meet.?

The Business Benefits of Taking Time to Make BIG Happen in Life

Personally, I've been lucky enough to spend time this quarter checking new locations off my bucket list with trips to the Maldives, Seychelles, Dubai, London, Egypt, Israel, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Oman.

Though it's a challenge at times to not be fully connected, I've learned over the years that finding time for those things that fuel your energy is key to #MakingBIGHappen in business and in life. I have also had an opportunity to connect with many clients, YPOers, and EOers during my travels.??

For me, it's inspiring to work from the road while I experience the world. I often meet people in my travels that become friends, clients, and sometimes coaches. There's always something new to see and someone new to meet. I'm privileged, grateful, and blessed to be on this journey.

Richard Branson says "I don't think of work as work and play as play. It's all living."

Branson is right. As entrepreneurs and CEOs, separating our business from our personal life doesn't just happen. We cannot be happy in one area, miserable in another, and expect the "happy one" to be unaffected. It just doesn't work that way.?

We are the ones who choose if we're living by chance or design. Nobody else will do it for us. If it’s been a while since you considered your BIG vision for life, I encourage you to take some time and revisit it today.