Reconnect, Reflect & Re-energize

I spent 2 days at the Next Generation CEO Academy reconnect session in Dallas, Texas. The session brought together alum from the 3 academy sessions run over the last few years through a collaboration between The Executive Leadership Council and Deloitte. These cohorts have been designed to provide participants with insights from current CEOs, board directors and global thought leaders to help facilitate an understanding of what is required to perform at the highest levels of corporate leadership. With the hopes that it will better prepare executives to ascend to the position of CEO of a Fortune 500 / Global 1000 company - to be truly aware of what it takes to succeed and to be better ready for if/when the opportunity arises.

This particular Academy reconnect allowed for a mix of the 3 cohort participants to gather together - reconnecting with some who had previously met and allowing for new connections with cross-cohort colleagues. The location at Deloitte University has been an exceptional venue that allows for true collaboration, leading-edge learning facilities & capabilities, and focused morning to evening engagement.

The agenda provided opportunities to hear from sitting CEOs (including Marvin Ellison, Chairman & CEO of JC Penney, Inc. Carla Harris, Vice Chair of Morgan Stanley. and Mike Fucci, Chairman of Deloitte LLP - amongst others) who shared their experience and perspectives of what prepared them to ascend to these leadership heights. Also transparently sharing their background, their focus on talent in the senior management team, preparations for interactions with the board, the value of Diversity & Inclusion, and lessons they have learned that they wished they had known on day one. Powerful insights! Powerful discussion on the changing role of the CEO and how the future of work will demand changes in leadership style, agility, emotional intelligence, and global perspectives were major aspects of the sessions.

The participants were also provide tremendous thought leadership viewpoints on Geopolitical Climate, Navigating Tech Trends & Innovation, Deep Dive of USA Tax Changes, and Navigating Personal & Corporate Brand Risk. A very special session on Cultivating Breakthrough Leadership as a CEO allowed for deep reflection on how to ensure "Ready - Able - Willing" prepares executives to ensure checkpoints to success. Also stressed the point of taking time to truly think, reflect and even meditate as a means to clear ones head, give space to rejuvenate and time to rejuvenate. Likewise, keynote discussion led by Geoff Tuff (author and Principal from Deloitte Consulting) focused on "Detonate: Why- And How - Corporations Must Blow Up Best Practices To Survive" challenges most traditional thinking of corporate success, career progression and innovation.

Clearly, the time spent was worthwhile, engaging and inspiring. Most importantly, it was re-energizing and inspiring - simply by being able to hear the focus, passion, commitment and achievements of fellow participants. It was humbling to listen, learn and share. What a privilege.