Taking Care of Your Business

What Does Your Presence Convey To Others?

In this video you’ll learn about executive presence, what it is and why it matters for leadership effectiveness.  I recently returned from Santa Fe, New Mexico where I visited the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.  O’Keeffe is well known as the artist who created the painting that commanded the highest price ever by a female artist: $44M in 2014.  What I didn’t know about her until I visited the museum is that at her prime in the 1930s she was one of the most photographed women in the US, recognizable to millions and millions of Americans.   Most of the museum was dedicated to her paintings, but there was a small room containing some of the photographs of her.  Her powerful image jumps off the wall, and draws you in.  Confident.  Composed.  Authentic.  But executive presence isn’t just about how you look.  Listen in, to find out the other secret ingredients of a strong presence. 

Member Interview: Phil Kouffman

For three generations, Phil Kouffman has crafted some of the most exquisite dream homes in the Hamptons. He provides a full spectrum of professional construction services for the East End, including custom homes, spec building, design-build, major renovations and commercial construction.Join us for a conversation about his work and what led him to Vistage Worldwide, Inc.!

Are You Leveraging the Power of Your Peers?

There’s something magical about gathering around a small campfire on a chilly night with friends.  My most memorable campfire experience took place next to a lake on a retreat several years ago in the Berkshire Mountains with the members of my CEO peer advisory group.  That evening each person took turns sharing an artifact, a physical object, that had special meaning for them.  It was remarkable.   There were tears and laughter and long silences.  We learned things about each other that we otherwise never would have learned.  In this blog you’ll learn what created the conditions for such an extraordinary evening, which displayed the power of peers. 

Is It Time For You to Do a Pre-Mortem?

I’ve heard it said that “nothing focuses the mind like contemplating your own death.”  Ron Shaich, the entrepreneur and former owner of Panera, has been doing this every year for the last two decades.  Contemplating his own death!  In this video you’ll learn more about what Shaich calls his “favorite annual ritual.”  It’s the most productive—and inspiring—thing he does all year.  You’ll also learn how to put this idea into action for yourself, to get things right with the grand project that is your life and your work.  It might just be the most important and productive thing you do this year too. 

What's Your Why?

At a recent party someone asked me, “What do you do?” And she followed up with this: “Why do you do it?” The first question I get alot. But the second one—the “why”—got me thinking about my journey. I came to realize that the things that have had the greatest impact on me as a leader are not what you might expect: my parents’ roots and the activities I did as a kid; two elections in school; the insight not to be intimidated—nor seduced—by prestige; and what I learned from firing an entire Board of Directors and navigating a $120 million financial fraud. In this podcast you’ll learn a little about me, about what I do, and most importantly, why I do it. Perhaps these reflections on my journey will prompt you to think about your own.

Five Generations Working Side by Side in the Workplace: What’s a Leader To Do?

For the first time in human history, five generations are working side by side in the workplace.  It’s a challenge I hear about a lot from the CEOs I work with.  Dr. Katherine Jeffery is a researcher and consultant who helps organizations navigate the challenges of a multi-generational workforce.  I recently heard her speak, and what she said was eye opening for the 300 Vistage CEOs in the audience.  You can get her generational chart by clicking here: https://www.katherinejeffery.com/generational-chart.  In this podcast you’ll learn what’s really going in the workplace, and how the best leaders are leveraging this as an opportunity in a highly competitive marketplace. 

Founder and President of Ignite IPA

Mark Shivers is Founder and President of Ignite IPA, a consulting and software implementation firm. In this interview you’ll learn about an amazing program that helps employees accomplish their “bucket list” dreams, and a recent HIA-LI award highlighting Ignite’s commitment to strengthen the Long Island community. As 3 year Vistage founding member, Mark also shares personal examples of how Vistage has impacted his leadership, both personally and professionally.

A Glimpse Inside the Mind of CEO, Robert Gronenthal

Bob Gronenthal is Owner and CEO of Island Tech Services, a leading provider of advanced technology, mobility and vehicle solutions to business professionals, first responders and public sector employees nationwide.Bob is a member of my Vistage CEO peer advisory group. And from my very first conversations with him early in 2024, he talked about the importance of developing and investing in his leaders to help improve their effectiveness, support company strategy and drive results across the organization. And he is enrolling two of his direct reports in my Vistage Key Executive Group. Bob is a visionary who is deeply committed to developing his most trusted advisors and direct reports, by expanding their leadership tool kit, and equipping them to make better cross-functional decisions. His vision is compelling. With his deep, strategic investment he is developing key executives who:-Are more effective, aligned and proactive decision makers-Have diverse perspectives to spur new approaches to solving business challenges-Are committed to developing their own executive presence, confidence and accountabilityThe Key Executive program is the gold standard for developing C-suite executives.Monthly meetings with key executives from non-competing industriesCoaching and ongoing, real-time support from a seasoned ChairIssue processing to address and overcome challenges.This interview provides a rare glimpse into the mind of an exceptionally talented and visionary CEO, to understand the thought process around sponsoring his direct reports to participate in the Vistage Key Executive program.

Precision and Partnership: Do You Have Both?

I live on a small harbor on the eastern end of Long Island, where osprey are abundant.  Also known as fish hawks, osprey have an extraordinarily majesty when they soar over the water.  They are not only beautiful, they are also ruthless hunters.  Osprey hunt fish and with their stealth, their vision and their ability to adjust their flight they do it with extraordinary precision.  In this podcast you’ll learn about two special qualities of osprey, and their direct applicability to high performance leadership.  Learning from this breathtaking creature can take your leadership to new heights! 

Is A Key Executive Group Right for You (Or Your Team)?

I'm excited to launch a Key Executive group this September. Join my and Grayce Carson to discuss what all the buzz is about!
 
You’re striving for excellence while navigating a complicated corporate landscape. The Vistage Key Executive Program connects you with an elite peer group focused on one goal: empowering one another to achieve greater results. Confidentially address personal and professional challenges with the guidance of an accomplished business leader. Leverage new insights and powerful resources to hone your leadership skills and push your career forward.