Chairmen's RoundTable’s Post

🌟 From CEO to Vistage Chair: My Vistage Journey Comes Full Circle 🌟   When I secured my first CEO role, I quickly learned that what got me there wouldn’t get me to the next level. While outwardly, everything seemed perfect, I realized I needed to grow both personally and professionally if I was going to lead my company into the future. I needed new perspectives, accountability, and guidance to make better decisions. That’s when I sought out Vistage Australia and New Zealand, knowing that real growth required a support system built on tough love and expert advice.   Under the guidance of Dr Adrian Geering, one of Vistage’s most distinguished Chairs and recipient of the prestigious Donald Cope Award, I discovered the transformative power of peer advisory 💡. His wisdom and leadership helped me gain the clarity and confidence to make transformative decisions for my career and life. Through Vistage, I found the courage to leave the company I had served for 16 years, pivot into a completely new industry, and relocate my young family from Australia to the United States 🇦🇺➡️🇺🇸. Vistage wasn’t just a network—it was the catalyst for my transformation, both in business and life.   Then, in 2020, as the pandemic unleashed challenges like soaring inflation 📈, massive supply chain disruptions 🛠️, HR shortages, and skyrocketing wages 💲, I once again turned to Vistage Florida for support. Over the next four years, under the Chair leadership of Georganne Goldblum, a Red Scott, and 14-time #1 Vistage Chair Award winner, helped me thrive during these volatile times, both personally and professionally.   Through my Vistage Worldwide, Inc. 🌏 journey, I learned firsthand that business is here to give us more life, not take it away. My Vistage group provided the tough love and clarity I needed to navigate the storm and reaffirmed this belief. It became clear that Vistage is more than just a support system—it’s a foundation for leaders to grow their businesses and live fuller, more balanced lives.   For CEOs and business owners who, like me, recognize that being at the top can be lonely 🏔️, and who want to transform their leadership and quality of life, Vistage offers the tools, community, and accountability to make better decisions and create real business value. So, if you’re wondering how to overcome your current challenges and achieve the next level of growth while enhancing your life, could Vistage be the catalyst for you?   I’m excited to enter my new role as a Vistage Chair and help guide others toward their full potential on their own transformative journeys in business and life 🚀.   #VistageMVP #CEO #BusinessOwners #Executives #Leadership #Vistage #Growth #Accountability #VistageChair #CEOPeerAdvisory #VistageFlorida

Not long now until The Inverness Chamber of Commerce Highland Business Week, and the Highland Spotlight event at The Drumossie Hotel Inverness. This will be our first Highland Business Week and we are more than a little bit excited. Not least because on Thursday 26th September, at the Chamber offices we will be holding this session "Innovation: it's easier than you think".. When we talk about innovating, we are really talking about is CHANGE. This change is important and value generating, and we believe it is going to be better than what we have already. As human beings we are all capable of making change happen (we have been doing it all our lives) and yet sometimes we can get stuck, and overwhelmed where it all seems too hard, or maybe we don't even now where to start, or who to get involved? Perhaps more importantly - what makes "Jammie Dodgers" a good example of innovation? (Thanks to "nibble my biscuit dot com" for the image) We will eat biscuits and explore - the myths around making change, or new things happen - why ideas get stuck, and how to unstick them - the mindsets that you need to be successful, and how to access them - and tricks of the trade that we have learned on the way, that anyone can apply and use in their organisation, and for any purpose. We will share what you need to have in place before you start; your "why" (the purpose), who in your organisation you will need support from, and how you can gain the resilience to keep going. This session will be part presentation, part Q&A, and we will even have you up on your feet and walking around (indoors, with tea & coffee - did we mention there will be biscuits?) We would love to have you join us, book your place (it's only £20, just to cover costs) by contacting neil@clan-alchemy.co.uk #innovation #change #makechangehappen #invernesschamber #HighlandBizWk #nibblemybiscuit

🌟 Reflecting on an Inspiring Annual Convention! 🌟 This summer, our team gathered for an incredible 3-day convention at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino Las Vegas filled with valuable insights, networking, and growth opportunities. It was a time of learning, recharging, and recommitting to our mission of making a difference in people’s lives through financial education and empowerment. 💼💡 Here are some key takeaways from this transformative experience: Vision & Leadership: We had the privilege of hearing from some of the most inspiring leaders in the industry who reminded us of the power of vision, perseverance, and leading by example. Their stories of success and resilience were not just motivating, but also a blueprint for our own journeys. Innovative Strategies: The sessions were packed with innovative ideas and tools that will help us continue to deliver value to our clients. From leveraging technology to understanding the latest trends in wealth-building, we are more equipped than ever to serve our communities effectively. No Family Left Behind: Our core mission was reinforced with passion and purpose. At the heart of everything we do is the commitment to ensure that no family is left behind when it comes to building and protecting their financial future. This message resonated strongly throughout the event and has given us renewed drive. Personal Growth: The convention wasn't just about professional development—it also focused on personal growth. Sessions on mindset, wellness, and resilience emphasized the importance of balancing business success with personal well-being. Collaboration & Networking: It was truly a collaborative event. Meeting like-minded colleagues and exchanging ideas showed the strength of our WFG family. The relationships and connections formed during this event will undoubtedly lead to even greater success for all of us. 🤝 As we move forward, we are more empowered and equipped to elevate the financial knowledge and prosperity of the families we serve. Joined alongside the dream team: Prabh Toor, Birpal Gill, Favour Okwuzi, Anmol Sandhu, Ani Patrick-Akpan, Mica Ellaine Canilang, Jai Gupta, and Sukh Toor What was your favorite insight from the convention? Share below! 👇 #FinancialFreedom #NoFamilyLeftBehind #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #WealthBuilding #WFGConvention #Networking #WealthBuilderUniversity

Day 264: Uncommon Lunch with Andre & Starky 🌟🍷 Today’s Uncommon Lunch was an absolute highlight! Starky led us through a thought-provoking dive into the dark days of COVID—especially for the travel industry, which was hit hardest. It really felt like reliving the intensity of those days—how quickly everything shifted, and how uncertain the future felt for so many businesses. What really stood out? Culture. During those challenging times, companies with a strong, united culture were able to pivot, adapt, and come out stronger. Starky reminded us that COVID forced many businesses to focus on what truly matters and restructure in ways that strengthened the organization for the long run. It was a timely reminder that, while the world has moved forward, the lessons of resilience and adaptability are still very relevant. These insights from such a massive, global brand resonate with everyone, no matter the industry. It was a reminder that business can be lonely, but opportunities like Uncommon Lunch bring together professionals who are all on the same mission: to make things happen and support each other through the challenges. If you’re looking for deep conversations and practical takeaways, don’t miss the next Uncommon Lunch in March 2025—spots fill up quickly! #UncommonLunch #Leadership #Resilience #BusinessGrowth #Networking #Community #CultureMatters #VerityConsulting #CROFTI #Day264of366 Andre van der Merwe Andrew Stark Verity Consulting Pty Ltd CROFTI Flight Centre Travel Group Flight Centre

🌟Voyage LA Magazine Community Highlight 🌟 I've always enjoyed reading these Voyage LA Magazine community features about small businesses and creatives with so many colorful pictures in the spread; thanks for giving us a turn, Voyage LA. We have a story that reflects how my passion for creating intentional, collaborative teams has shaped every step of my career and building Begin Development. At the core of everything we do is the belief that great teams build great organizations. This has been my driving force, whether I was helping to grow a four-person startup into a 120-person award-winning remote culture, launching leadership programs for a global enterprise, or helping businesses align people, processes, and culture for lasting impact. From day one, we’ve been on a mission to transform how businesses grow in a thoughtful, meaningful way; it's glorious work because it's also FUN. It's fun to see incredible results together. Winning is fun. This feature highlights the heart of what we do: 💡 Building leadership with intention and heart. 🌟 Creating cultures where trust and collaboration thrive. 🚀 Guiding organizations through growth with tools that stick and strategies that work. Special shoutout to our amazing clients and collaborators—you’re the reason we get to do this work that we love so much! 🙌 🔗 Dive into the full story here and glimpse what makes Begin Development tick. My gratitude to many including Creedance Kresch, Corrie Zacharia Napier, Bridgette Nelson, MSOD, SHRM-CP, Lynette Marroquin, Caitlin Robertson, Cecily Breeding, Melissa Bruna, Chad Parker, Grant Maynard, Kate Pauley, Chris Collins, Alexander Jun, Emma Parkerson, Ke Wu, Kailey Howell, Michael Fischer, Pilaar Terry, Jadyn Stutey, Carson Davis-Tinnell, Sunny Ziemer, Heather Sundell, Courtney Wisniewski, Sarah Harden, Alec McNayr, Alan Beard, Meg Scheding, Nausheen Farishta, MSOD, Christine Mueller #VoyagelaMagazine #TeamworkDreamwork #BeginDevelopment #LeadershipThatLasts #CultureMatters #OrganizationDevelopment #DevelopmentWithHeart

As we approach the one-year anniversary of Insights From Atlantic Canadian Business Leaders… I’ve been reflecting on some of the key takeaways from working with the incredible, driven, and passionate business leaders in our region. Here are 10 insights (out of thousands) that have stuck with me:  1. Don’t wait for perfection to launch your business—just start and learn as you go.  2. You don’t have to be an expert at everything. Hire people who excel at what you’re not great at.  3. Imposter Syndrome is so common, and ironically, the more qualified you are, the more you might feel it. You’re not alone.  4. Balance isn’t always possible. Some days work wins, and some days your personal life does—and that’s okay.  5. The isolation entrepreneurs feel is very real, and it’s more common than you’d think.  6. Focus on solving your customer’s problem, not on how you’ll do it. They care about the solution, not the method.  7. Genuinely care about your customers—they’ll notice, and it matters.  8. “Done” is often better than “perfect.”  9. Never stop sharing your story—your story is your brand.  10. Celebrate the small wins—they are the building blocks of big success.  Big week ahead—stay tuned! 🚀

🌟 Reflecting on an Inspiring Annual Convention! 🌟 This summer, our team gathered for an incredible 3-day convention in Las Vegas at MGM Grand filled with valuable insights, networking, and growth opportunities. It was a time of learning, recharging, and recommitting to our mission of making a difference in people’s lives through financial education and empowerment. 💼💡 Here are some key takeaways from this transformative experience: Vision & Leadership: We had the privilege of hearing from some of the most inspiring leaders in the industry who reminded us of the power of vision, perseverance, and leading by example. Their stories of success and resilience were not just motivating, but also a blueprint for our own journeys. Innovative Strategies: The sessions were packed with innovative ideas and tools that will help us continue to deliver value to our clients. From leveraging technology to understanding the latest trends in wealth-building, we are more equipped than ever to serve our communities effectively. No Family Left Behind: Our core mission was reinforced with passion and purpose. At the heart of everything we do is the commitment to ensure that no family is left behind when it comes to building and protecting their financial future. This message resonated strongly throughout the event and has given us renewed drive. Personal Growth: The convention wasn't just about professional development—it also focused on personal growth. Sessions on mindset, wellness, and resilience emphasized the importance of balancing business success with personal well-being. Collaboration & Networking: It was truly a collaborative event. Meeting like-minded colleagues and exchanging ideas showed the strength of our WFG family. The relationships and connections formed during this event will undoubtedly lead to even greater success for all of us. 🤝 As we move forward, we are more empowered and equipped to elevate the financial knowledge and prosperity of the families we serve. Joined alongside the dream team: Prabh Toor, Birpal Gill, Favour Okwuzi, Anmol Sandhu, Ani Patrick-Akpan, Mica Canilang, Jai Gourav, and Sukh Toor What was your favorite insight from the convention? Share below! 👇 #FinancialFreedom #NoFamilyLeftBehind #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #WealthBuilding #WFGConvention #Networking #WealthBuilderUniversity

The Private Directors Association® Chicago Chapter’s Holiday Networking Event was a celebration of connections and shared visions for boardroom leadership. I had the privilege of engaging with incredible professionals and having the kind of conversations that can only happen in person. SOME OF MY FAVORITE INSIGHTS THAT BUBBLED UP FOR ME: ★ Relationships Are at the Core of Effective Governance Every conversation reinforced that trust and rapport, whether built over years or new connections, form the bedrock of impactful leadership. ★ The Value of Informal Wisdom Sharing Sometimes, the most insightful advice comes during casual exchanges. Whether discussing industry trends, use of Linkedin, red light therapy for physical health, or personal anecdotes, events like these remind me of the importance of informal dialogue in professional growth. ★ Celebrating the Diversity of Thought One highlight of the event was the sheer range of backgrounds, industries, and experiences in the room. These diverse viewpoints spark creativity and better solutions for board and C-Suite challenges. ★ Looking Ahead to 2025 While we all were discussing past accomplishments, we equally focused on forward-looking goals. We had deeper dives on how we could support each in our respective goals in 2025. The PDA community has always been a source of ideas and inspiration. I’m especially grateful for the chance to meet new faces and reconnect with long-standing peers. Here’s to carrying that energy into the opportunities and challenges of 2025! Happy Holidays to you all! Dennis Kessler, Teri Quimby, J.D., LL.M., NACD.DC®, Valerie Nielsen, Helayna Minsk, Joanne Dodd, Geeta Singh, Sally Washlow, Cindy Burrell, Maryann Waryjas, Alberta Johnson MBA, MPA, W. Grant Farrar, Kerry Jordan, CFA #PrivateDirectorsAssociation #Networking #CorporateGovernance #BoardLeadership #StrategicInsights #HolidayNetworking

Attending the Private Directors Association® Chicago Chapter’s Holiday Networking Event gave me fresh perspectives that directly enhance my keynote workshops and strategic planning sessions: Trust Drives Success: Relationships are at the heart of every great strategy. I incorporate this into my sessions by helping leaders strengthen connections and build the trust needed commitment across the organization to move the strategic plan forward. The Power of Informal Ideas: Some of the best insights come from casual conversations. This reminds me to create space in my workshops for unstructured discussions that often lead to breakthrough ideas. Innovation Through Diversity: Engaging with professionals from diverse industries reaffirmed how important it is to harness different perspectives. This principle is central to my approach in solving complex challenges with clients. These moments inspire how I support leaders in crafting strategies for sustainable growth and success.

Hey Chicagoland ... Curious about Chicago EmPower Breakfast? You Should Be! What exactly is the Chicago emPower Breakfast? This is not your average networking event – it’s a movement. Imagine walking into a space filled with leaders, dreamers, and changemakers who are there to have meaningful conversations and create connections that go deeper than a quick exchange of business cards. On Friday, December 13th, we’re kicking off this transformative experience at Carnivale Restaurant, and I can promise you this: you’ll leave feeling inspired, energized, and empowered. Here’s what makes it special: ☕ No pitches, no fluff: Just authentic connection with people who are ready to collaborate, support, and grow alongside you. 🎤 *A keynote on "For Better or For Growth" by Jazmyn Lopez from Anthelo– because every great idea starts with the right conversation. ✨ An electric atmosphere designed to spark creativity and foster real relationships. Bring your best self, and we’ll handle the rest. This is your chance to see how networking should feel – uplifting, intentional, and fun. Will I see you there? 🎟️ Grab your ticket now: [https://lnkd.in/g5Ffc82P] Let’s make this the start of something amazing. #emPowerBreakfast #ConnectionMatters #ChicagoNetworkingDoneRight