in-business SA: Meeting of minds
With the ever-increasing challenge of business survival and growth, forums to support business owners, directors and senior managers have flourished in recent years. Members have access to skills and experiences of fellow decision makers providing a critical sounding board to solve problems and gain strategic direction.
in-business recently spoke to 3 members of The CEO Institute to gain their respective views ...
David Heaslip, Managing Director, Century Manufacturing
John O'Connell, Director, Barons Chartered Accountants & Wealth Advisors
Cathy Murphy, Executive Director, The Mary Potter Foundation Inc.
When you bring business problems to your CEO Institute chapter, are you happy with the support you receive?
David: "The members of the group are very keen to offer advice and support. The CEO Institute brings together people with a diverse range of experience which they bring to the table and members share a common desire to get results.
Cathy: "It's a very supportive environment to share business problems - to have a range of perspectives and experience to draw on is invaluable. No issue is too big or too small."
John: "Absolutely, The CEO Institute provides an intimate trusted group where ideas are shared and workshopped and if a solution isn't provided immediately, new ideas and directions are often found."
What has been the most significant professional benefit for you?
David: "Talking over issues with others at the same level who have often encountered similar issues."
Cathy: "Learning from the wide range of topics covered by the speakers along with the personal experience and advice of members of my syndicate. Developing positive networks is also very important to me both personally and professionally."
John: "A forum for working on my business rather than in it. Given we are all so busy, it's very easy to get bogged down with day-to-day business rather than looking over the horizon."
How has the support gained through The CEO Institute made your business more efficient?
David: "It is difficult to know how efficient The CEO Institute process makes your business but the fact that there is a sounding board for various issues hopefully makes your decision making more robust."
Cathy: "I always take away useful information and personal advice that supports my development as a manager or helps me consider ways to improve business outcomes."
John: "Yes, through sharing ideas I often will pick up on a better way to address an issue or solve a problem."