CEO Peer Advisory Groups

Inc. CEO Project

Inc. CEOs know what it takes to achieve sustainable growth. Now the Inc. CEO Project offers insights from some of the nation's best CEOs in a proven peer advisory framework.

CEOs are a unique breed. Unless you sit in the big chair, it's impossible to understand the issues and pressures most CEOs face on a daily basis.

The Inc. CEO Project gives today's CEOs the ability to interact with other CEOs in a structured peer-advisory setting that targets personal effectiveness and company growth.

Unlike some peer advisory groups, the Inc. CEO Project is selective. Its members are all CEOs of growth-oriented companies with the time and ability to work on improving their companies. "The Project" considers member prospects in two program categories: The Emerging Leaders program and the CEO Masters program. To be considered for the Emerging Leaders program, company revenue must exceed $10 million while CEO Masters program candidates must lead companies with revenues in excess of $25 million. Many (but not all) of the Project's members are Inc. 500 winners, Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the Year or have made the Forbes list of the 200 Best Small Public Companies.

Project facilitators or advisors are C-level business executives who possess the breadth and depth of experience necessary to help successful CEOs take the next step in their careers. The Project also prides itself on the fact that their Project advisors are top-tier professionals, capable of giving members access to a cross-industry networking effect.

Like their competitors, the Inc. CEO Project brings a highly-structured approach to the peer advisory process:

• Group Meetings. Project members are expected to gather quarterly with a small group of 10-12 peers who have been selected according to the size and complexity of the organization they lead. Quarterly meetings are intensive in nature, lasting one to two days each with a moderate amount of preparation required in advance.
• One-on-One Coaching. Each project member is expected to meet periodically with the small group advisor for individual coaching. During these sessions, coaches help members clarify goals, develop strategies, and remain accountable to actionable items. Although the frequency of coaching can vary, most members can expect to devote 8-12 hours to coaching sessions each year.
• The Toolkit and Big Ideas. The Inc. CEO Project also gives its members access to a selection of proprietary tools and other resources. In the "Toolkit", members will discover resources designed to jumpstart their efforts in the areas of leadership, decision-making, goal-setting, tracking, and time management. Combined with the articles and materials found in "Big Ideas", the Toolkit further encourages members to pursue actionable outcomes.

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