Posts by americanceo

In my work as a CEO coach, I get to collaborate with many brilliant and values-driven leaders around the world. There is one story that I hear repeatedly, despite very different business models and cultures. It sounds something like this, “Our core business is doing pretty well, but executing on our new strategy has been harder than expected. I think we may have a structural issue, but I’m not 100% certain about what the issues are."

As a seasoned CEO and consultant, I have seen firsthand the fast-paced and ever-evolving landscape CEOs must navigate. Today’s CEO faces uncertainties daily and must chart a course for success. The difference between those of us who lead with grace, and those of us who muddle through, is strong vision, clear plan and cohesive team. A great strategic plan can provide all of these.

I was a shy sixteen-year-old, afraid of my own shadow, in the summer I worked at our local hospital. The Director of Nursing was a strong loud woman dressed in the white starched uniform nurses wore back then. She intimidated me more than the doctors. Whenever I saw her coming, I would turn and go the other direction.