Trustees are actively involved in business as C-Suite executives and many serve on boards. They are in a position to be visible and their behavior influences those around them. Many young people view the members as role models. By adhering to principles of Authentic Leadership and Generosity of Spirit, Trustees have a significant impact in the business world.
While Trustees believe in these principles for themselves, they also implement them in their own organizations. The organization’s principles are a base for a very effective management style that is good for employees and a very practical way to achieve exceptional business results. Trustees fit the Level 5 profile described in Jim Collins’ book, “Good to Great.” They embody a paradoxical mix of personal humility and professional will. They are ambitious and successful, to be sure, but ambitious first and foremost for the company and its results, not for themselves.
C-Suite Trust also provides formal programs using the principles of authentic leadership and generosity of spirit to help transform the business community. Examples include:
- Bridging the Gap. This is a platform for Trustees to share their expertise in response to strategic challenges and profound issues that confront corporate management today. Select Trustees participate on a panel discussing questions revolving around certain business themes or topics. These meetings are open to C-Suite Trustees and appropriate managers from their companies, including clients of their choice. Questions and responses are shaped to bridge the gap between theory and reality, and all participants benefit from the actual experience, new insights and “best practices” that C-suite executives share.
- Breaking Away. In many cases, Entrepreneurs are stalled in their progress and need experienced perspective to help them “break away” and view their challenges in a new, actionable light. “Breaking Away” is designed to apply the formidable experience and insights of Trustees to assist selected entrepreneurial business leaders who are at an inflection point in their business’ development. With C-Suite Trustees acting as a surrogate Board of Directors, each selected Entrepreneur is granted a “board meeting” to discuss their current challenges.
- Career Planning Mentors. C-Suite Trust routinely teams up with universities and colleges, usually working with business and graduate schools, to provide Trustees as career planning mentors and guest lecturers.
