CEO Connect

1. Nominate

If you know an emerging leader who would benefit from the CEO Connect program, please send them our way. Contact laurie.gunnells [at] lipscomb.edu (Laurie Gunnells) to submit your nomination.

2. Apply

All participants must apply. The application form is simple and quick. Lipscomb reviews all applicants and follows up with the next steps.

3. Begin

Applications are due by December 18, but don't wait! This program will fill up soon.


Apply for CEO Connect

Join the next CEO Connect cohort to discover skills that will help you think, act and lead like Nashville's top CEOs.

• Business intelligence: stand out by thinking strategically
• Peer-to-peer networking: build relationships with other emerging leaders
• Self development: gain confidence and sharpen your skills through feedback
• Risk taking: learn how top leaders exceed expectations and make a difference
• Performance improvement: develop discernment and refine your decision making
• Interpersonal relationships: move beyond management by inspiring others to follow you

1. Vision is everything | January 9, 2025

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision is the key to elevating what can be so others can see it and drive toward it. Vision setting and casting is a key responsibility of leaders. They must paint a bold – and attainable – picture of the future that will drive engagement, excitement and energy.

• Vision
• Big-Picture Thinking

2. Leadership is about them, not you | January 9, 2025

Leaders must be internally driven to serve a mission or a cause that is bigger than their own self-interest. This means they lead from values and seek the best for others. Leaders should also lead with humility and consider others as they make decisions.

• Integrity
• Values
• Humility

3. Listening makes you smarter | February 6, 2025

One of the key characteristics of successful leaders is their ability to listen to others – even those they are not aligned with – to gather information to help them make better decisions. Listening skills are more critical than ever to help leaders decipher next steps and determine how to communicate these to all types of audiences.

• Listening
• Decision Making

4. The plan is how you get there | February 6, 2025

If vision is everything, then the plan is how you get there. Strategic planning done well provides a roadmap, ownership, metrics and accountability toward your destination. 

• Strategic Planning

5. Great teams are built | March 6, 2025

It is easy to put people together and say collaborate, but it is hard to get results without investing in teaming. The best teams are built through relationships, trust, clarity and providing the support teams need to be successful. 

• Collaboration
• Relationships
• Team Building

6. Communicate in a way others can hear | April 3, 2025

Communication, communication, communication – this work is never done and can always be better. One of the best ways to make it better is to ensure leaders communicate with the listener in mind. What and how things need to be said is an art and science that can be learned.

• Communication
• Understanding the Audience

7. Keep moving forward | April 3, 2025

Leaders must make decisions and show strong judgement – even when information is limited. They also must show courage and strength in challenging times. This means that leaders must have the ability to function and keep moving forward in all types of moments: ambiguity, tension and crisis.

• Judgement
• Projecting Confidence

From January 9, 2025, to April 3, 2025, the cohort will gather for one session a month until graduation in April 2024. More speakers and details will be announced.

The cost of CEO Connect is $4,500, which covers all materials, meals, parking and experiences included in the program.

During each session, the cohort will meet and engage with two CEOs from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. During this time you will discuss real-world use cases, experiential learning activities and enjoy two meals together. There will also be after-hours networking.

We provide multiple payment options and can work with participants on a case-by-case basis.

Are you interested in attending CEO Connect but unsure how to approach your company about funding? Check out our sample email PDF below on how to ask your boss to help pay for the expenses of the program.

Sample Email