CEO Connect: The C-Suite Experience

1. Nominate

If you know a high-potential business leader who would benefit from CEO Connect: The C-Suite Experience, please nominate them by contacting laurie.gunnells [at] lipscomb.edu (Laurie Gunnells).

2. Apply

All participants must apply. Lipscomb reviews all applicants and follows up with next steps.

Apply for CEO Connect

Join the next CEO Connect: The C-Suite Experience cohort to earn 6 industry-recognized badges:

• Executive Identity, Presence & Vision
• Leadership & Team Development
• Strategy, Innovation & Organizational Design
• Organizational Stewardship & Change Management
• Executive Influence & Communication
• Conflict Management & Crisis Leadership

1. Vision Is Everything 

“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

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. The Plan Is How You Get There

Strong leaders turn vision into action by seeing the organization as an interconnected system. They anticipate change, challenge assumptions and design strategies that align people, resources and priorities. With a creative mindset, they build adaptable organizations capable of innovating and achieving meaningful results.

• Strategic Thinking
• Innovation
• Organizational Design

4. Great Teams Are Built 

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

5. Communicate In a Way Others Can Hear 

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

6. Keep Moving Forward 

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 to June 2027, the cohort will gather for one in-person session a month with online content in between.

• January 12, 2027: Vision is Everything
• February 9, 2027: Leadership Is About Them, Not You
• March 9, 2027: The Plan Is How You Get There
• April 6, 2027: Great Teams Are Built
• May 11, 2027: Communicate In a Way Others Can Hear
• June 8, 2027: Keep Moving Forward

The cost of CEO Connect: The C-Suite Experience is $6,000, which covers all materials, meals, parking and experiences included in the program.

Each session will be led by Ralph Schulz, former president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. You’ll engage with a prominent Nashville CEO, explore key topics with two faculty experts, and apply what you learn through real-world use cases and experiential activities. Shared meals and meaningful conversation will make each session both engaging and enjoyable.

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