Lipscomb announces line up for fall 2025 CEO Connect
Nashville’s premier leadership program for aspiring executives offered at Lipscomb’s downtown campus
Kim Chaudoin |
Lipscomb University is now accepting applications for its fall 2025 cohort of CEO Connect, a premier leadership development program designed to help high-potential business leaders cultivate the mindset, habits and principles of top CEOs. The program, limited to just 25 participants, will be held at Lipscomb’s Spark located in the heart of downtown Nashville at Fourth and Commerce avenues.
CEO Connect is a four-month, in-person experience that brings together aspiring executives and some of Nashville’s most accomplished CEOs. Participants will learn directly from leaders such as Stephanie Coleman, CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Nashville Public Schools; Alex Jahangir, senior vice president at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Aaron Dorn, chairman and CEO of Studio Bank; Bob Higgins, former CEO of Barge Design Solutions; and Hal Lawton, president and CEO of Tractor Supply Company; among others.
“At Spark, we believe leadership development is at the heart of organizational success, which is why Lipscomb created the CEO Connect program here,” said Laurie Gunnels, executive director of Spark. “Spark is more than just a venue — it’s a catalyst for growth, offering not only CEO Connect but also customized leadership programs tailored to the unique needs of organizations across Nashville. Our downtown location provides the perfect environment for meaningful connections, hands-on learning and real-world leadership development.”
Program highlights include:
- Monthly, in-person sessions from August to November 2025 (8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.)
- Interactive learning with CEOs from top organizations
- Peer-to-peer networking with Tennessee’s rising business leaders
- One hour of personalized coaching from an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach
- CEO Connect’s curriculum covers essential leadership topics such as vision setting, strategic planning, team building, communication, decision making and more. Attendees will gain practical strategies, build lasting relationships and develop the confidence to lead at the highest level.
The cost is $3,500 per participant and includes all materials, meals and parking. The deadline to apply for the fall 2025 cohort is July 25. To nominate a high-potential business leader or to apply, contact Gabe Watson at gabe.watson [at] lipscomb.edu (gabe[dot]watson[at]lipscomb[dot]edu) or 615.966.6000. Early application is encouraged, as the program is expected to fill quickly.