Frequently Asked Questions: Advanced CEO Peer Group Program
Answers: Melissa Raffoni


1. I am extremely busy. Why should I do this?
» CEOs have a number of extremely important decisions and challenges they need to tackle each year, many of which have a significant impact on the direction of their company. This program ensures that they are appropriately identifying those decisions, have thought through the various alternatives for addressing them, and have received the benefit of multiple intelligent eyes looking at it so they are completely comfortable with the ultimate plan of action.


2. Do some CEOs benefit more than others? If so, what type of CEO benefits the most?
» CEOs who want to improve the performance of their company —and their own skills— gain the most. These CEOs have significant challenges to bring to the table and are eager to listen and get the most out of the sessions.


3. What type of CEO benefits the least?
» Some CEOs are at a point in their business lives where they are satisfied with managing a lifestyle company or are not, at the moment, interested in further developing their own skills. They may wish to keep things status quo for as long as possible or to find their replacement in the near future. These CEOs typically do not get a lot out of the program because they do not have many challenges to bring to the table or are at a point in their lives where they are invested in other priorities beyond improving their skills as CEO.


4. Are there acceptance criteria for joining?
» Yes. Since membership is limited, each CEO works through an interview process to assess how well he or she will mesh with a particular existing group. The following criteria are considered:
-The company: A solid company and business model that clearly demostrates the potential for a promising future.
-The issues: Issues that the CEO might bring to the table should be in keeping with the needs and challenges of the group as a whole. In particular, they should be strategic in nature and compatible with the level of issues brought by others in the group.
-The CEO: The CEO should have “ego-less confidence”, be driven to succeed, and open to learning and listening.
-General compatibility: Groups often seek to add a certain dynamic or skill set to the table. This may mean the desire to include a particular industry, company pace of growth, ownership criteria or specific CEO skill set. All of this is taken into account when choosing to fill an open slot.


5. How often do you have an opening?
» Typically, there is usually one (maybe 2) open slots in each group per year. Since members stay in their groups for multiple years, slots only open up only when there is a transaction or a retirement.


6. What is the commitment? Can I “try before I buy”?
» Since members invest time in learning about you and your company and desire other long term members, there is a minimum of one year commitment to make sure that you are serious and to ensure that you have enough time to fully benefit from and contribute to the program. Given our strict confidentiality agreements and the need to bring minimum disruption to existing member meetings, there is no “try before you buy” option. However, I do encourage you to meet with or talk to other member CEOs to get a feel for their skill and understand how the program works from a source other than myself.


7. What makes this program different from others out there?
» First, the members. I like to think that because our program is regional, smaller in size and geared for more seasoned and thoughtful CEOs that our membership is of a different caliber from what you might find in a national network. A lot of time is spent screening CEOs for compatibility and commitment. It’s my job to find members that my other clients would “pay” to have at the table. If you are looking for a large national network, this is not the program for you. If you prefer a strong, smaller group of skilled CEOs, this may be a good fit.

» Second, the process. This program focuses only on truly strategic business issues. It does not incorporate any basic level education or structured time for addressing personal issues. It also allows you to present issues more frequently during the year. The process is rigid and intense, but it guarantees a highly-effective meeting every time.

» Third, the director. Having done this for 10 years with a number of different groups, I’m confident that the tools I use are effective and that I can work with you to meet your individual needs and growth goals as a CEO.


8. What is the cost?
» The cost is 20k per year.