Hayzlett Recap: C-Suite Network Conference

No matter how long I’ve been in the C-Suite, which has been most of my career, one of the greatest things to do is to get together with people like yourself in the same room so that you can have discussions that you won’t always have out in public. It’s not that any of these discussions are Machiavellian or they’re super secret, it just means that you can let your hair down. It’s sitting around other like-minded professionals and being able to talk about our hopes, dreams, aspirations, and even problems, and to share in a way you normally can’t share with people who work for you, your spouse, relatives, or even other business people who haven’t been there. The same can be said for people in your like industry or business size.

It’s evident when I was sitting on the C-Suite Network Conference stage with Dave Pottruck, former CEO of Charles Schwab and now the Chairman of HighTower Advisors, and the instant rapport we had. We never met before, but because of our credentials and experience, it was like we were blood brothers.

My biggest takeaway and advice to anyone is to get involved with groups that are like you and make sure you understand you’re not the only one that’s out there going through the same challenges, experiencing the same opportunities, and enjoying the same wins.