Written by Scott C. Lewis
Our CEO peer groups get to meet for just a few short hours each month but it amazes me how much ground we can cover. In each meeting, we might explore a mix of tactical issues like hiring and firing, taxation or cash flow; strategic issues like whether to enter a new market or take or make an investment, and usually there are a few … I’ll call them “emotional” issues.
One month, there were plenty of all of those types of topics, but one which profoundly moved me came out of a discussion our group had, led by a long-time member regarding his situation. The investment landscape had changed drastically since he founded his VC-backed company, and after exhausting every avenue for the expected next round, he was forced to find a strategic buyer for the company, only to have the deal fall apart at the 11th hour. He didn’t give up after this crushing development and was able to find a backup buyer at the last minute. It was a fire-sale price, but the best outcome for his shareholders under the circumstances. The deal required him to spend several months winding down a venture to which he has devoted the last five years.
Once discharged of those duties, his response was to step back, take stock, and reassess his personal priorities. He meticulously mapped out the parameters he wanted to apply to the next phase of his life. He shared these thoughts with us, including relevant photos, philosophical notions, and big questions.
This triggered stories from other members, relating their own similar experiences, one member pointing out how the experience was an important clarifying event in his life and career. He also spoke about Clay Christiansen’s article and talks on “How Will You Measure Your Life”, which I think is well worth the time to contemplate.
The tangible benefits from that month’s tactical and strategic discussions were by no means insignificant, but this kind of deep examination of why we do what we do, what we learn from our failures, and what we want from our successes is, in my mind, the most valuable thing we can do together. This is why I do this work. Thank you for enabling it.
