Leadership at the C-level can be a uniquely isolating experience. Many leaders find themselves longing for a space where they can be open, candid and honest about the challenges they face.
But this isn’t just a distant observation—it’s something I’ve felt myself.
I found immense value in one-on-one networking, but the more I spoke with other leaders, the more I realized there wasn’t a space where we could come together as a group to openly share our experiences, struggles and insights. So, in proper Innovatemap fashion, CEO Table Talks was born to create a space designed to fill that gap and create a community where leaders could connect on a deeper level.
About the CEO Table Talks Events
For a long time, gathering around a table and sharing a meal has been considered a prime example of fellowship. Beyond simply networking, the CEO Table Talks events provide a unique opportunity for leaders who might otherwise never have the chance to meet. We all get together for lunch or dinner, and we share our experiences, discuss the challenges we’ve faced and offer advice on hard lessons we’ve learned.
We’ve also found that connecting leaders with commonalities in business models results in more helpful discussion. In particular industries or business models, leaders face unique challenges and employ specific strategies that are often quite different from those of others.
A Community That Values Vulnerability
From the moment they arrive, attendees connect on another level. In the work setting, there’s immense pressure for leaders to be on their A-game. But at the CEO Table Talks events, no one comes to impress each other. Instead, we’re all seeking and offering genuine advice, based on our own lived experiences.
This level of transparency isn’t always appropriate for day-to-day interactions with teams, boards or investors. It’s something uniquely shared among participants, and it’s a recognized judgment-free space. It’s a rare opportunity to let down our guard and discuss the real challenges we’re facing. As a result, the people in attendance are encouraged by a deeper sense of trust.
A Hunger to Help
At our most recent event, there was something uniquely Midwestern about the desire to help each other succeed. With people from Indianapolis, Louisville and Chicago, there was a clear mutual desire to share learned lessons and experiments. We freely discussed what worked, what didn’t and what we’d do differently next time when someone brought up a new topic or challenge. Everyone contributed, took notes, and walked away with insights that will help us navigate our own leadership challenges.
I myself took four pages of notes. The advice was outstanding. It’s so refreshing to connect with other leaders on the challenges I was facing and realize I wasn’t alone. On behalf of Innovatemap, it was incredibly fulfilling to serve as a connector, bringing together a group that left everyone (including me) feeling inspired and supported. And for me, the gratitude expressed by attendees after the event reinforced the need for these events to continue.
The openness and honesty that defines CEO Table Talks not only help leaders navigate their challenges but also highlight the critical need for connection and collaboration. Sometimes, showing up for each other far outweighs the value of showing up to impress.
If you’ve been feeling isolated in your leadership journey, know that you’re not alone—and we’d love to connect with you. Let’s continue building a community where leaders can support each other, share their experiences and grow together.
