Virtual CEO Roundtables

Navigating COVID-19

Fast answers to tough issues

“Right now I really need to talk with more business owners!” was the response of a second-stage CEO when reminded of an upcoming roundtable session. Indeed, peer learning has never been more important as the coronavirus crisis re-prioritizes the needs of growth companies. Leaders must suddenly deal with such unexpected challenges as:

  • What can be done to avoid layoffs.
  • Motivating employees who are now telecommuting, many for the first time.
  • When moving the business forward, how to avoid looking like an ambulance chaser.
  • How to avoid feelings of isolation when running the business, especially when holed up at home.

Virtual PeerSpectives Roundtables quickly put you in contact with other business owners, presidents and CEOs of second-stage companies via a video conferencing app. Sessions are led by trained PeerSpectives® facilitators from the Edward Lowe Foundation. The roundtables leverage a proven set of protocols, giving participants a convenient — and confidential — place to delve into their most pressing issues.

In addition, participants may enroll in the System for Integrated Growth® (SIG), which provides them with a SWAT team of business experts. This virtual program addresses specific needs in HR, operations and supply chain, finance and accounting, global trade, sales and marketing, succession planning, secondary market research, digital marketing and customer prospecting.

Why PeerSpectives?

Trained facilitators who keep discussions on track and relevant for all participants.
Structured protocol that sheds new light on both problems and opportunities.
Emphasis on sharing applicable experiences rather than advice or consultation that might miss the mark.
Safe environment in which to process emotionally charged issues.
Ability to get just-in-time answers to pressing problems.
Opportunity to participate in the System for Integrated Growth program.

Getting Started

Who should participate — CEOs, presidents and owners of secondstage companies (those with 10-99 employees and $1 million to $50 million in annual revenue). Participants must have ultimate decisionmaking for their companies.

Cost & frequency — Free of charge for a series of three monthly meetings. Each meeting lasts two hours.

Logistics — Sessions are conducted via a video conferencing application. Participants use their webcam and reliable Internet connection.

Selection — Each roundtable is limited to 15 members. Business competitors will not be placed in the same group. Members may be asked to fill out an application before being assigned to a roundtable.

Contact — Email Christopher Cassagne (Christopher.Cassagne@ la.gov) for more information or to apply for a spot on a virtual roundtable. This program is a collaboration of Louisiana Economic Development and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Quick Links

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About PeerSpectives ®
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PeerSpectives® License
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Training for the PeerSpectives®
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CEO Roundtables Team

Companion Documents

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For PeerSpectives roundtable members
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PRESS format
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Case Studies

Jeremy Mortl of Messersmith Mfg.

Jeremy Mortl credits PeerSpectives for helping him with a wide range of issues, ranging from HR strategies to different manufacturing technologies.

Mark Massicotte of L’Anse Manufacturing

“If you want to be successful in business, you need really honest inputs, and this group doesn’t pull any punches,” says Mark Massicotte.

Chris Straw of Team Quality Services

“The virtual aspect of PeerSpectives helps with time constraints right off the bat by eliminating the travel burden,” says Chris Straw.