The challenges faced by CEOs today are unprecedented. Leaders need a way to see the bigger picture while in the pressure cooker… but how and where to find such help? As the elusive goal of success is pursued, we can miss the most important things if we don’t pay attention.

DEBRA S. WALLER
Chairman and CEO
Jockey International, Inc.
Kenosha, WI

This is the toughest climate ever for leaders. It's not fun. Many want out. They are isolated and running companies on the defensive. This is not good for business or the country. Most need perspective and support yet are unclear where to find it.

GERRY ROCHE
Senior Chairman
Heidrick & Struggles
New York, NY

Many long-time family-owned businesses are being sold, and ownership is uprooted from their communities. As one writer observed, 'Life is fired at you point blank.' No doubt, being a business owner and/or leader is tougher and less forgiving today than at any time previous. As human beings, we often make bad decisions when we are doing so in isolation, without the benefit of outside perspective.

HON. J. DOUGLAS HOLLADAY
Founder
PathNorth, LLC
Washington, DC

In today's globalizing economy, the proverbial 'It is lonely at the top' is evermore true for the leaders of family-owned and middle-market companies. Their personal and business lives increasingly intertwine in a meander of concurrent global business challenges and family shareholders' expectations.

FRANCOIS M. de VISSCHER
President
de Visscher & Co.
Co-Chairman, BGA
Greenwich, CT

While there are many business associations and organizations that cater to middle market business owners and CEOs, none seem to adequately address the 'whole picture', which often creates a blur among business, family, friends, causes, and our time and life on this earth.

JAMES C. BLY, JR.
Chairman & CEO
Source Companies, LLC
Co-Chairman, BGA
Sewickley, PA