Latest Business CEO Views

The 11th edition of the Grant Thornton Business Leaders survey looks at how chief executive business leaders are making strategic decisions in a time of ambiguity and increased risk. In this environment, CEOs are:

* Growing their businesses through increased investment in technology, expansion into new domestic markets and restructured pricing.

*Considering growth strategies domestically and internationally. Within the next two years, 52 percent of business leaders are planning a domestic strategic alliance and 24 percent are planning an international alliance.

*Aware of all company operations. Eight in 10 respondents agree that the CEO needs to have a heightened awareness of what is happening in all aspects of the operation.

*Looking to mentors. Seven in 10 (69 percent) of respondents think it is important to have a mentor and an equal 69 percent do, in fact, have a mentor(s). Two-thirds (66 percent) also act as mentors to others.

Can economic developers be mentors to business CEOs? I believe we can. Remember: Mentorship is leadership!

Download summary here.