How to Get Involved: Shadow CEO Program

Senior Advisor Program

Each new Member of VT KnowledgeWorks is assigned a senior personal advisor for its chief operating executive. These advisors become intimately familiar with the essence of the enterprise and provide ongoing advice, counsel, and encouragement to the top managers. They closely follow the development of the new company and its management team and are available as needed to provide valuable supplemental depth of experience and business network connections. We call them “Shadow CEOs”.

Our Shadow CEOs typically meet with their Member’s President about once a month, and maintain phone and email contact at least weekly. They do not participate actively in the management of the company, but are always right there, like a shadow, to help the in-place management avoid unnecessary mistakes and/or seize available opportunities with greater confidence.

These senior advisors have all served successful companies at the top management level. Their background varies by industry and by primary management discipline; but they share a common depth of experience, a passion for entrepreneurship, and a desire to share their accumulated wisdom. Many, but not all, are at least partially retired from active business management.

If you are acquainted with someone who might be an effective Shadow CEO at VT KnowledgeWorks, please pass along this information and encourage them to contact Jim Flowers, Director VT KnowledgeWorks.

This program is currently sponsored by Harris Furniture.