Executive Learning Networks

The Beginning of the Executive Learning Concept

As we all strategize to cope with the rapid pace of change, turbulent economic times and perpetual leadership challenges, a truly exceptional concept in executive education is demanded. In 1990, a group known as the Peer Learning Network was created as a result of a partnership between Clayton McWhorter, then Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HealthTrust, Inc., and Belmont University. The discussion focused on finding a vehicle to encourage learning among other leaders in Nashville's business community through shared experiences and resources. Through HealthTrust, Mr. McWhorter responded with a grant to initiate the Peer Learning Network.

The Peer Learning Network is thriving today and maintains a purpose of 'bringing together top executives of Nashville's best-run companies in a setting where they can learn from each other.' Belmont University was designated as the 'coming together' place where leaders of companies doing business in a variety of fields can share problems and solutions (best practices) with their peers, and learn from world class speakers, creating a new network within Nashville's business community.

Based on the successful experience with the Peer Learning Network, a second network was created in 2003, the Peer Exchange Network. The Peer Exchange Network's membership is comprised of a synergetic blend of highly successful regional businesses, and public/ community organizations.

Executive Learning Network members have had the chance to interact with authors Steven Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People), Peter Block (Stewardship), Gary Hamel (Competing for the Future), Joel Barker (Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future), Margaret Wheatley (Leadership and the New Science), and Harold Kushner (When Bad Things Happen to Good People).  The opportunity to delve into the minds of some of the world's leading thinkers and leaders has been a highlight, with such diverse leaders as Rick Pitino, then coach of the Boston Celtics; former Vice President Al Gore; Herb Kelleher, CEO of Southwest Airlines; Ram Charan, internationally known business advisor and author; and a unique presentation by the Afterburners, a group of former fighter pilots who parallel flight tactics with business strategy.  Dazzling customer service principles were shared by such organizational leaders in the field as Disney, Marriott and Ritz-Carlton.  A particularly memorable experience was the opportunity to have a conversation with Jack Welch during his tenure at General Electric.

Both Executive Learning Networks afford members a unique opportunity to focus on the vitality of out-of-the-box approaches to explore and experience the answers to these questions:

  • What contemporary issues do you need to explore NOW for your company to thrive during change?
  • What best practices could you and your company share with other PLN members? What do you do better than most other companies? And what could you learn from other executives and their companies' best practices?
  • Who are the world-class speakers and business leaders you want to spend time with and learn from?
MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES

The Executive Learning Networks membership consists of senior leaders (the CEO and 5 direct reports) from Middle Tennessee companies.  Membership is capped at 30 organizations per learning network. 

Highlights of Membership:

  • Learning Agenda developed through input from member company CEOs
  • Executive speaker series includes 9 sessions per year
  • Interaction wit bestselling authors and some of the world's leading business thinkers in a small group atmosphere
  • Networking with senior leaders from diverse Middle Tennessee companies
  • Option for senior team to participate in "talk back" sessions
  • Option for senior team to participate in "Best Practice" lunch and learn sessions

The Scarlett Leadership Institute serves as the organizational and coordinating force, and Belmont University is the primary meeting location.  Some "Best Practice" lunch and learn sessions are held at the site of a member company.

Meeting content consists of:

  • World-class speakers series including some facilitated workshop style sessions and small group discussion following presentations
  • An annual Fall Leadership Breakfast open to Executive Learning Network members and the Greater Nashville business community

Our participants consistently affirm that these Executive Learning Networks provide an executive education experience they cannot get anywhere else.  The Executive Learning Networks grew from the idea that we need to 'look outside our own boxes' for new ideas and to learn from the experiences of others.  This principle has held true throughout the 20 year history of the concept and has proven to be the basis for this successful program.

'The result of bringing leaders together in an environment of mutual, shared learning is immensely powerful.'