Happy 20th Anniversary,
Executive Learning Networks!
2010 begins our 20th Anniversary Celebration, honoring a program that proves to enrich the learning and network of Middle Tennessee executives.
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. Through HealthTrust, Mr. McWhorter responded with a grant to initiate the Peer Learning Network. This program encourages learning among leaders in Nashville's business community through shared experiences and resources.
From the original eight members to the thirty corporate memberships today, the Peer Learning Network is a thriving network of over 250 business executives with the purpose of bringing together senior leaders of Nashville's best-run companies in a setting where they can learn from each other.
The Scarlett Leadership Institute at Belmont University is 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 strong 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.
Some of our favorite speakers over the 20 year history include the following:
- Steven Covey (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People)
- Joel Barker (Paradigms: The Business of Discovering the Future)
- Patrick Lencioni (Five Dysfunctions of a Team)
- Harold Kushner (When Bad Things Happen to Good People)
- 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
- Jack Welch, then Chairman and CEO of General Electric
- Judy Woodruff, NewsHour
- Daniel Pink (A Whole New Mind)
- Noel Tichy (The Cycle of Leadership)
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
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.'
