• All Posts
  • CEO Advisory Group
  • newsletter
  • Vistage Events
  • Vistage Speakers
  • Webinars
  • Vistage Testimonials
  • Events
  • podcast Episode
  • Business
  • Vistage Members
  • Future Trends
  • Economic Trends
  • Leadership Strategies
  • Marketing Monday
  • Vistage Business Transaction Center
  • Membership Types
  • Extra News
March 06.2025
3 Minutes Read

Charting Her Course: Ola Sage on Business Leadership and Vistage Insights

Ola Sage Business Leadership, confident woman in red smiling warmly.

Discovering Ola Sage: A Beacon in Business Leadership

In today's fast-paced business landscape, effective leadership is more crucial than ever. Vistage Chair Ola Sage shines as a guiding force in this space, blending her personal discovery with professional expertise. Her journey of entrepreneurship and mentorship illustrates the profound impact of peer collaboration and intentionality in leadership.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Embracing Challenges

Ola Sage, raised in a family of entrepreneurs, brilliantly encapsulates the dual excitement and intimidation that comes with launching a business. Her first venture, a government services business in 1999, was not merely a path to profit; it was a carefully calculated decision fueled by her diverse experience across multiple business functions. “I’ve always been pretty intentional about making business decisions,” she emphasizes, underlining a thoughtful approach that many aspiring CEOs should model.

The Transformative Power of Peer Groups

Every leader can benefit from a robust support network, and Sage is no exception. Introduced to Vistage by a friend, she discovered the unmatched strength found within a peer group. “I didn’t even realize I needed a peer group,” she admits, reflecting on how her initial year with Vistage unfolded like an eye-opening adventure. The network proved pivotal during a 2012 business crisis when her fellow members rallied to provide crucial support, demonstrating the essence of community over competition.

Strategic Decisions on the Path to Success

Years later, as unsolicited offers to purchase her business flooded in, Sage found herself equipped with the knowledge garnered from her experiences at Vistage. She deftly navigated the sale process with confidence—an endeavor she credits largely to the insights gained through the group’s structured learning and expert speakers. “I don’t think I would have been prepared for the sale had I not been in Vistage,” she reflects, showcasing how comprehensive mentorship can lead to lucrative outcomes.

Charting New Courses: Life After Business Exit

Following her business's successful exit in 2018, Ola Sage discovered fresh opportunities within Vistage. With the encouragement of a fellow CEO, she transitioned to the role of Chair, fostering an environment of accountability and growth among her own members. “Why didn’t I think of that?” she mused, highlighting how mentors can open doors to new possibilities. Within nine months, she was guiding her own group, displaying remarkable adaptability right after significant career changes.

Addressing the Transition to Retirement: A Unique Perspective

As a chair, Sage frequently addresses the sensitive topic of retirement with fellow CEOs, prompting them to consider what they’re retiring to, rather than simply escaping work. “Being a Vistage Chair is something I want to do in retirement,” she shares, reframing retirement as not an end but a transition into fulfilling contributions to the community of leaders.

Balancing Work and Passion: The Sweet Side of Life

While business is at the core of her identity, Sage’s passions extend into culinary delights. Along with running CyberRx, a cybersecurity company, she indulged her love for baking by launching the Carrot Cake Factory, celebrating a beloved dessert. This underscores an essential message for business leaders: the importance of balancing professional ambition with personal joy.

Why Vistage Matters: Insights and Opportunities for Leaders

Ola Sage embodies the belief that leadership and personal growth go hand in hand. Her involvement with Vistage not only fostered significant professional development but also led to personal revelations. “Vistage groups give you a safe space to discover and rediscover the gifts you’ve been stifling,” she explains, highlighting the intrinsic value of peer support in the leadership journey. Her story invites other leaders to explore the potential benefits that come from such exclusive communities.

Call to Action: Join the Vistage Community

If you resonate with Ola Sage’s journey and are aspiring to elevate your leadership performance, consider joining the Vistage community. With its focus on peer advisory groups and structured coaching, Vistage offers invaluable resources for CEOs and business leaders to thrive.

Leadership Strategies

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
11.11.2025

Mastering the Shift from Founder to CEO: A Guide for Business Leaders

Update Understanding the Shift: From Founder to CEO The journey from founder to CEO can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding transitions in a business leader’s career. Founders, who often exhibit innovation and hands-on problem-solving skills, may struggle as their companies grow. Dan Quiggle, an expert on effective leadership, emphasizes that the qualities that propelled a founder's success need to evolve into new capabilities as scalability becomes paramount. This transformation is more than just a change in title; it requires a fundamental shift in mindset. The Founder vs. CEO Mindset: What’s the Difference? At the heart of this evolution lies the different mindsets required for founders and CEOs. Founders are adept at creating vision and operating in a hands-on manner. They are often deeply involved in daily operations and thrive in the chaos of early business stages. However, a successful CEO must shift from being the doer to a strategic leader, focusing on systems, culture, and long-term growth strategies. David Friedman, a leadership consultant, notes the importance of recognizing that productivity must change — it's no longer about individual output but about enabling others. CEOs need to delegate effectively and ensure their teams are aligned with the company's vision. Recognizing When to Transition Knowing when to embrace the CEO role is crucial for founders. Friedman points out key indicators that signal a need for this transition, including company size and operational complexity. Indicators like bottleneck decision-making, stalled growth, and a culture defined by silos suggest the time has come for a founder to step back from the daily grind and take on the broader responsibilities of a CEO. The Cost of Delaying the Transition One of the most significant risks for founders is delaying this transition. Clinging to the past can create unnecessary bottlenecks, stifle innovation, and lead to employee frustration. Furthermore, attempting to manage every decision impacts not only personal well-being but also the overall health of the organization. The longer founders resist this change, the harder it becomes for them and their businesses to thrive in competitive markets. Leadership Development: Preparing for the CEO Role For those preparing for this shift, embracing leadership development can prove invaluable. Engaging in mentorship, participating in leadership training, and developing a robust leadership team are all steps that can ease this transition. Fostering an environment where leaders are empowered to make decisions can also create a culture that is agile and able to respond to market needs. Furthermore, building systems and processes that support innovation, adaptability, and collaboration can help facilitate the much-needed scalability essential for long-term success. Actionable Insights: Moving Forward as a Successful CEO As you navigate this critical transition, remember the following: 1. **Delegate effectively:** Allow your team to take ownership of decisions. 2. **Focus on culture:** Cultivating a positive team dynamic enhances productivity and morale. 3. **Continuous learning:** Stay informed about industry trends and leadership practices. 4. **Seek support:** Don’t hesitate to turn to mentors or advisors who can provide perspective and guidance. Conclusion: Embrace the Change Transitioning from founder to CEO is not merely about an elevated title but signifies a commitment to evolving within the organization. By understanding and embracing the distinct roles, you prepare yourself for sustained success. As you take on this exciting new mindset, think about how you can empower others in your company. This not only drives personal growth but also contributes to the overall success of your business. If you're ready to take your leadership skills to the next level, now is the time to invest in your development and solidify your role as the strategic leader your company needs.
10.25.2025

Why Peer Mentoring is the Key to Driving Generative AI Adoption

Update The Human Touch in Adopting Generative AI In an era where generative AI tools like ChatGPT, GPT-4, and others dominate the technology landscape, businesses are observing a significant shift in how these technologies are embraced. Organizations are no longer solely relying on traditional training sessions to enable employees. Instead, they are turning to innovative strategies, such as peer mentoring, to cultivate a collaborative environment that promotes faster adoption of generative AI. Creating a Culture of Support and Learning The power of peer mentoring lies not just in enhancing technical skills but in revolutionizing workplace culture. By leveraging the experiences of early adopters within their ranks, companies can create a supportive network that transforms how new technologies are integrated into everyday tasks. This cultural shift is crucial as it fosters an atmosphere where experimentation and learning are encouraged. For instance, a marketing executive might develop a tailored approach to content creation using generative AI, gaining insights from a peer who has previously navigated that same challenge. Building Personalized Learning Experiences One of the standout benefits of peer mentoring is the personalization it offers. Unlike conventional training materials, which may feel generic and detached, peer mentoring aligns learning directly with employees' daily responsibilities. This relevance ensures that mentees can easily see how generative AI can be effectively utilized in their specific roles. In a recent initiative, a professional services firm mentored employees cross-departmentally, enhancing their competency in generative AI tools while simultaneously breaking down silos within the organization. Boosting Confidence and Competence Through Collaboration Mentorship is not merely a one-way street; it benefits both the mentor and the mentee. As employees share their expertise and aid their colleagues in mastering generative AI tools, they reinforce their understanding and solidify their roles as thought leaders within their organizations. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of belonging, where employees are more willing to explore and innovate without the fear of making mistakes. Real-World Impact: The Ripple Effect of Peer Mentoring Quantifiable outcomes from peer mentoring initiatives reveal a profound impact on productivity and morale. For instance, organizations employing generative AI within their operations have reported a marked increase in efficiency and a reduction in project timelines. These results resonate well with company leaders as they highlight not just improved productivity but also more cohesive team dynamics. Why Peer Mentoring is Essential for Future Success The rapid evolution of technology demands that companies adapt to stay competitive. In embracing peer mentoring alongside generative AI, businesses can cultivate an innovative workforce equipped to handle the complexities of the modern market. This dual strategy ensures employees are not just passive consumers of technology but active contributors to its evolution. Ultimately, as the landscape of business continues to change, organizations fostering a culture of mentorship will likely experience significant advantages. Moving forward, they will not only adapt to new technologies but will lead in innovation as employees share knowledge and expertise in a collaborative environment. Call to Action: Engaging with Generative AI through Peer Support As businesses contemplate the future of work, embracing peer mentoring combined with generative AI represents a unique opportunity. For CEOs and business leaders, this is not just about adopting new tools but actively engaging their workforce in the journey. Consider establishing a peer mentoring program where early adopters can guide others, creating a workplace culture grounded in support, collaboration, and continuous learning.
10.18.2025

Unlock Success: How Leaders Can Elevate Their 2026 Strategic Planning Process

Update Strategic Leadership Redefined for 2026: Are You Prepared? As 2026 approaches, the time for strategic planning is upon us, and it's more crucial than ever for business leaders to take an informed and proactive approach. Creating an effective strategic plan is not merely an administrative task—it's a commitment to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of an organization. In a rapidly changing business landscape, the ability to reflect on the past and look ahead is essential for CEOs and leaders across industries. Understand Your End Goals: What Are We Trying to Accomplish? Strategic planning begins with a clear identification of end goals. Businesses that succeed typically engage in a thorough analysis of the previous year to assess what worked and what didn’t. This process includes gathering feedback from employees at all levels, which provides a panoramic view of the company's health. Insights from the ground-up can reveal pivotal challenges and opportunities that may otherwise go unnoticed. Those leading the charge must facilitate a collaborative environment where ideas and concerns can flow freely. By integrating various perspectives, leaders can forge a more comprehensive and relevant direction, ensuring that the goals set for the coming year are both ambitious and attainable. Key Performance Indicators: What Will We Measure? A strategic plan remains ineffective if it lacks measurable outcomes. Identifying 3 to 5 key performance indicators (KPIs) that align closely with your organization’s objectives is crucial. These KPIs should be the metrics that matter most and can be tracked in real-time to maintain accountability and transparency. Regular check-ins on these metrics equip leaders with the data needed to make timely adjustments. In contrast, the absence of clear metrics can lead to misalignment and stunted growth. Thus, fostering a culture of regular monitoring and feedback is a key tenet of successful strategic execution. Execution Is Everything: How Will We Make It Happen? Once goals and metrics are established, an effective strategic plan must detail the specific actions necessary to bring these goals to life. Organizations thrive when their strategic plans are clear and straightforward. Compounding complexity can drown strategic initiatives before they gain traction. Instead, leaders should focus on creating a concise plan that is easy for employees to reference throughout the year. This approach ensures that the organization remains aligned and focused on its mission. Remember, flexibility is vital—adjust the strategy as needed, especially when faced with unforeseen challenges or opportunities. Fostering a Culture of Accountability and Adaptation Key to executing a strategic plan successfully is a culture of ownership and accountability. Empower teams by clearly delineating responsibilities and expectations. Leaders who encourage a sense of ownership among team members see higher engagement and motivation to meet targets. Moreover, the importance of adaptability cannot be overstated. A company’s readiness to revise its strategic plans to respond to market shifts will often be the deciding factor in its success or failure. Leaders must create pathways that allow for real-time updates and keep the communication flowing to avoid stagnation. Systematic Learning: Continuously Improve Your Approach Finally, leaders must commit to a cycle of continuous learning. Once the strategic plan is in action, reflecting on successes and failures is necessary. This practice enhances the organization's capability to execute effectively, ensuring that vital lessons inform future strategy. By regularly engaging in reflection and feedback, organizations can better align their ongoing operations with strategic goals, ultimately positioning themselves for sustainable success. As we gear up for the uncertainties of 2026, leaders must approach strategic planning not as a checkbox but as a dynamic and ongoing process. By embedding these principles into their strategic frameworks, businesses can achieve real impact and navigate the ever-evolving landscape with confidence. Take Your Business to New Heights If you're looking to maximize your strategic planning and ensure your organization thrives in the upcoming year, it may be time to seek guidance from experienced peers or external consultants. With the right resources and support, your goals can transform from mere paper plans into powerful operational realities.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*