Communications Crossroads - Summer 2008 - (Page 54)

straight talk Earlier this year, USTelecom held a highly successful Leadership Development Program, an executive training program focused on preparing up-and-coming executives for the challenges facing their companies. ment of Steve Oldham and Bill DeMuth, of SureWest Communications. McCue also noted that this event was one of the ﬁrst ideas to emerge from the Telecom Leadership Committee, whose member-leaders are guiding the effort to expand USTelecom’s business-oriented programming through webinars, seminars and other high-value industry events. classmates could make most of the unique forum. Finally, alumni will be invited in October to USTelecom headquarters for a two-day followup program. With Positive Feedback, ’09 Planning Underway Feedback from participants in this inaugural program was extremely positive, and already strong interest has been expressed and early planning is underway for a 2009 program. Participants praised the quality of the speakers, depth and relevance of the program and unique opportunity to meet and collaborate with their peers, judging the event well worth their time and beneﬁcial to the future success of their companies and strategic execution. Citing also the success of the ﬁrst Executive Business Forum last fall, USTelecom President and CEO Walter McCormick said members can expect more quality programming from the trade association in response to the industry’s evolving business needs. “We are committed to working side by side with our members to produce these kinds of quality, leading-edge professional development opportunities that help busy executives better understand and capitalize on shifting regulatory, market, technology and business trends,” McCormick said. Learn more about USTelecom’s educational programs at www.ustelecom.org. Program Spotlights Next-Gen Execs in Silicon Valley In January, the communications industry sent their best and brightest to USTelecom’s inaugural Leadership Development Program. Hosted by Cisco and offering a rich program and exclusive networking opportunities, the week-long MBAstyle event of only 25 participants brought together up-and-coming executives identiﬁed by today’s industry leaders as future leaders of their companies. Participants heard from top-thought leaders from across the technology, business and ﬁnancial landscape on topics ranging from corporate strategy to legal and public relations concerns to dealing with Wall Street. Curriculum Focuses on Shaping ‘C-Level’ Executives The program kicked off with an intensive, day-long look at the core responsibility of every top executive—creating value. From there, courses addressed the major components of C-level responsibilities— exploring legal challenges, regulatory, legislative and media issues and taking a close-up look at ﬁnance and investment banking. Next, the group covered strategic thinking and management in a competitive and increasingly global marketplace. Then the program moved from ideas to execution: How do top executives effectively carry out their strategies, and what makes a successful business alliance? In the ﬁnal day, participants heard from one of Silicon Valley’s top innovators, Cisco CTO Bob McIntyre, and received a presentation from NBC Universal on intellectual property rights. Throughout the week, the program was interspersed with formal and informal networking opportunities so USTelecom Chairman Shares Vision Behind Venue USTelecom Chairman Ron McCue of Silver Star Communications shared his views on the changing competitive landscape of the business and stressed the importance of ethics. The 30-year industry veteran also emphasized the value of networking and industry dialogue created through USTelecom, recalling his ﬁrst trade association event that brought together 30 young executives—10 of whom went on to be CEOs of their companies. McCue recognized the hands-on involve- 54 COMMUNICATIONS CROSSROADS www.ustelecom.org http://www.ustelecom.org http://www.ustelecom.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Communications Crossroads - Summer 2008

Communications Crossroads - Summer 2008 Up Front Contents TeleBites Delivering the Broadband Future Deriving Revenue from Today's Broadband World The Right Way to Operate Data Centers Buyers' Guide Industry Calendar Advertisers DotCom Index to Advertisers Straight Talk

Communications Crossroads - Summer 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.