At CEO Think Tank®, our mission is to promote business excellence, bringing together CEO’s and other C-level decision-makers and provide them with a curriculum and community for scaling up their companies and themselves. As part of our community, members gain access to strategic planning, executive roundtables, guest thought-leaders and leadership development, all grounded in Verne Harnish’s Scaling Up Platform. 

But what does that mean for the leaders who join? A year in we checked in with some of our newest Enlightened Leaders to reflect on their own growth journeys, challenges overcome, and outcomes after joining our CEO Think Tank® community.

 

Meet Fuquan Bilal, the CEO/CVO of NNG Capital Fund

Fuquan Bilal joined CEO Think Tank® just over a year ago with the goal of becoming a better leader for his business. His goal was to surround himself with high-performing CEOs and business owners who could challenge him to scale more efficiently. “I wanted to be around other CEOs and business owners that were performing at a different level,” Bilal told us, “And learn from them so that I’m not reinventing the wheel.”  

Since joining, Bilal says he has seen operational growth within his team and has transformed his approach to decision-making.

Prior to joining CEO Think Tank®, he says his approach was more reactive – focused on execution rather than strategy. Through Cheryl Beth’s coaching, Fuquan learned the value of planning and collaboration. “Before, my profile was ‘shoot first and aim later,’ but now, strategizing and setting quarterly growth targets with my team has had a tremendous impact,” he shared.

By implementing CEO Think Tank®’s tools like the Scaling Up framework, Fuquan has refined his recruiting process and created management accountability plans that align with his long-term vision. “I’m very glad I found this community. It keeps you accountable and helps you grow,” Fuquan said.

 

Veronica Cram – Owner of InSight Strategic Solutions

Much like Bilal, Veronica Cram says she joined CEO Think Tank® because she recognized the value of peer accountability. Her goal was to grow her team and services while seeking thought leadership and advice from others who had been in her shoes.

The impact has been profound—both her team and services have expanded, leading to increased profits. “CEO Think Tank® has helped me prioritize my goals and ask myself whether every action is aligned with my quarterly and annual objectives,” Veronica explained. As a financial coach, Veronica was already adept at planning, but she needed help focusing on her own business. “Like most business owners, I tended to prioritize clients over my own strategic growth.”

She says one of the most valuable tools that CEO Think Tank ® has provided is the One-Page Strategic Plan, which keeps her focused on what’s truly important. But beyond the tools, she emphasizes the unexpected value of the peer group itself. “To have a group you can go to with any question or concern, without holding back, it’s simply invaluable.”

 

Andrew Leithe – CEO of Strategic Financial Advisors

Andrew Leithe joined CEO Think Tank® to gain clarity on team organization and strategy, with the goal of building a more efficient team and growing his firm’s revenue. A year later, Andrew says his company is experiencing tremendous growth with a 50% increase in revenue as compared to last year. He attributes this to his development of a more structured and organized approach to business.

“The most valuable thing I gained was understanding our firm’s purpose and vision. Any decision we make now is tied directly to those and our Core Values,” Andrew said. He attributes the clarity and growth in his business to the deliberate, process-oriented approach he’s adopted through CEO Think Tank’s® guidance.

Andrew also found great value in the camaraderie and shared experiences within the CEO Think Tank® community. “The group opens your eyes to questions you wouldn’t think to ask, and you get thoughtful suggestions from leaders across different industries,” he added. Andrew credits this dynamic support structure with pushing him to new heights, both personally and professionally.

 

Closing Thoughts

For these leaders, CEO Think Tank® has provided more than just tools and strategies—it has fostered a community of accountability and shared experience. Whether it’s refining team operations, prioritizing strategic growth, or building better decision-making frameworks, for these Enlightened Leaders, the first year with CEO Think Tank® has been transformative.

As Andrew Leithe said, “You can try to implement these ideas on your own, but having a structured process with accountability is key. It’s not for the weak of heart—it’s for those ready to take on the challenge.”

At CEO Think Tank®, we’re proud to see how our Enlightened Leaders have embraced that challenge and scaled new heights in their businesses. Here’s to many more years of growth, collaboration, and success.

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