Fifth Annual Leaders Forum Retreat
During the 2017 Leaders Forum retreat, member companies reflected on a range of topics on the shifting relationship between business, government, and the people. Discussion were led by invited experts, as well as Aspen Institute directors. Initial conversations focused on corporations and public policy, where government affairs specialists from Leaders Forum companies examined the role that they play in representing corporate interests on Capitol Hill and with the executive branch. A lunch conversation on congressional perspectives of business was led by Dan Glickman, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Congressional Program.
In leading companies, there is increased emphasis on setting bold, forward-looking goals on environmental issues that will influence management practices for years to come. A panel of corporate leaders moderated by Greg Gershuny, Deputy Director of the Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Program, discussed whether companies can and should go beyond their own corporate boundaries to influence public discourse and policy making on these issues — especially in the midst of shifting public rhetoric and priorities. This was followed by a discussion with Alistair Fitzpayne, Executive Director of the Future of Work Initiative at the Aspen Institute.
Over the course of the retreat, Leaders Forum members also shared stories on CEO leadership, innovative initiatives, and other topics of interest determined by members themselves.