Spotlight On: Bryan Hensley, Director of Operations & Chair Development, Vistage – Florida
January 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Bryan Hensley, director of operations and chair development for Vistage Florida, discussed the landscape for the CEO coaching and peer advisory organization, and what the future holds for “the best-kept secret” in Florida. “We have ambitious growth goals, aiming to increase our membership by nearly 50% in the next four years,” he said.
What have been some of the main highlights and key milestones for Vistage?
We’re the best-kept secret in Florida. Vistage has been a leading resource for business leaders for 67 years, yet many people remain unaware of who we are. We have more than 800 members, primarily CEOs and business owners. Each of these leaders is a member of a group of 12-16 fellow CEOs from non-competing companies who collaborate and learn from one another. Additionally, we have key executive groups that comprise c-suite executives such as vice presidents and COOs. Each of these groups is guided by a veteran chair who possesses extensive business experience and a desire to mentor and support CEOs in enhancing their business strategies.
We have experienced a consistent growth trend over the past five years and we are excited about the recent influx of new members joining us. Additionally, we have five newly trained chairs who are eager to build their groups. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our growth has remained steady and resilient. And, remarkably, during the pandemic, we increased our members’ companies’ revenues when non-members were, on average, experiencing a downturn. We are optimistic about the future and look forward to continuing to support CEOs and executives in Florida and beyond.
Which sectors or industries do you expect to be the main drivers of growth for Vistage?
It varies widely because it is largely determined by which CEOs have been approached by our chairs to be members. Since the members of a group are non-competitors, each chair recruits members based on what seats are available and what industries are not already represented in their group. We’re already seeing some trends in terms of members coming in from technology fields, particularly those that are dealing with cybersecurity and AI.
The pandemic caused significant damage to the supply chain, leading to significant challenges for logistics and shipping companies. Many of these companies are making a comeback after being hit hard so we’re seeing them coming aboard with us. Other industries represented in our membership include manufacturing, and ancillary businesses that serve manufacturing companies, such as warehousing, raw material suppliers, refrigeration services, machine parts and HVAC services. The construction industry has seen a resurgence in recent years, resulting in increased membership from building supplies, lumber companies, and construction-related services like HVAC, painting, and design companies.
What competitive advantages or benefits can a company obtain by becoming a member of Vistage?
When a CEO joins Vistage, they immediately gain access to three key benefits. Firstly, they join a peer advisory group where they can confide in other CEOs who are facing similar challenges. This peer group provides a safe and confidential space for CEOs to share their thoughts and ideas, without fear of judgment or retribution. Secondly, CEOs often experience a sense of isolation due to their position as the ultimate decision-maker. By joining a Vistage group, they become part of a community of 10-16 non-competing CEOs who can provide valuable advice and support. Thirdly, Vistage offers a structured process called “issue processing.” In this process, group members take turns presenting a challenging issue they are facing, and the group works together to analyze the issue and develop potential solutions. This process helps CEOs gain new perspectives and insights, and it also holds them accountable for taking action on the solutions they identify. The combination of peer support, confidentiality, and accountability makes Vistage a valuable resource for CEOs looking to improve their leadership skills and achieve success in their businesses.
How does Vistage Florida employ technology and innovation?
That comes in a couple of ways. Our members can access various resources through Vistage Worldwide, including direct consultations with experts in technology and AI. These experts can assist them in navigating the rapidly evolving field of AI. To address the concerns and uncertainties surrounding AI, we have organized workshops led by industry specialists and speakers. These workshops aim to educate our members on the potential applications of AI and provide practical guidance on implementing and utilizing new technologies.
We have undergone significant transformation in recent years, prioritizing the improvement of our data systems and technology, transitioning from manual member applications to automated processes that seamlessly integrate into our databases. One of the primary challenges we face is encouraging CEOs to join our program and commit to the required time investment. The monthly full-day meetings and one-on-one sessions can be daunting for busy executives. To address this challenge, we emphasize the value that CEOs can gain from our program. We encourage them to share their concerns, struggles, and aspirations, assuring them that Vistage’s expert group can provide guidance and support. Conveying this message effectively to hesitant CEOs remains a crucial aspect of onboarding new members.
What is the outlook for Vistage, and what are your goals and priorities for the next two to three years?
Our focus is on consistent growth. An example of this is the recent addition of new chairs to our team. Before the pandemic, I led a project to implement training for new chairs with Vistage Worldwide trainers, which was conducted virtually. While Vistage Worldwide follows the same processes and procedures, Vistage Florida is a separate entity with some autonomy and variations in our processes. We previously sent new chairs to Vistage Worldwide for training. We have ambitious growth goals, aiming to increase our membership by nearly 50% in the next four years. We believe that onboarding these new chairs will significantly contribute to our growth strategy. We are excited about this opportunity.
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