written by Xan Pearson, CEO & President, CTLF

 

 

Our mission at CTLF is to create healthy, prosperous, purpose-driven business leaders for the 21st century. We provide a multitude of programs and events which create opportunities for our members and business leaders in the community to defy convention, expand their thinking, grow as a person, and experience authentic connections. Following is a quick summary of these different opportunities which we would love to share with you. How will you be transformed?

 

PROGRAMS

Strategic Connections
In 2011, CTLF added its first program called Strategic Connections. Seeing the futility of most traditional networking events where everyone seems to be trying to sell you something, Strategic Connections was the ideal program to foster our first pillar, Abundance. Originally founded in 1983, Strategic Connections is designed for influential business leaders who are well-connected and willing to serve others. The purpose of the program is to expand each member’s circle of influence by making introductions and connections for each other.

We currently have four chapters, each meeting twice a month at different locations along the Front Range, from RiNo to the Denver Metro Golden Triangle, Glendale, and Littleton. Each chapter consists of up to 24 members who are approved on the basis of the strength of their connections and influence in the community. Each chapter member is typically the exclusive representative from within their industry. While the focus of Strategic Connections is definitely business growth, rich relationships frequently develop out of mutual respect and high levels of trust.

Personal Development Forums (PDF)
In 2012, CTLF added Personal Development Forums to our programming in support of our second pillar, Wellbeing. Understanding that personal and professional wellbeing are essential to developing thriving leaders, we created a program for successful executives and business owners who are committed to expanding their leadership abilities and capacity for growth by better understanding and challenging themselves as people, not just as owners and CEOs. PDF groups meet in small, intimate circles of eight to twelve members, gathering monthly over the course of a year and are 100% confidential. Facilitated discussions delve into deep topics such as interpersonal communications, conflict resolution, dealing with anxiety and stress, and other business leadership issues where greater levels of connection and accountability among participants are fostered. We currently have four Personal Development groups. This year, in 2022, CTLF added THRIVE, a new Personal Development Group, to the line-up. THRIVE Participants meet monthly in a group-facilitated setting where members grow as individuals and grow as leaders. THRIVE is dedicated to entrepreneurs cultivating deep relationships, sharing rich, applicable insights, and providing accountability.

WiseWomen
WiseWomen was an existing program that joined CTLF in 2017 as a place for executive-level women in leadership roles with significant P&L responsibility to develop camaraderie and connection in a safe, supportive environment. This program delivers benefits to participants that span all three CTLF pillars. WiseWomen focuses on developing peer-level relationships, mentoring, relatability, shared insights, and creating authentic friendships. Group participation is on an annual basis, and members meet formally once per month with frequent small-group adventures, gatherings and more.

Leadership Growth Experience (LGE)
In 2019, CTLF implemented a six-month program for participants, designed to deliver challenging introspection, remove roadblocks, build peer relationships, and create a vision for who they want to be as leaders. LGE groups support our third pillar of Thriving. These monthly sessions consist of groups of 10 led by a facilitator who helps participants design and develop their own leadership style. CTLF offers three kinds of LGE groups to best align with the unique challenges associated with each: CEOs and Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Senior Leadership.

Other Programs and Partnerships
CTLF has recently launched several new programs and partnerships that align with our mission and help support our three pillars of Abundance, Wellbeing, and Thriving. We are excited to begin actively promoting these new offerings and we encourage you to check the CTLF website for more information as these programs are developed!

  • DenSun – The Denver ScaleUp Network is an annual post-accelerator program designed by the Denver Office of Economic Development & Opportunity in partnership with Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network and Colorado Thought Leaders Forum. It supports a small, diverse group of emerging Denver CEOs by providing guidance, connections, and resources needed to solve their key strategic challenges to growth.
  • Denver Global Landing Pad – CTLF has partnered with the City of Denver to support this business acceleration program providing a virtual introductory tool kit on doing business in Denver. We aim to create ideal conditions for foreign small businesses to validate their fit in the U.S. market and explore opportunities in Denver, including potential membership in our CTLF community.
  • CEO Connect – CEO Connect was born out of the success of our annual CEO Forum event. It provides a mechanism for continued engagement among participating CEOs, Owners, and Presidents throughout the year.

 

EVENTS

CEO Forum
CTLF acquired the CEO Forum in 2019 as an exclusive platform to bring CEOs, Owners, and Presidents to connect with their peers, share wisdom, and be inspired by other successful business leaders at the highest levels. Held annually in October, the CEO Forum is the largest event we host and is offered only to CEOs, Owners, and Presidents. Keynote addresses and curated content are designed around our three pillars and incorporate HEART-level leadership principles.

Spring Keynote
Spring is a time for renewal and optimism. We are excited to invite successful world-class business leaders to speak at our spring keynote event each year to share insights, ideas, and inspiration with our CTLF members and their guests.

Summer Social
Each summer, our entire membership and their guests are invited to mix, mingle, and network at our Summer Social. The event is casual but make no mistake—a lot of great business relationships are made at this event!

Fireside Chats
CTLF regularly holds smaller, more intimate fireside chats where successful members share their experiences, address the business trends and challenges of the day, and offer their expertise on a host of different topics. Fireside chats are free to all members and their guests.

Member Breakfasts
Member breakfasts are a great way to meet other CTLF members and connect informally over a meal or a cup of coffee. Times, dates, and locations vary, so be sure to check the events page on our website or watch your inbox for informational email.

Holiday Gathering
As each year draws to a close, we are not only excited to celebrate the holidays together, but also our many CTLF relationships and respective successes. The holiday gathering is open to all CTLF members and their guests.

Topical & Timely Social Discussions
As CTLF continues to grow and evolve, we understand that the world we are living in is constantly changing. We provide pop-up discussions, based on current events and relevant business issues facing our community. Coming soon… a bi-weekly series devoted to surviving and thriving in a market recession.