Cal State San Marcos Kicks Off Spring 2008 "In the Executive's Chair" Series

"In the Executive's Chair," a popular course at California State University San Marcos in the College of Business Administration, kicks off the year on Wednesday, Jan. 30 when the first of a dozen senior executive-level guests visits campus to share tips, tricks, strategies and challenges of running a business or organization.

Inspired by the Bravo television series, Inside the Actor's Studio, the class is part of the Center for Leadership Innovation and Management Building (CLIMB).

The class meets from 11:20 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. most Wednesdays through April in Markstein Hall, Room 125. The discussions are open to members of the campus and business community at no charge, space permitting. 

According to hosts Rajnandini "Raj" Pillai, executive director of CLIMB, and David Bennett, director of Outreach and co-creator of the course, "The major objective of the course is to expose our students to a variety of successful people who discuss their philosophies of business and life. In addition, we want students to hear how these individuals make critical business decisions and develop their leadership abilities." 

Dennis Guseman, dean of the College of Business Administration, said, "In the Executive's Chair brings faculty and students closer to the business community and to real world business situations. Students are required to research the company and related industries and be prepared to interview the speaker.  This course aims to provide students with very important understandings:  wisdom from successful business leaders; knowledge of how leaders think and make decisions; awareness of the importance of selecting the right people to work for you; the reality of balancing work with a family and finally, the commitment and sacrifice sometimes needed."

Check out  the bios for "In the Executive's Chair" Speakers!

In the Executive's Chair schedule follows:

Jan. 30

Greg Koch - Co-Founder & CEO -Stone Brewery           

Feb. 06

Judi Missett - Founder & CEO - Jazzercise

Feb. 13

Andy Laats - Persident & CEO -Nixon Inc.

Feb. 20

Helen Adams - Sr. Partner - Deloitte   

Feb. 27

Ron Gerevas - Sr. Partner - Heidreick & Struggles (past Peace Corps CEO)

March 5

Neil Schmale - CEO -  Sempra

March 19

Mimi Zeller - President & COO - Submarina

March 26

Holly Green, President & CEO - The Human Factor

April 9

George Hage, President & CEO- HiTRON

April 16

Jim Tenuto, President & CEO-Renaissance Executive Forum

April 23

Tedd Waitt -Founder & CEO - Gateway

April 30

Daniel Amen - President & CEO - Amen Clinics, Inc.