Want to build a powerful CEO network in 2025? Here’s what you need to know in 60 seconds:
The Challenge: Only 36% of CEOs feel confident in their strategic plans, and 72% rely too heavily on internal input alone.
Quick Solution: Build a diverse support network through:
- Digital platforms (LinkedIn, CEO Hangout, ExecThread)
- Peer groups (YPO, Vistage)
- Industry events
- Personal connections
Key Steps to Take Now:
- Set clear networking goals based on your business needs
- Join 2-3 CEO-focused online communities
- Attend quarterly industry events
- Build relationships across different sectors
- Follow up consistently with new contacts
Why It Works: CEOs with strong networks make better decisions and adapt faster to market changes. As Leroy Ball, CEO of Koppers says: "If there’s not alignment in the organization to carry out a great strategy, it’s not going to work."
| Network Type | Main Benefit | Time Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Online Communities | Quick advice & insights | 20-30 mins daily |
| Peer Groups | Deep problem-solving | 4-8 hours monthly |
| Industry Events | Face-to-face connections | Quarterly attendance |
| Personal Mentoring | Targeted guidance | 2-3 hours monthly |
Bottom Line: Don’t go it alone. In today’s complex business world, your network is your net worth. Start building yours today.
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Set Clear Network Goals
Building a strong CEO network starts with knowing exactly what you want from your professional relationships. Instead of compiling a list of random contacts, the most effective CEOs in 2025 focus on building connections that directly contribute to their business goals.
What Do You Need?
The best CEO networks revolve around specific, well-defined goals. Based on current trends, thriving CEOs tend to direct their networking efforts in these areas:
| Networking Goal | Purpose | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Guidance | Validate decisions, assess risks | Board members, experienced leaders |
| Market Intelligence | Understand trends and competition | Peer CEOs, industry analysts |
| Operational Excellence | Improve processes and adopt best practices | CEO forums, industry groups |
| Growth Opportunities | Build partnerships and explore expansion options | Investors, strategic partners |
Data from CEO Hangout reveals that CEOs who approach networking with specific goals form more meaningful relationships during events and Slack conversations. These targeted connections often result in measurable business outcomes, rather than shallow, one-off interactions.
Match Goals to Career Plans
Your networking efforts should align with your current challenges and future ambitions. Cheryl Grisé, Director for MetLife and ICF, captures this well:
"What I tell every CEO is, ‘You don’t want to be out on a limb by yourself. You want to make sure that you and the board are in alignment, particularly in these early days.’"
This quote underscores the value of building connections that align with your strategic priorities. When setting your networking goals, think about:
- Your Current Business Phase: Seek out contacts that can help address immediate needs like scaling the business, entering a new market, or enhancing profitability.
- Your Industry Context: Forge relationships that boost your competitive positioning and provide insights into sector-specific hurdles.
- Your Long-Term Vision: Establish connections that align with where you see your business heading in the next three to five years.
Use Online Networks
By 2025, online platforms have become a must-have tool for CEOs looking to grow their professional networks. Data from PwC reveals that 88% of CEOs find it challenging to extract real value from technology investments. This makes it more important than ever to focus on the right strategies for building connections online.
LinkedIn and ExecThread Tips
LinkedIn continues to be a top choice for executive networking. But simply having a profile isn’t enough. To make an impact, prioritize activities that highlight your expertise and encourage authentic relationships:
| Activity Type | Purpose | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Content Sharing | Show expertise | Post industry insights weekly and comment on hot topics. |
| Group Participation | Build connections | Join 3-5 relevant groups and make meaningful contributions monthly. |
| Direct Outreach | Strengthen ties | Send personal messages to 2-3 potential connections each week. |
ExecThread offers a more private setting for high-level networking. Because it’s restricted to verified executives, this invite-only platform is ideal for private conversations and exploring exclusive opportunities.
CEO Network Apps
One noteworthy platform in 2025 is CEO Hangout, which serves as a strong option for connecting with peers. Its Slack-based community allows for real-time conversations, while its exclusive events encourage deeper relationship-building. Members also benefit from structured networking groups that share industry insights and promote collaborative problem-solving.
"You can’t predict everything that’s going to happen because we live in a wacky world right now. But you can get so good at responding that you can mitigate a risk and exploit an opportunity better than a competitor can." – Stephen DeAngelis, CEO of Enterra
This quote from DeAngelis underscores the value of staying active on these platforms. Spaces like CEO Hangout provide a fast way to seek advice, tackle challenges, and discover opportunities by harnessing collective knowledge.
Consistency is the secret to maximizing online networks. Set aside 20-30 minutes each day to contribute to discussions, share your expertise, or connect with peers. Focus on quality over quantity – it’s better to have a smaller, engaged network than many superficial connections. This approach helps you build long-term, meaningful relationships.
Pick the Right CEO Groups
Joining the right CEO peer group can play a key role in enhancing your leadership skills and expanding your professional network. Research reveals that CEOs active in these groups tend to handle challenges more effectively. This is especially relevant given that nearly two-thirds of CEOs see a decline in their performance after their first five years.
Leading CEO Groups
By 2025, the landscape for executive networking groups has grown, with several organizations standing out for what they offer:
| Organization | Focus Area | Key Benefits | Membership Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization) | Global leadership | Industry-wide mentorship, exclusive events | Must be under 45, specific company revenue thresholds |
| Vistage | Peer advisory | Monthly meetings, one-on-one coaching | Must currently hold a CEO/Executive role |
| CEO Hangout | Digital networking | Slack community, sharing best practices | Must verify executive credentials |
Among these, CEO Hangout has become a prominent option for today’s leaders, blending the ease of digital access with structured networking. Its exclusive twice-yearly membership intakes ensure a carefully curated and engaged group of executives.
Choose Your Best Fit
Picking the right CEO group boils down to finding one that matches your needs and leadership goals. As Leroy Ball, CEO of Koppers, puts it, "If there’s not alignment in the organization to carry out a great strategy, it’s not going to work." This same principle applies to choosing the right peer group.
Here are some important factors to consider when narrowing down membership options:
| Factor | What to Evaluate | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Mix | Balance of members from your industry | Helps ensure discussions are relevant |
| Meeting Format | Virtual or in-person options | Affects your level of engagement and convenience |
| Member Composition | Size and scope of companies involved | Builds relatability for shared problem-solving |
| Time Investment | Required participation | Needs to match your schedule and priorities |
"You don’t want to be out on a limb by yourself. You want to make sure that you and the board are in alignment, particularly in these early days", says Cheryl Grisé, Director at MetLife and ICF.
The ideal group should combine strategic insights with practical takeaways. For instance, with 62% of CEOs believing that their boards could use fresh perspectives, peer groups can serve as an indispensable resource for navigating board relations and other organizational pressures. Look for those that complement your leadership style and focus on fostering deep, productive peer relationships – not just surface-level networking opportunities.
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Build Strong Connections
Building genuine relationships in your CEO network is about more than just gathering contacts or LinkedIn connections. Studies reveal that successful CEOs emphasize forming deep, intentional connections that encourage mutual growth and dependable support.
Connect With Purpose
Making meaningful connections begins with a deliberate approach. The focus should always be on quality rather than quantity, especially as the business world shifts in 2025. Here are some effective ways CEOs are fostering trust-based relationships:
| Connection Strategy | How to Apply | What It Leads To |
|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | Schedule regular 1:1 conversations with peers | Gain a better understanding of shared concerns |
| Personal Contact | Plan quarterly check-ins with core contacts | Strengthen professional relationships |
| Follow-up Actions | Send helpful resources within 48 hours post-meeting | Show commitment and reliability |
For example, CEO Hangout’s Slack community has emerged as a platform for purposeful interactions. Members report developing deeper relationships through structured online discussions and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Give Back to Others
Thriving CEO networks rely on reciprocity. With 37.5% of global employees leaning toward flexible work arrangements, CEOs who share their insights on navigating hybrid work models provide valuable guidance to their network.
"You don’t want to be out on a limb by yourself. You want to make sure that you and the board are in alignment, particularly in these early days", says Cheryl Grisé, Director for MetLife and ICF.
Here are some ways to stay active in your network:
- Share Leadership Insights: Document and distribute your experiences with inclusive leadership strategies.
- Mentor Rising Executives: Set aside a few hours each month to coach up-and-coming leaders.
- Facilitate Connections: Actively introduce peers to others who might benefit from working together.
The top CEO networks of 2025 balance personal development with professional growth. By prioritizing both giving and receiving support, leaders build connections that make them more resilient and effective in their increasingly complex roles.
Go to Key Events
In-person gatherings continue to play a major role for CEOs navigating the fast-paced changes of 2025. With 82% of CEOs worried their average competitor could become obsolete within the next decade, these events are essential for staying ahead, exchanging ideas, and growing their support systems.
CEO Events That Deliver
The best CEO events in 2025 mix actionable learning with meaningful networking. For example, CEO Hangout’s exclusive member events have gained attention for offering structured sessions on challenges like implementing GenAI – a subject that 68% of US CEOs view as a game-changer.
| Event Type | Strategic Focus | Networking Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Summits | Insights on trends and updates | Building peer relationships |
| Board Development Forums | Expertise on governance | Connecting with directors |
| Tech Leadership Conferences | Tips for digital evolution | Partnering with tech leaders |
| Regional CEO Meetups | Understanding local markets | Strengthening community ties |
Following Up After Events
What you do after the event often shapes its true impact. Leroy Ball, CEO of Koppers, puts it best: "It’ll be an iterative process that will occur over a year’s time, with all kinds of information, to align with a conclusion we’re all in agreement with."
To capitalize on these moments, try focusing on these strategies:
- Schedule Timely Check-ins: Arrange follow-up calls or meetings within two days to keep momentum going.
- Exchange Useful Insights: Share materials related to discussed topics, such as data on industry changes or transformation strategies.
- Stay Connected Online: Join ongoing discussions through CEO-centric forums like CEO Hangout’s Slack channels or similar platforms.
"You don’t want to be out on a limb by yourself. You want to make sure that you and the board are in alignment, particularly in these early days", says Cheryl Grisé, Director for MetLife and ICF.
Mix Up Your Network
In today’s fast-changing business world, CEOs must seek out diverse viewpoints to spark new ideas and stay ahead of the competition. Building a network that includes people from different industries and walks of life is crucial for leadership success in 2025.
Look Beyond Your Field
Connecting with leaders outside your industry can give you fresh ideas to approach challenges differently. Studies show that CEOs who engage with others beyond their sector are better equipped to adjust to shifting business landscapes. This is especially important when managing hybrid work environments, where 37.5% of employees now prioritize flexible work options.
| Network Focus Area | What You Gain | Impact on Business |
|---|---|---|
| Leaders from Other Industries | New ways to tackle challenges | Faster innovation |
| Global Contacts | Insight into international markets | Better chances for global growth |
| Technology Leaders | Expertise in digital tools | Staying ahead of the competition |
| Social Change Advocates | Guidance for ESG strategies | Building trust with stakeholders |
Build a Mixed Network
A varied network helps you make better decisions and equips your organization to face challenges head-on. This mindset is even more relevant as workplace attitudes shift – 74% of men and 70% of women now feel comfortable discussing well-being at work. These trends call for leadership styles that embrace inclusion and adaptability.
"You want talent that understands scale", says Maggie Wilderotter, Board Member at Costco and former CEO of Frontier Communications. This advice also applies to your network-building strategy.
Creating a balanced network doesn’t happen by chance – it takes a deliberate approach. Programs like CEO Hangout’s international connections initiative have shown how pairing leaders from different sectors can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and collaborations. Maintaining openness is key, and as one experienced CEO puts it, having “strong opinions, loosely held” can make all the difference.
Here’s how to increase network diversity:
- Blend of Industries: Collaborate with leaders from both similar and very different sectors.
- Global Scope: Build relationships with professionals across various regions.
- Range of Experience: Engage with both established executives and up-and-coming talents.
For instance, in Australia, 26% of workers prefer full-time remote jobs – a clear reminder of the need to understand different workplace preferences. By welcoming diverse perspectives, CEOs can better adapt to challenges, encourage innovation, and ensure steady growth in an evolving business environment.
Conclusion
Main Points
To build a reliable CEO support network in 2025, combining traditional networking techniques with digital platforms is essential. Studies reveal that effective CEOs focus on fostering diverse and meaningful connections that offer support during tough times. It’s all about ensuring your personal goals align with the broader needs of the organization. As Leroy Ball, CEO of Koppers, wisely points out: "If there’s not alignment in the organization to carry out a great strategy, it’s not going to work."
| Network Building Priority | Benefit | How to Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Defining Clear Goals | Brings Focus | Self-reflection and aligning with your board |
| Strengthening Digital Presence | Expands Reach | Active participation on LinkedIn and ExecThread |
| Joining Peer Groups | Encourages Learning | Engage with communities like CEO Hangout or similar industry forums |
| Building Diverse Connections | Sparks New Ideas | Collaborate with leaders from different industries |
Next Steps
A good starting point? Evaluate your current network and spot the gaps. Cheryl Grisé, Director for MetLife and ICF, stresses: "You don’t want to be out on a limb by yourself. You want to make sure that you and the board are in alignment, particularly in these early days." This serves as a reminder to prioritize supportive relationships early in your journey.
Consider these actionable steps to get started:
- Join structured CEO networks such as CEO Hangout to learn from industry experts.
- Schedule quarterly meetings with important connections to stay engaged.
- Plan to attend at least two major industry events every year to keep up with trends and expand your circle.
Lastly, take note of shifting workplace dynamics. For example, with 37.5% of employees preferring flexible work setups, it’s vital to connect with leaders who excel at handling remote and hybrid teams. Focus on forming connections that offer practical advice for handling the challenges of a constantly changing business landscape.