A Safe Haven for CEOs
To an ordinary person, a safe haven is a place, asset, or situation that offers protection and stability during times of crisis or uncertainty. In finance, it refers to investments such as gold or government bonds that retain their value during market downturns. More broadly, it can mean a refuge from physical danger, emotional distress, or political persecution.
But at Virginia CEOs, we talk about Safe Haven in a particular way. It is an environment that we create in our peer roundtables and at events, where CEOs can let their guard down, open up to those around them, and embrace vulnerable conversations.
We asked several members to talk about how they experience Safe Haven at VACEOs. Here is what they said.
Creating a Safe Haven for VACEOs members allows my peers and me to form authentic relationships and eliminates the dread often associated with sales pitches in business networking. Building trusting relationships with members often leads to organic conversations about products and services, but it’s not where it begins.
Safe Haven means keeping the primary focus on the leader, not the business they represent.
Jill Lemon, Sandbox
When I think of Safe Haven in the context of VACEOs, the first thing that comes to mind is the rare freedom to let your guard down. So much of my day-to-day life involves being pitched, sold to, or needing to project confidence even when I don’t feel it.
VACEOs offers something completely different. It’s one of the few places where I don’t feel like anyone’s trying to sell me anything, and I don’t have to perform.
Henry Clifford, Livewire
To me, Safe Haven means showing up to Roundtable meetings and events without having to be on guard — knowing that I’m not being sold to, judged, or sized up. It’s a place where I can be honest about challenges, celebrate wins, and connect with people who genuinely care about my success, not just my business.
Todd Mawyer, TK Promotions
Because of the “Safe Haven” environment, I am able to bring my authentic self to my Forum. This allows me to share my successes and failures. As a result, I am a better leader.
Ron Carey, Tilt Creative + Production
I consider Safe Haven to mean that I can feel free to express and share anything — knowing it will be held in confidence. It is a no-judgment zone. It’s also my responsibility to hear others out completely. We give each other the space to share issues, thoughts, and challenges, knowing they will under no circumstances leave the room. We can all feel free to share without constraint or fear of judgement.
Melissa Ball, Ball Office Products & C.P. Dean Company
Safe Haven means being surrounded by people who genuinely want to help, and know how to do it in the right way. Being able to openly share struggles with peers who truly understand what it’s like to be a CEO has been transformative for me. Not only in business, but also in my personal life.
Bryant Harrison, Seventh Wall
Safe Haven means freedom from pressure – the pressure of hard and soft sales pitches while enjoying the benefits of being a member of Virginia CEOs.
Scott Crawford, Virginia 811
The value of Safe Haven lies in the knowledge that I am surrounded by like-minded CEOs, focused on personal growth and peer support rather than economic gain. This, in turn, means that the comfort level to truly engage my peers is secure.
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