# Vistage Research Center > Resource for Business Leadership, Coaching, and CEOs --- ## Posts - [Despite Shutdown, Small Business Confidence Hits 9-Month High [WSJ/Vistage Nov 2025]](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251125-small-business-confidence-hits-highest-levels-wsj-survey/): While economic sentiment remains dim among small business leaders, prospects and plans for their businesses have gained new momentum. Despite... - [5 Strategic Planning Priorities CEOs Must Address in 2026](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20251121-strategic-planning-priorities/): As CEOs plan for 2026, uncertainty and rapid change can make it easy to get stuck in incremental thinking. From... - [Vistage CEO Connect 2025: Leadership Lessons Every CEO Needs to Hear](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-growth-strategy/vistage-ceo-connect-2025-leadership-lessons-every-ceo-needs-to-hear/): Vistage events bring together the most influential and accomplished business leaders in the region, offering a rare platform for learning,... - [Digital Engagement: Driving Productivity in the AI Era](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/talent-management/employee-development/20251119-digital-engagement/): Looking ahead to the next decade, one thing is increasingly clear: the organizations that thrive will be those that cultivate... - [Top Local Business Peer Groups in Los Angeles, CA](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/member-experience/local-business-peer-groups-los-angeles/): Los Angeles business leaders face complex challenges that require strategic peer input to navigate successfully. From managing growth in competitive... - [Beyond Bouncing Back: The True Essence of Resilient Leadership](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20251113-resilient-leadership/): Each day, Shaun Tomson makes the choice to practice resilient leadership. This practice began in 1975 during a surfing competition... - [Top Local Business Peer Groups in Dallas, TX](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/member-experience/local-business-peer-groups-dallas/): In a city known for bold decisions and transformative thinking, exceptional leaders understand that reaching your full potential requires surrounding... - [From Founder to CEO: Mastering the Leadership Shift for Business Growth](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/leadership-competencies/20251110-founder-to-ceo/): You’ve launched a successful company and worn every hat — CFO, CMO, head of sales, even customer support — along... - [Business Trends for 2026 and Beyond](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20250813-business-trends-2026-and-beyond/): Entering 2026, small and midsize businesses are navigating a world of constant change, shaped by rapid advancements in AI, shifting... - [AI and SEO: the New Paradigm of Search Everywhere Optimization](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/customer-engagement/marketing-strategy/20251105-ai-and-seo/): For years, SEO was about one thing: getting to the top of Google. If you weren’t on page one, you... - [Top Local Business Peer Groups in Chicago, IL](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/member-experience/local-business-peer-groups-chicago/): Chicago business leaders operate in one of the most dynamic markets in the U. S. From global finance and health... - [CEO Confidence Remains ‘In Neutral’ As Leaders Wait [Vistage Q3 CEO Index]](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251008-ceo-confidence-remains-in-neutral-q3-vistage-ceo-index/): “Only time will tell” is a time-honored truth. No strategy instantly comes to life at its announcement; it takes time... - [Business Trends for 2026 and Beyond: An Executive Summary](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251103-business-trends-for-2026-and-beyond-executive-summary/): In this year’s trend series, we reflect on a business cycle shaping a new set of challenges for Vistage members.... - [The UK Economy at a Glance: Autumn 2025](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/the-uk-economy-at-a-glance-autumn-2025/): Economic headlines thrive on sensationalism. But the reality is often far more balanced. Around the world, populist politics often drag... - [Economic Trends for 2026 and Beyond](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251027-economic-trends-for-2026-and-beyond/): In Part IV of our series, we focus on Economic Trends facing small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in 2026 and... - [Peer Mentoring and Generative AI: A Human Way to Learn](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-operations/business-technology/20251024-peer-mentoring-and-generative-ai/): Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series examining generative AI and its continuing impact on the business world.... - [Hybrid Work Isn’t Dead; It’s Being Optimized](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/talent-management/20251024-hybrid-work-optimization-2025/): For desk workers, the transition from the traditional “MF95” (Monday to Friday, 9 to 5) office to a more flexible,... - [Increasing Costs Sour Small Business Outlook [WSJ/Vistage Oct 2025]](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251023-increasing-costs-sour-small-business-outlook-wsj-survey/): In the past month, a series of events has stalled small business confidence, leading the WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Confidence... - [Special Report: AI Trends for 2026 and Beyond](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251020-ai-trends-for-2026-and-beyond/): In Part III of our series, we turn our attention to AI. It was only three years ago that ChatGPT... - [10 Reasons Why Quiet Leadership Wins in the AI Era](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/leadership-competencies/20251017-quiet-leadership/): Today’s business landscape is noisy. Nonstop headlines compete for attention, and social media amplifies everyone’s opinions in a complex environment.... - [How Leaders Can Improve Their Strategic Planning Process](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/strategic-planning/20241107-strategic-planning/): As 2026 rapidly approaches, many business leaders are starting their strategic planning process. Setting a strategy is the most difficult... - [Turbocharge Your Business: A Formula for Value Creation](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/capital-cash-management/20251015-value-creation/): Entrepreneurs are builders and shapers of ideas, companies, jobs. And to keep building — to keep the entrepreneurial dream alive... - [Technology Trends for 2026 and Beyond](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20261013-technology-trends-for-2026-and-beyond/): In Part II of our series, we focus on Technology Trends facing small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in 2026 and... - [Social and Workforce Trends for 2026 and Beyond](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20251006-social-and-workforce-trends-for-2026-and-beyond/): In Part I of our series, we focus on social and workforce trends facing Vistage members in 2026 and beyond.... - [3 in 4 UK SME Leaders Doubt Autumn Budget Will Support Growth: Q3 Confidence Index Findings](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/3-in-4-uk-sme-leaders-doubt-autumn-budget-will-support-growth-q3-confidence-index-findings/): The Labour government continues to signal that difficult decisions are ahead. With borrowing costs at a twenty-seven-year high and sluggish... - [How to Develop Future-Ready Skills Through Agile Leadership](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/leadership-competencies/20251002-agile-leadership/): Superman might not cut it in today’s business world. Faster than a speeding bullet? More powerful than a locomotive? You’ll... - [The Top Executive Coaching Companies of 2025](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/member-experience/top-executive-coaching-companies/): We conducted an extensive analysis of the top executive coaching firms from March 2024 through August 2025, evaluating 73 companies... - [Ahead of Rate Cut, Small Business Confidence Hits 8-Month High [WSJ/Vistage Sept 2025]](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20250925-small-business-confidence-hits-8-month-high-wsj-survey/): Mere speculation about interest rate cuts led to a boost in small business confidence in September. The WSJ/Vistage Small Business... - [(It’s) OK, Boomer: How Reverse Mentorship Enhances Leadership](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/20250924-reverse-mentorship/): Steven Robertson is an internationally acclaimed author, a recognized keynote speaker and a respected executive with 30+ years’ experience consulting... - [Shared Fate: The Secret Ingredient for Accountable Teams](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250923-shared-fate-accountability/): Think back to the best team you’ve ever been on. Maybe it was a sports team, a work project, or... - [Uncovering Hidden Gems: Use Precision Interviewing to Select Top Talent](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/talent-management/hiring-recruitment-sourcing/20250623-precision-interviewing-to-select-top-talent/): In this webinar, 2024 Vistage Speaker of the Year Kathleen Quinn Votaw delivers an energetic and transformative presentation on the... - [Creating Lasting Impact: Leadership Lessons from Seth Godin](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250905-creating-lasting-impact-seth-godin/): What happens when Seth Godin, one of the world’s most original business thinkers, challenges CEOs to rethink everything they know... - [How Leaders Can Maximize AI and Productivity in the Workplace](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-operations/business-technology/20250915-ai-and-productivity-leadership/): As much as the workplace has evolved over the last decade, the challenge of balancing AI and productivity alongside workforce... - [Are you setting goals in the right way?](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/are-you-setting-goals-in-the-right-way/): 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the development of Brian Mayne’s Goal Mapping system. It’s a system for which Brian... - [The Top Leadership Development Programs: 2025 List](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/member-experience/top-leadership-development-programs/): We analyzed 47 leadership development programs serving CEOs and executive teams, evaluating them against measurable criteria for business impact and... - [‘I Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack’: 5 Lessons on CEO Health and Leadership](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/20250910-ceo-health-and-leadership/): Editor’s Note: As part of our ongoing CEO Health and Wellness coverage, we invited Mark Taylor (center), a Vistage Master... - [What the Best CEOs Do Differently — and Why It Works](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250909-the-best-ceos-do/): There are just some leaders who stand out among their peers. It’s not just their education or industry experience. It’s... - [Gen AI Adoption: Why Teams Are Lagging — and What CEOs Must Do](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-operations/business-technology/20250902-gen-ai-adoption-ceos/): Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series examining generative AI and its continuing impact on the business world.... - [“Fear will always be there. The secret is to push through it”: How to build mental resilience in leadership](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/work-life-balance/fear-will-always-be-there-the-secret-is-to-push-through-it-how-to-build-mental-resilience-in-leadership/): Lorraine McDonnell knows how to push limits. A keynote speaker, single parent of three, and the only combined Sundoor Firewalking... - [Why Leadership is Critical in an Economic Downturn](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250829-leadership-economic-downturn/): “Uncertainty” is the word on the minds of most small and midsize business executives in 2025. A plethora of policy... - [CEO Health and Wellness Resource Center](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/wellness/20250710-health-and-wellness-resource-center/): The demands of leadership are relentless, and, increasingly, CEOs and business leaders are recognizing that performance at the top starts... - [CEO Burnout Prevention: How Resilient Leaders Prioritize Wellness During Uncertainty](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/wellness/20250826-ceo-burnout-prevention/): When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, it brought unprecedented uncertainty, including a break in a 10-year run of economic... - [Vistage Chair Peter Hills: Top tips for coaching](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/chair-experience/vistage-chair-peter-hills-top-tips-for-coaching/): My Coaching Journey I recently hit 25 years of being a Chair and it’s understandably given me some chance to... - [Uncertainty Rises, Small Business CEO Confidence Stalls [WSJ/Vistage Aug 2025]](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-financials/economic-trends/20250819-uncertainty-rises-small-business-confidence-wsj-survey/): After July’s modest boost in confidence, the WSJ/Vistage Small Business CEO Confidence Index dropped slightly in August to 85. 0.... - [Practical Action Plans to Improve Leadership Skills Across Various Scenarios](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250818-action-plan-to-improve-leadership-skills/): Bob Prosen likes to say he has a superpower. It may not be a sexy superhero trait like flying or... - [Vistage on the Hill 2025: Members Bring ‘Brutal Facts’ to D.C.](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250815-vistage-on-the-hill-2025/): In a time of economic uncertainty and shifting policy landscapes, the 7th annual “Vistage on the Hill” event brought clarity,... - [How CEOs Train Like Elite Athletes to Lead at Peak Performance](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-leadership/20250813-how-ceos-train-like-elite-athletes/): The world’s best CEOs don’t just lead — they train. They approach leadership the same way elite athletes approach competition:... - [Implementing an Agile Talent Management Strategy for Organizational Success](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/talent-management/20250811-agile-talent-management/): When Craig Weber consults with a company trying to adopt agile talent management, he first works to understand the organization’s... - [Why AI Adoption in Business Is Every CEO’s Urgent Priority](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-operations/business-technology/20250807-ai-adoption-in-business/): AI adoption in business is no longer a distant prospect for the future. It is here, and leaders need to... - [Could multitasking be damaging your business?](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/business-growth-strategy/could-multitasking-be-damaging-your-business/): Sarah Furness spent 21 years as a helicopter pilot and squadron leader in the Royal Air Force. “Leading operational combat... - [How CEOs Can Use Mindful Movement to Combat Chronic Stress](https://www.vistage.com/research-center/personal-development/wellness/20250805-stress-relief-exercises-for-ceos/): In today’s fast-paced world, the pressure to succeed professionally and personally leaves many of us in a constant state of... --- # # Detailed Content ## Posts --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---