There is a group of highly accomplished executives who devote their time to helping select San Diego companies navigate their business challenges, for free. The CEOs of more than 400 companies faced with strategic ’make-or-break’ decisions, have turned to Chairmen’s RoundTable for pro-bono guidance provided by former CEOs and business leaders of companies such as Harley-Davidson, Burger King, SAIC, Northrop Grumman, Seagram, Freedom Communications and SeaWorld.
Chairmen’s RoundTable (CRT) mentors are former executives and entrepreneurs who volunteer their time and expertise to helping for-profit companies be successful. They are experienced in most sectors of the economy, having succeeded in leadership positions in industries such as restaurant and hospitality, aerospace and defense, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, media, health care, real estate, important/export, consumer products, recreational services and travel, and dozens of other sectors. Their motivation is simply to contribute to the community by helping local companies succeed.
CRT also partners with many of San Diego's premier educational and professional organizations, including: Beyster Institute, North San Diego Business Chamber, California State University San Marcos, Entrepreneurs' Organization, Corporate Directors Forum and Life Lounge San Diego.
How does CRT work?
Working in small teams, CRT mentors engage with the CEOs and/or owners of client companies to identify and define issues over a series of meetings, and then work to help them create and implement solutions. In addition to using their own insights and skills, mentors may recommend and assist in the retention of tactical specialists. Client companies also have the opportunity to present to the entire CRT mentoring group, from which they can get the perspective of more than three dozen mentors with a wide range of industry and functional experience.
Who is eligible?
Owners or CEOs of closely held companies are invited to apply by clicking here. Exceptions are sometimes allowed, but general guidelines for eligibility are:
- Established businesses with $2 million or more in annualized revenue
- At least five employees
- Does not already have a formal set of advisors or a board
- Is not in financial crisis
- Is not actively raising money from investors
- Coachable CEO
- Based in San Diego
What's the catch?
There is no catch. Since our founding in 1997 our sole mission has been to strengthen San Diego’s businesses, one company at a time. We provide our proven mentoring process to qualified businesses as a community service. Mentors are forbidden from accepting any compensation or position with a client's company for a minimum of two years after the CRT engagement ends. Our mission is solely and purely to enhance the strength of San Diego’s business community by providing intimate mentoring, one company at a time. See list of current mentors.
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