six thinking hats

Why We Should Listen to Black Hat Thinkers

June 3, 2012

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, there was a king that ruled over a vast territory. One day, the king declared, if we build a bridge over the abyss, then our kingdom will be richer and we can hunt the animals on the other side. He gathered his men and instructed them… Read more

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I am recognizing and stopping harmful negative thoughts more often. It has made me more calm and confident as a leader.

Beth Ward

CEO & Founder / Beth Ward Studios

It has helped me to not be over concerned and react negatively when things don’t go our way (what is good or bad)? To look for what gifts can come from it.

Chris Polek

CEO / Polek & Polek

I’m already getting grateful and admiring comments related to my improved emotional intelligence, humility, and clarity.

Mark DiMassimo

Founder / DiMassimo Goldstein

It allowed me to expand my perspective during COVID and lead my team with a “gift” lens rather than a “disaster” lens.

Christine Courtney

President / The Leadership Program

It has taught me to be more patient and understanding of other people’s issues. It gives me an insight into why they react the way they do and how I can work to accept that. it all starts with me and the way I show up.

Ryan Jennings

CEO / Sentinel Builders, LLC

The program has really tamped down my stress level and I am now much better at falling back to sleep at night. I have also become more empathetic at work and a much better listener.

Judy Paul

CEO / The Washington Square Hotel

It was the single most important experience that has significantly impacted my personal and professional life.

Andrew W. Singer

Managing Partner / Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP

Mark Taylor is recognized by Vistage as a Master Chair, which means they consider him to be one of the best in the country. To me, he is just the best, period. This shows up in his consistent ability to attract the most extraordinary business leaders to his groups, and to foster an environment of mutual support, challenge and growth. The proof is in the business and life results of each individual in each group and of their businesses. My business, for example, has been recognized by Inc. magazine each year since I joined Vistage as one of the fastest growing private businesses in the country – so far, for four years in a row. By every measure we are bigger, better, stronger and more profitable. And equally satisfying is the fact that we are able to do a lot more good for more organizations. My evolution as a leader has dramatically accelerated since joining Vistage, and this is a direct result of the peer interactions in our group, of the exceptional material of the speakers, of the issue processing in our Triad and monthly meeting, and of Mark’s mentorship as well. My results are typical of the dramatic advances made by other members of my Vistage group. It’s incredibly satisfying, and deeply educational too, to see my fellow members tackle difficult business problems and come back stronger. I’ve also seen members grow and sell their businesses for phenomenal figures I just couldn’t believe until they had the checks in hand. And I’ve seen others recommit to leading their businesses for the long run, but on their own terms, and I share their sense of mission and satisfaction. I couldn’t recommend Mark Taylor’s Vistage groups any more highly than I do. Business changing and life changing!

Mark DiMassimo

Chief / DiMassimo Goldstein

“As a member of a Vistage CEO group for more than 20 years, I’ve developed better decision-making skills, appreciated the supportive environment, and garnered greater confidence in operating my business more effectively.”

Judy Paul

CEO / Washington Square Hotel

“It need not be lonely at the top, but it certainly will be if you only have interested parties (employees, partners, bosses, investors, board-members, etc.) and family to support you. If you lack the right external support system, you’ll likely lean too heavily on your team, and this often creates unfortunate repercussions. You may think you have no time for an outside commitment such as Vistage, but all the members of my Vistage group have found that perspective and a strong support system create much more time than they take.”

Mark DiMassimo

Chief / DiMassimo Goldstein

“I have gained unique insights to improve my organization that haven’t been offered elsewhere. Additionally, I have enjoyed the relationships that have been formed with the other members and have appreciated the confidentiality that is maintained throughout our meetings.”

Patricia Dahl

CEO / The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration

“Unlike CEO’s in corporate America, small business CEO’s are isolated and often make critical decisions in a vacuum. Vistage provides a sounding board of experienced CEO’s who are committed to providing guidance and direction to their Vistage peers to ensure that business decisions implemented are well thought out and right for their business.”

Peter Ferrigno

CEO / The Solutions Group

“Vistage is the best investment I have made in my personal development since I launched my company 18 years ago. My Vistage Chair and peer CEOs are my sounding board. I trust each of them to give me sound advice and honest feedback on the tough issues I’m facing today, and the questions and opportunities looming as I look long-term.”

Susan White Morrissey

Founder & CEO / White + Warren

“As my business grew and I achieved a level of success, the landscape became more and more difficult to navigate. Making the transition from a business owner who controlled everything to a leader of a capable and independent team was the most daunting challenge I had ever faced. Vistage allowed me to be successful through this transition by connecting me with other business owners who were navigating the same challenges and providing fantastic speakers who provide different ways of looking at my business.“

Mark Laufer

CEO / Laufer Group International

“Joining Vistage gives me one day out of the month to get out of the hustle & bustle of the office to refocus, learn from the resources and come back with new ideas to implement. I have enjoyed speakers and leave every meeting with new ideas and actions to take when I get back to the office. It has been a worthwhile investment in my personal and professional development and as a result, I have become a better leader. As the chair of my Vistage group, Mark has demonstrated a great ability to keep the group on track and have impact. Mark is a great motivator and has many valuable ideas that have helped me grow, both personally and professionally. Thanks Mark!”

Michael Feldman

CEO / David Feldman Worldwide

“Mark is passionate about making an impact in the lives of CEO’s and their businesses in a holistic manner. He seeks to bring resources to bear for each person he connects with in every manner possible through connecting with external resources to coaching and team development. I confidently recommend Mark as a coach and resource for any CEO who wants to continue learning and evolve personally and professionally.”

Jonathan Satovsky

CEO / Satovsky Asset Management