Klaus Kneale is CEO Network editor for Forbes.com. His task is to trigger debate on a selection of interesting, useful and distinctive issues aimed at C-suite level readers worldwide.
Some recent topics covered include the 4-day workweek, business news readership trends among CEOs and the proprieties of accepting a counteroffer from your current employer rather than accept a new high-level position.
An added benefit to the site is its potential networking aspects.
The CEO Network has been revamped. I recently asked Klaus about the network and its goals.
Q. What is Forbes.com trying to accomplish with the CEO Network?
A. At its core, the CEO Network is an online community for top tier business executives. Membership is by invitation only but once inside, a member is part of a community of like-minded and like-experienced professionals.
Q. How are you intending to choose the questions you ask of the corporate participants?
A. Although Forbes.com will facilitate some discussion, the members shouldn’t expect to be interviewed. The topics of conversation are really in the hands of the members. They should have conversations — even arguments — about what matters to them. If the members care about, say, the high price of aluminum, then the high price of aluminum will find its way into the discussion.
Q. What value will the participants gain through this?
A. CEO Network members will have a chance to read exclusive material from Forbes and Forbes.com. But the real value to the network is the network itself. I would like to think that the chairman of a large manufacturing company in India and the CEO of a small power company in Montana could meet through this platform and share ideas. Experience, wisdom, and even a certain level of empathy can cross distances these things wouldn’t normally cross.
Q. This discussion group of sorts could include some high profile corporate leaders. What topics do you envision tackling and will you moderate the ensuing debate?
A. Business. All the members are presumably in business because of business. Although any topic is fair game on the network, business is what I believe will drive most of the conversations and arguments. I couldn’t begin to tell you what specifically will come up. Forbes.com won’t moderate discussions as much as add to them as another participant in the conversation. Conversation wandering away from the initial topic is part of any fluid discussion.
Q. Anything else you wish to add?
A. A network like this is all about the intangible value. We are trying to create a space where business leaders can confidently interact with one another.