The Value of C-level Connections for Evanta Members

In today's ever-evolving business landscape, the value of strong professional connections cannot be overstated, especially for C-level executives. At Evanta, a Gartner Company, we recognize that building and nurturing these connections is essential for driving innovative ideas, validating strategies, and solving critical business challenges.

According to Evanta’s Governing Body Member survey, 88% of respondents cited exclusive opportunities to connect with members as the most valuable aspect of Evanta membership. In addition, nearly every respondent shared that their involvement with Evanta enabled them to develop a new relationship with a peer.

Evanta brings top quality C-suite talent together and makes it just plain easy for us to connect, share and learn from one another.”

- Darren Challey
CISO, Remitly, Inc.
Co-Chair of the Global CISO community
 

In the first two installments of our blog series, we explored the value of peer interactions at Evanta’s community programs and the impact of sharing exclusive peer insights among community members. In this installment, we delve into the value of connections within Evanta’s communities and how these relationships enhance both personal and organizational success.
 

The Power of C-Level Connections

C-level executives often say they feel lonely in their roles and that developing high-quality peer relationships is a critical part of their journey for continuous learning and effective leadership. These connections provide them with a variety of perspectives, technical expertise, and collaborative problem-solving opportunities, with takeaways they can bring back to their organizations. 

Neil Morris, CIO of Ball Aerospace and Governing Body Member of the Denver CIO Community, says, "Relationships matter at the C-level. You are peerless within the organization, so building relationships with other C-level peers outside of the organization is important."

Similarly, Eric Silverman, EVP and CFO of Service Coordination and Governing Body Member of the Washington, DC CFO Community, highlights the unique challenges faced by CFOs and the importance of peer interactions. He shares, "When one is at the C-level, you are part of a team of strong leaders; however, they all come to the table with different expertise – no one else is a CFO. The challenge is to find a way to interact with peers and continue to grow your CFO experience from outside your organization. The Evanta CFO community is the perfect setting to do this."
 

The Value of In-Person Collaboration

In an increasingly digital world, the value of in-person connections is irreplaceable, especially for C-level executives. While virtual meetings and discussions offer convenience, they often lack the depth and spontaneity of face-to-face interactions. Hallway conversations and casual chats during in-person events provide unique opportunities for executives to connect on a personal level, fostering deeper relationships and more meaningful collaborations that can lead to significant insights and opportunities.

Christina Morillo, Head of Information Security for the New York Giants and Governing Body Member of the New York CISO Community, emphasizes the importance of these connections. She says, "The Evanta community provides a collaborative network for exchanging best practices and sharing industry standards, and it is instrumental in driving the conversation around cybersecurity at the executive level – making it an essential platform for both personal and professional growth."

Sam Hamilton, SVP, Head of Data & AI at Visa and Co-Chair of the San Francisco CDAO Community, also highlights the benefits of in-person collaboration. He adds, "Joining this network of top-level executives allows for relationship building, cooperative initiatives, and possible strategic alliances. In exchange, I contribute my network and willingness to collaborate, nurturing a more robust and interlinked collective community."
 

Building a Supportive Network of Like-minded Peers 

C-level executives have unique challenges and opportunities, and it is crucial for executives to connect with like-minded leaders who understand these priorities so they can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate on solutions. Cross-industry collaboration is especially important, as it offers fresh insights and approaches to overcoming shared challenges one might not encounter within their own sector. 

Ferdie Kruger, CHRO at Peabody and Governing Body Member of the Australia CHRO Community, captures this sentiment when he says, “Being part of this network allows me to connect with peers facing similar challenges, providing a support system and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration.”

Kathi Chandler-Payatt, Global Head of Content Analytics, MGM Studios, a division of Amazon Studios and Prime Video and Governing Body Member of the Southern California CDAO Community, highlights the benefits of cross-industry perspectives. She says, "My strategic vision comes into focus through listening and sharing ideas with other analytics executives. The Evanta community has a diverse selection of industries and job functions, yet the problems we’re tackling are largely the same. I feel fortunate to be a member of an expert community of curious, determined, and collaborative problem-solvers.”

In today's dynamic business landscape, being part of a trusted network of peers can have a transformative impact on an executive’s personal and organizational success. Evanta is committed to facilitating these connections for the 14,300 C-level executives who participate in our communities worldwide. 

As Marish Shah, Head of Cyber Security at EXtra Saudi and Governing Body Member of the Middle East CISO Community says, “In a world full of networking opportunities, I chose Evanta for its remarkable concept and the high caliber of its members. The community is packed with incredibly talented individuals, and the chance to learn from their experiences and insights is invaluable to me. It’s been a great decision to be part of such a dynamic and knowledgeable group.” 

If you are a C-level executive looking to enhance your leadership, gain new perspectives, and build lasting relationships, we invite you to join an Evanta community. If you are already a member, sign into MyEvanta to view upcoming opportunities to connect, share, and learn with your peers.