2008-08-30 03:02:04 -

www.vistage.com - When chief executives turn for help from an executive coach, they expect to meet in an office, a boardroom or maybe a coffee shop. However, when David Zenner, CEO of the Zenner Group based in Atlanta, meets with his executive coach, a Chair from executive performance company Vistage International, it's not always in such a traditional setting.

Zenner meets his Vistage Chair, Lisa Dugan, once a month for a one-on-one executive coaching session. This month, the two seasoned entrepreneurs took their meeting outdoors and hit the issues while riding their bicycles.

"The topics aren't different, but the style of conversation is," said Zenner. "We're able to deal with what's on my mind in a casual, but focused setting and the fact that I don't have a pen and paper in front of me helps me to think outside the box and get to the heart of some very important issues."

On one recent ride, the issue of leadership and David's style in the office are the topics of discussion. In addition to the one-to-one session with his Chair, Zenner also attends a monthly Vistage group meeting with 14 other local CEOs from non-competing businesses.

"Lisa has been changing my focus and helping me realize that my employees are a direct reflection of me and my style," said Zenner. "I truly wouldn't be the CEO I am today without the guidance I get from her and the other CEOs in my Vistage group."

Vistage groups meet throughout the United States and offer executives a forum to work through issues with the guidance of an executive coach, their Vistage Chair, and the insights of other chief executives who may have been through the same issues. Vistage groups serve as a trusted board of advisors who have nothing at stake in each other's companies beyond the desire to see them succeed.

To watch a video interview of CEO David Zenner and Vistage Chair Lisa Dugan's one-to-one bicycle meeting, please go to www.vistage.com/about-us.html.

about Vistage International

Vistage International and its affiliates have 14,500 members in 16 countries representing the world's leading chief executive organization. Vistage members generate nearly $300 billion in annual revenue and have more than 1.8 million employees around the world.

Vistage International
Lois Arbogast, 858-509-5861
lois.arbogast@vistage.com