We consider ourselves to be in the executive performance business. Most of our members are their company's chief decision makers. The concept is that it enables members to have access to a broader perspective that raises their ability to be a better leader and make better decisions.

I accept that responsibility and ask only that I be judged by my performance as its chief executive.

It seems perfectly reasonable for the president to want members of the executive branch to be loyal to him and to follow his directions rather than those of the bureaucracies they lead. They will leave their positions when the president leaves. Making a lifetime appointment of a friend to the Supreme Court is a whole different matter.

Our members are growing more rapidly than most Fortune 500 or S&P 500. We've measured their growth from before joining TEC and after, and there is a significant growth after joining us.

Don't blame the marketing department. The buck stops with the chief executive.

I was the chief executive once, I've been there. My recommendation to anybody is don't go backwards.