InX Summit: Former CIA Agent Highlights Power of Negotiation for CEO and Board Alignment

Over a third (38 per cent) of tech leaders fail to report directly to their CEOs, suggesting there’s a gap between the role technology plays as an enabler of business success and technology leaders having an equal voice at the highest level.

These findings were revealed by a recent report from The IN Group, Tech and the Boardroom, via independent polling agency Censuswide, observing the biggest
talent pain points faced by 700 tech and non-tech C-level executives across the UK,
US, Germany and the Netherlands.  

With a clear need for improved communication strategies across the boardroom, InX, the executive search and interim management brand within The IN Group, held its InX Leadership Summit for the C-suite and Senior leadership community, to learn top tips from the CIA, listen to industry leading theories and scenarios, and to understand the power of communication.  

The invite only event took place on 22nd May, at the Groucho Club, London at 5:30pm with over 60 people in attendance. 

The keynote speaker was Rupal Patel, former CIA Officer, CEO, author, consultant, coach and mentor.

Rupal Patel was named a ‘Power Woman’ by Harpers Bazaar, and she served in active war zones, advised Commanding Generals, and earned War Zone Service Medals.

Her book, ‘CIA to CEO’ provides a powerful toolkit for living and leading, which she will draw from throughout the event.

Joining the panel Natalie Whittlesey, Engagement Director at The IN Group shared insights on cyber, the threat of AI and sustainability within tech strategy.

Rupal Patel, Keynote Speaker, Panellist at InX Leadership Summit: “One of the main things the CIA teaches is that communication is paramount. That is no different than the boardroom, it’s more than merely being on the same page with messaging and strategies, it’s about every CEO, every leader and every member of a team being actively committed and aligned to push the business to the next level.”

Natalie Whittlesey, Engagement Director at The IN Group: “There is a clear need for the boardroom to form an alignment when it comes down to tech strategies and hiring processes to push for business growth. Welcoming Rupal to the panel to share her invaluable CIA insights highlighted the importance of communication to achieve this. Its clear that a mutual understanding of practises in a boardroom isn’t enough, and that negotiating among the C-suite is crucial.”