Grounded Toward Growth

A Conversation with Jessica Kenyon, CEO of The Conafay Group

As a Vistage Chair, one of my favorite parts of this work is hearing the stories of why leaders choose to join a peer advisory group. In this conversation, I sit down with Jessica Kenyon, CEO of The Conafay Group, to explore her journey into leadership and what led her to Vistage.Jessica is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of experience in advanced medical technology development and federal research. She’s advised Fortune 500 companies, universities, nonprofits, and defense leaders, and now she’s guiding her own team at The Conafay Group. But when she stepped into the CEO role, she knew she didn’t want to lead in isolation.In our conversation, we’ll talk about what Jessica has discovered about the power of peer support, and why surrounding herself with other CEOs has become essential to her growth and her company’s success.I’m looking forward to sharing Jessica’s story of leadership, resilience, and community — and showing how Vistage can change the way we lead.

Are You Stuck in The Weeds?

If you’re spending most of your time putting out fires, you’re robbing your company of your most important work. As CEO, your job is to lead — not to chase every urgent problem. But when you’re buried in the weeds, you can’t see the big opportunities right in front of you. In my Vistage group, we help each other step out of the weeds — and stay out. Because your company needs your vision, not your constant firefighting. If you’re a $3M+ CEO in the DMV, let’s talk about how to reclaim your role as the leader your company needs.

Who Do You Talk to When You Can’t Talk to Anyone?

Leading a company can be lonely. You can’t unload on your employees, your spouse, or your competitors. But the truth is — running a $3M+ business is too big for one person to carry alone. That’s why my CEOs meet once a month behind closed doors. No judgment. Just clarity, perspective, and the kind of support only other CEOs can give. Based in the DMV? Let’s talk. #Leadership #CEOs #ExecutiveCoaching #Vistage #BusinessGrowth #DMVBusiness

From LEGOs to Leadership: Designing Happy with TJ Monahan

Join Vistage Chair Rick Vanasse for a special conversation with his newest Chief Executive Group member, TJ Monahan, AIA — architect, entrepreneur, and author of Designed Happy: The Book. In this LinkedIn Live, they’ll dive into key chapters from TJ’s book, exploring how lessons from architecture apply to leadership, and the design of a fulfilling life and business.
From childhood dreams fueled by LEGO bricks to leading a thriving residential architecture firm, TJ shared his journey. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation about what it really means to "design happy" — for yourself, your team, and your clients.

Who’s Going to Do the Work? A Live Chat on Execution with Mark Gill

In a growing business, there is often a gap between the grand vision and the hands-on work needed to see the vision become real. Have you found the next big idea or the next big challenge that needs to be addressed only to ask who knows how and has capacity to drive the outcomes? When you work with On the Mark, I will operationalize those big ideas and coach your team to tackle the challenges and achieve the results needed to do what they do best, serve clients and deliver results. On the Mark Advisory founder, Mark Gill, has held leadership roles across residential construction, where he successfully: -Transformed company culture from owner-centric to team-focused. -Streamlined operations creating transparency and consistent outcomes -Created lead flow to meet the company's revenue through CRM conversion and rebranding. -Improved estimating transparency and project level financial performance with accountability base systems. -Delivered on-time, on-budget projects while mentoring high-performing teams. -Championed development and execution of Annual Strategic Plans These initiatives led to improved operational efficiency, enhanced team performance, and stronger financial outcomes. Mark’s purpose for your company is driving change and results that are aligned with your vision, mission and values

Lessons Learned from My Swedish Roots

The best leaders I know are humble, hungry, and emotionally intelligent. That’s not something I learned in a classroom. It’s something I inherited.I come from Swedish immigrants who didn’t talk about leadership—they lived it. They worked hard, built community, and made a better life through quiet determination.Their legacy shapes the way I coach CEOs today: not just to grow companies, but to grow as humans.

Exit on Your Own Terms with Jamie Waldren

Join me and former Vistage member, Jamie Waldren, to discuss his new book: Exit on Your Own Terms - 10 Blind Spots You Need To Know To Plan Your Exit and Make Work Optional It’s a common dilemma for many business owners, where the demands of daily operations often take precedence over long-term planning. Focusing on keeping the business running smoothly may have kept you in survival mode, but now it’s time to think strategically about the future. Whether you’re planning to grow further, raise capital, or ultimately sell your business, the decisions you make now will set the stage for your exit and your future. https://jnprivatewealth.com/book/

Building A Better Business: M. Luis Construction CEO on Vistage

M. Luis Construction is a civil construction company specializing in asphalt milling/paving and concrete site construction with offices in Baltimore, Silver Spring and Rockville, Maryland. M. Luis Products operates 2 full service asphalt manufacturing facilities in Rockville and Glen Burnie, Maryland.
Their president, David Slaughter, is one of the founding members of my Vistage Chief Executive group.

An Interview with Elana Burr, Recruiting Trailblazer

Elana Burr never planned on becoming a recruiter. Fresh out of college with a degree in Family Studies, she initially expected to pursue a career in social work—until she realized she wanted a profession centered around people while also allowing her the freedom to build something of her own.At just 22, she quit her job after three months in recruiting and launched her first firm, Metro Recruiting. Over 17 years, she grew it into a well-known brand before selling it in 2017. Since then, she has led sales and recruiting efforts for multiple firms, always guided by the belief that integrity and relationships matter more than quick wins.

My "Big Why"

What drove me to be a Vistage Chair? Listen here.