CEO Weekly Outlook

Good afternoon, all. Today, we’re reading about 3 things that make mid-market CEOs different than large company CEOs. From the executive director of the National Center for the Middle Market, the discussion focuses on conservative growth projections, cash outlays, and frustration with talent shortage.

Meanwhile, Harvard Business Review tells us what executives can learn from venture capitalists regarding what drives returns. The advice includes spending enough time on company initiatives, rewarding tough questions, and forecasting far enough into the future.

Business Insights

• Money is nice, but it’s not enough to motivate employees
• Are you managing your company’s great expectations?
• 75% of cross-functional teams are dysfunctional
• 5 lessons in social media for mid-market CEOs
• Lessons serial CEOs wish they knew when they started
• Is your initial response the best one? When you’re running a business, maybe not
• 3 things that make mid-market CEOs different than large company CEOs
• The top complaints from employees about their leaders
• Why the mid-market enterprise should care about IT maturity
• 5 myths about organizational culture every CEO should know
• Mid-market execs cool hiring plans, but expect to pay workers more
• Lessons in excellent customer service for mid-market CEOs

Transaction Toolbox

• Most smaller companies continue to guard cash
• More companies are taking advantage of new crowdfunding equity
• What VCs can teach executives about what drives returns
• How capitalists can do well while doing good
• Pursuing a merger or acquisition? Culture can trip you up
• Why conventional finance metrics measure the wrong things
• Navigating the dozens of different strategy options
• Tech company executives expect to spend more on security

Middle Market Move of the Week:

Consolidation continues in the healthcare markets. Private equity firm GTRC announced that its portfolio company Cord Blood Registry is being acquired by AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for $700 million.

Cord Blood Registry, the world’s largest newborn stem cell company, partnered with GTCR to improve market position, commercial infrastructure and growth prospects. In its acquisition by AMAG Pharmaceuticals, the company looks to continue advancing medical treatments for patients and their families. Read the full press release here.