A Strong Community Requires Shared Standards.
The value of The CEO Magazine Leadership Network depends not only on who joins, but also on how members treat one another. Every member is expected to uphold trust, integrity, confidentiality, respect, contribution and professionalism.
This Code applies across CEO Peer Councils, events, dinners, roundtables, digital communities, introductions, member communication, Network platforms and leadership programmes.
01Respect Confidentiality+
Members may encounter sensitive information relating to business performance, financial matters, employees, customers, investors, partnerships, family businesses, acquisitions, succession, disputes, leadership challenges and personal matters. Information shared within confidential Network environments should not be disclosed without permission.
02Do Not Record Confidential Conversations Without Consent+
Members should not secretly record meetings, take unauthorised audio/video recordings, distribute screenshots or copy private discussions without appropriate permission. Official recordings should be disclosed in advance.
03Relationships Before Transactions+
Members may do business with one another where genuine opportunities emerge, but membership should not be treated primarily as access to prospects.
04No Unsolicited Mass Marketing+
Members should not use access to send unsolicited bulk emails, WhatsApp messages, SMS, promotional material, invitations or sales campaigns. Contact information must not be scraped, exported, sold, shared, rented or supplied to third parties for unauthorised purposes.
05Respect Consent+
An introduction does not create an obligation. A member may decline a meeting, proposal, introduction, investment opportunity or business relationship without affecting their standing.
06Contribute, Do Not Only Consume+
Members are encouraged to contribute experience, perspectives, introductions, expertise, thoughtful questions, support and knowledge. Contribution does not mean providing unlimited professional services without charge.
07Respect Different Perspectives+
Disagreement is acceptable. Disrespect is not. Members should challenge ideas without attacking individuals.
08Maintain Professional Conduct+
Harassment, discrimination, threats, intimidation, abusive behaviour, deliberate humiliation, persistent unwanted contact, knowingly misleading members and fraudulent representation are unacceptable.
09Protect the Reputation of the Community+
Members should not falsely represent the Network, The CEO Magazine, their membership status, another member, a Network partnership or advisory role. Membership must not be used to imply unauthorised endorsement.
10Membership Is Not an Award+
Membership should not be described as an award, certification, professional licence, ranking or accreditation. Approved designations may include Member or Founding Member of The CEO Magazine Leadership Network.
11Respect Editorial Independence+
Members should not pressure editorial teams for articles, interviews, awards, rankings, cover stories or positive coverage based solely on membership status.
12Peer Council Conduct+
Members are expected to attend consistently, arrive prepared, listen, ask before advising, share experience, avoid dominating, protect confidentiality and avoid selling.
13Conflicts of Interest+
Where a member has a material conflict relevant to a discussion — direct competitive interest, financial interest, investment relationship, vendor relationship, existing dispute or personal relationship — it should be disclosed appropriately.
14Introductions Must Be Responsible+
Members should avoid introductions where they do not know either party sufficiently, have an undisclosed commercial incentive, lack receiving-party interest or may create unnecessary reputational risk.
15No Guaranteed Business Representation+
Members must not suggest that belonging to the Network guarantees contracts, investor access, government access, funding, media coverage, commercial preference or business referrals.
16Respect Member Privacy+
Private information obtained through the Network should not be publicly shared, copied into external databases, supplied to employees for prospecting, used for unrelated marketing, passed to agencies or shared with third parties without consent.
17Be Mindful of Time+
Members are encouraged to arrive punctually, keep commitments, provide reasonable notice when plans change, make introductions thoughtfully and communicate clearly.
18Use the Network Brand Responsibly+
Members may use approved credentials according to brand guidelines, but should not alter logos, create unauthorised certificates, imply ownership or present themselves as an official spokesperson without permission.
19Report Concerns Responsibly+
Members who experience or observe serious breaches may confidentially contact the Membership Team. Concerns should be raised in good faith.
20Membership Review & Action+
Depending on seriousness and facts, the Network may use informal guidance, formal warning, temporary suspension, removal from a Peer Council or membership termination.
21Membership May Also Be Reviewed for Eligibility+
Membership may be reviewed if a professional role or business circumstance changes materially, eligibility no longer aligns, or conduct creates reputational concerns. Review does not automatically mean termination.
22Founding Members Carry Additional Responsibility+
Founding 50 members help establish the culture future members inherit. Founding status carries both recognition and responsibility.
Before taking an action involving another member, ask: "Will this strengthen or weaken trust within the Network?" If it strengthens trust, it probably belongs here. If it weakens trust, it probably does not.
Our ambition is to create a Network where a member can walk into the room knowing: the people are credible, the conversation is respected, the environment is trusted, and what is shared here matters.