The President & CEO Shadow Program (CEO Shadow Program) offers a unique opportunity for both internal team members and external participants to gain an in-depth understanding of the organization’s operations, culture, strategy and leadership practices. Through this program, participants will shadow the President & CEO, gain visibility to strategic discussions, and observe decision-making processes. This experience is designed to foster continuous learning, collaboration, and transparency within and outside the organization.

Eligibility

Individuals may only participate once per year.

  1. Internal Team Members: Open to all team members, especially those looking to gain insights into leadership and cross-functional operations or explore new career paths within the organization.
  2. External Participants: This program is open to individuals outside the organization, including partners, interns, students, and professionals interested in learning more about our remote work practices and operating model. External participants must meet specific criteria before applying.

Expectations

Individuals selected to participate in the CEO Shadow Program are called “CEO Shadows.” A CEO Shadow engagement can last three to five business days. Please remember that the President & CEO’s schedule is fluid and subject to constant change. Expectations for shadows include:

  1. Time commitment: Commit to participating at least 5-6 hours per day over three to five days
    1. The President & CEO generally works between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm CST. Typically she has 3-4 hours of non-meeting time each day (CEO Shadows are not expected to shadow during these times).
    2. CEO Shadows should plan to join meetings via Zoom with their camera on.
    3. Participation in meetings is optional, as the shadowing experience is designed to benefit the individual shadow. If you decide to attend a meeting, please ensure you arrive on time to avoid disruptions and demonstrate respect for others' schedules.
  2. Confidentiality: adhere to the confidentiality agreement****
  3. Participation: Generally, CEO Shadows are there to observe meetings and will not be engaged in conversation. That being said, there may be times when the CEO Shadow is asked to participate, if appropriate, or asked to leave a portion of a meeting.
    1. Ensure you are in an appropriate space where you can be on camera and hear (and be heard) during the CEO Shadow engagement.
    2. Shadows should update their Zoom display names to follow this format: “Name - CEO Shadow.” This helps meeting participants easily recognize their roles and fosters a professional discussion environment.
  4. Document for Notes and Reflections: Use the provided onboarding guide as a central space to record your observations, jot down questions, and reflect on your experiences throughout the week. These notes will help you prepare for the closing meeting with Ellie at the end of the week, where you'll have the opportunity to share insights and learnings from your shadowing experience.
  5. What to wear: Formal dress is not required. Casual attire is appropriate.

Structure

Orientation

Approximately one week before the engagement begins:

  1. The Executive Assistant will draft a guide to share with the CEO Shadow that gives an overview of the Foundation, our ways of working, and other tips or helpful information.
    1. CEO Shadows should use this guide to take notes, provide feedback, offer suggestions, etc.
  2. CEO Shadows will sign a confidentiality agreement to ensure that sensitive information remains confidential.
  3. CEO Shadows will be invited to all relevant meetings and will receive meeting planners with embedded agendas.
  4. The Executive Assistant will ensure the CEO Shadow can access relevant agendas. The shadow may not have access to all agendas and this will be decided on a case by base basis.
  5. The Executive Assistant will work with the CEO Shadow to schedule an introductory call with the Director of Operations and President & CEO for 25 minutes to:
    1. Introduce the Shadow to the President & CEO
    2. Discuss the CEO Shadow’s goals
    3. Set expectations
    4. Provide any context for specific meetings occurring during the CEO Shadow engagement
    5. Answer questions