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What It Has Meant To Me To Be A Silver Fox Advisor - July 2026

What It Has Meant To Me To Be a Silver Fox Advisor

Jim Griffing
A Silver Fox Advisor

Being a Silver Fox Advisor has been one of the most rewarding professional experiences of my career. Although I became aware of the organization when it was founded in 1986 through Joe Bond, one of its founding members, I officially joined in 1987 after starting my own CPA firm. At the time, the organization was seeking younger, active business professionals to complement its distinguished group of seasoned business leaders.

Over the years, my involvement has only deepened my appreciation for the value of the membership. Early on, I was entrusted with the finances and tax reporting responsibilities of the organization, a role I have proudly maintained ever since. As I became more involved, I served on many committees, including a term as Chairman of the Education Committee. I also had the privilege of serving the organization in a variety of leadership positions, including Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and ultimately Chairman. These opportunities allowed me to become more engaged with the Board and to contribute to the continued success of the organization.

In the mid-1990s, I joined my first CEO Roundtable and have participated in several Roundtables over the years. One of the greatest benefits of my membership has been the opportunity to meet and get to know so many outstanding people. The friendships, business relationships, and shared experiences have enriched both my professional and personal life. Silver Fox Advisors has also been a trusted resource for my clients, providing a network of highly accomplished professionals to whom I can confidently make referrals.

Looking back, it has been a wonderful 39 years with the organization. I am grateful for all that I have gained through my involvement and, God willing, I look forward to many more years of friendship, learning, service, and fellowship as a Silver Fox Advisor.

Leadership Training - July 2026 Situation

THE LEADERSHIP TRAINING/MENTORING CORNER

In the August 2025 Newsletter, we started a series called “The Leadership/Mentoring Corner” in which we posed a thought-provoking situation for you to think about and put yourself into, asking yourself, “What are your next steps?” 

JULY LEADERSHIP SITUATION

Barry has just accepted a position at a 30-year-old technology industry business. The position he accepted is a newly created position that reports to the Board of Directors and is charged with developing a new corporate culture for the business and implementing a management team concept, something the business has never had before.

Barry has an MBA from a major Ivy League college and has worked in the people and culture space for a large energy industry leader for 10 years. 

What should Barry's next steps be with the Board?

Please provide us with a brief write-up of What should Barry'snext steps be. Send your write-up to Lynn Rosado at [email protected] 

In our August 2026 Newsletter, a team of Silver Fox Advisors will provide responses to what they would have recommended to Barry that he should do based on the situation detailed above. 

If you need assistance in becoming a better leader, I recommend you start by contacting the Silver Fox Advisors. Silver Fox Advisors are former or present business owners themselves, and they have leadership experience in running a business, and in some cases several businesses, and have dealt with unforeseen and unplanned situations throughout their careers. We encourage you to visit our website at www.silverfox.org to select a Silver Fox Advisor and also to learn more about the Silver Fox Advisors, as well as our great programs and community outreach endeavors.