---
title: "CEO to CEO: Desired Knowledge"
id: "39133"
type: "post"
slug: "ceo-to-ceo-desired-knowledge"
published_at: "2017-08-01T09:50:16+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-16T20:02:13+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2017/08/01/ceo-to-ceo-desired-knowledge/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2017/08/01/ceo-to-ceo-desired-knowledge.md"
excerpt: "What is one skill or piece of knowledge you wish you had that would help you better lead your organization?"
taxonomy_category:
  - "Executive Leadership"
taxonomy_post_tag:
  - "AssociationsNow"
  - "C-suite"
  - "Executive Skills"
  - "FOG management"
  - "Leadership"
taxonomy_content_format:
  - "Article"
taxonomy_role:
  - "Association CEO / Executive Director"
taxonomy_persona:
  - "Executive Leadership"
---

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 » CEO to CEO: Desired Knowledge

### Mark W. Light, CAE

*CEO and Executive Director, International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fairfax, Virginia*

My most coveted skill is to have a photographic memory for people’s names and their passions. I can meet someone, and it seems I forget their name as soon as we part, no matter how hard I try to remember them. I have watched other people be masters at remembering people’s names when they have only met them one time, or it has been years since they have seen them professionally. A critical connection seems to be formed and advanced so quickly with applying this wonderful skill.

### Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D.

*President and CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Trenton, New Jersey*

As the external environment continues to change at an accelerating pace and information proliferates exponentially, I wish I had clairvoyance. To compensate for my lack of crystal-ball vision, I read and synthesize research and reports in the news media and on social media, hone the knowledge and insights I acquire during conversations in meetings and everyday life, and integrate what I gain into our advocacy discussions and materials.

### Ryan Kiscaden

*Executive Director, Thermostat Recycling Corporation, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania*

For me, it’s experience in board dynamics. Board dynamics and the ability to weave them will make or break your success as a chief staff executive. It affects everything from budgeting to decision approvals to strategy setting.

### Kathleen T. O’Loughlin

*Executive Director, American Dental Association, Chicago*

Skilled, effective conflict management—having the difficult conversation when the stakes are high—is a critical asset to an association CEO and one I learned over time. Be empathetic, stay focused, observe the emotion and remain calm, don’t attack or be defensive, find a mutual goal, use facts and not fiction, and end with a plan where both people gain something. Whether it relates to volunteers, staff, or stakeholder groups, managing inevitable conflict enables successful relationship management at all levels.

*Illustrations by Monica Hellström*

[ASAE Staff](https://associationsnow.com/author/asae-staff/)

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Tags: [#C-suite](https://associationsnow.com/tag/c-suite/)
 [#Executive Skills](https://associationsnow.com/tag/executive-skills/)
 [#FOG management](https://associationsnow.com/tag/fog-management/)
 [#Leadership](https://associationsnow.com/tag/leadership/)

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