Gartner C-level Communities: Where C-suite Leaders Shape the Conversation

For the C-suite, finding a truly valuable peer network can be a challenge. Many forums claim to offer exclusive insights or connections, but few are genuinely built by and for C-level leaders. That’s where Gartner C-level Communities stands apart – as Governing Body members are the driving force behind our peer-led communities. 

Gartner C-level Communities is designed exclusively for C-level executives from the world’s leading organizations. Our mission is to create a space where leaders can share innovative ideas, validate strategies and solve critical leadership challenges together. But what truly sets us apart is the way our communities are led and shaped: by the Governing Body, a select group of C-level executives who ensure our programs are always relevant, timely and impactful.

So, what is the Governing Body? Unlike traditional advisory boards or event committees, each of our 98 communities around the world has their own local Governing Body composed of C-level executives who represent a wealth of experience and are passionate about advancing their profession and elevating the collective experience of their peers. These members play an active role in determining the direction of our communities, from setting agendas around mission critical priorities to selecting speakers and curating content that addresses the real-world challenges facing today’s C-suite.

I think the Governing Body is outstanding, because we curate the content by listening to what our members want to hear about and discuss… and set the agenda and strategy so that it's on point.

- Rhonda Gass, VP & Global CIO
Stanley Black & Decker

Input from Governing Body members ensures every gathering delivers tangible value for our communities. Through surveys and regular calls, they help decide which topics matter most and which voices should be heard – including which vendors can sponsor events and programs. As Kapil Narang, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Ameriprise Bank points out, "I think the greatest value of the community is how it has stayed true to the idea of ‘by CDAOs, for CDAOs.’ Most communities become very vendor centric, but the community has avoided that by focusing on key issues that CDAOs face and developing a forum to meet other professionals with similar backgrounds working on similar issues to have thoughtful discussions." 

Jim Swanson, EVP & Enterprise CIO at Johnson & Johnson and Governing Body member of the Global CIO Community, also shares his experience:

Beyond shaping content, Governing Body Members are the lifeblood of our events. Whether they’re leading a boardroom discussion, facilitating a peer-to-peer meeting or introducing a keynote speaker, their leadership drives meaningful, peer-driven engagement.

In between gatherings, many Governing Body members choose to share their expertise more broadly through published articles. These opportunities enrich the entire community with their unique insights. “I believe in what we're doing here. I believe it's great when you can get CHROs to come together on a day to talk about relevant topics. So for me, as long as I'm helping out and lending a hand, I'm glad to be a Co-Chair for this community,” shares Kane Calamari, SVP & CHRO of Ace Hardware.

Governing Body members are also empowered to expand and strengthen the community itself. By inviting qualified peers and nominating speakers, they help ensure that Gartner C-level Communities remains vibrant, diverse, and truly representative of the best in executive leadership. 

If you’re seeking a community where your voice truly matters, where you can both learn from and help shape the thinking of your peers, Gartner C-level Communities, with our unique Governing Body model, offers an experience unlike any other. We invite you to discover what’s possible when C-level leaders come together to drive real change. Learn more about joining the community here.

If you are already a member, login to the Gartner C-level Communities app to see when your community is gathering next.