Time for a vacation? Many CEOs have managed to take some time off amid pandemic
Yes, I have been able to take vacations by car (Captiva) and air (Mexico). In both circumstances, I was happy with the measures taken by the airlines and the local authorities to prevent a spread of COVID-19.
Luis Flores, managing partner, Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr’s Miami office
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The demands of the bank have really prevented me form being comfortable with a real getaway. Of course the various phases of PPP has taken its toll on our resources. Working through the various stressors of COVID and its implications on our team members and clients requires monitoring and attention. In addition, my husband and I are still a bit leery about staying in hotels. We are very fortunate to have a little place in Key Largo for weekend getaways. That has been a blessing throughout COVID for getting out to enjoy fresh air and Vitamin Sea!
Veronica Flores, executive vice president, First National Bank of South Miami
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My husband and I have taken two road trips to see family and friends in various parts of the country. The first was a flat-out, laptop-left-at-home vacation for two weeks in the upper mid-west. The second road trip was plugged-in time away with regular work hours visiting family. Both were great. In these times of political disconnection, the drives through red and blue states reinforced the geographical connection that we share.
David Jobin, president, CEO of Our Fund Foundation
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I was fortunate to get nearly a month away at my summer New Hampshire lake house, just as I have for several years. I chose to drive rather than fly and was diligent in adhering to all the safety guidelines along the way. It was eye-opening as to how each state was handling the pandemic as I stopped for fuel/rest breaks. In addition, this year was different with the sudden influx of remote work technology options that permitted infinitely more seamless interaction, and, almost overnight, a universal acceptance of remote work meetings. I am grateful to have been able to stay closely connected during a critical time for the organization and also benefit from being with family and obtaining important rest and relaxation.
Allan Prindle, president, CEO, Power Financial Credit Union
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Yes, I was lucky to take a long weekend in a vacation rental in Naples. It was wonderful. However, our family experienced direct racial profiling as guests in an upper class neighborhood. The police were called and stopped me while on a bike ride with my daughter in front of our beautiful rental home. It was a heartbreaking reminder of our reality.
Kerry-Ann Royes, CEO, YWCA South Florida
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Not yet.
Mindy Solomon, owner, director, Mindy Solomon Gallery
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It’s certainly been difficult to find the time to take a vacation due to the rapidly changing environment we are operating in. However, I do have a scheduled vacation the first week of October. I don’t really anticipate it to be any different except for limited travel options. We’ve been encouraging our staff to take vacation to reset and recharge, and many of our staff have managed to take time off and travel within the U.S. to visit family. It’s disappointing to think that international travel will not return to normal for some time, which is such a key driver for our local economy.
Frank Steslow, president, CEO, Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science
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THE MIAMI HERALD CEO ROUNDTABLE IS A WEEKLY FEATURE THAT APPEARS IN BUSINESS MONDAY OF THE MIAMI HERALD. RECENT QUESTIONS TO THE ROUNDTABLE HAVE INCLUDED:
Some CEOS worry about price increases at the grocery store
In work-from-home era, some CEOs miss seeing their staff in person
Some South Florida CEOs say they’re still hiring
After schools’ cyberattack, CEOs review their firms’ cyber protection
Returning to the office? CEOs eyeing the trends
Zoom, cute kids and pets make an impact on remote working
CEOs see some good news and bad for the rest of 2020
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Meet the latest panel of the Business Monday CEO Roundtable
CEOs predict big changes when pandemic subsides
For some CEOs, COVID-19 crisis is an unknown challenge
CEOs trying to protect the bottom line without layoffs
Most CEOs don’t anticipate changes to tax preparation this year
All eyes on politics: CEOs watching national and local races
As coronavirus menace unfolds, CEOs watch and wait
CEOs discuss their approach to holiday spending
What’s inside? CEOs discuss surge in lab-grown meat
Should Facebook be regulated? CEOs weigh in
As tech hiring slows, CEOs discuss ways to boost opportunities
CEOs worry about climate change — and responding to the threat
College degrees are invaluable, but technical skills also have merit
CEOs spill the beans on how they get their news
CEOs’ one simple rule for social media: Don’t be an embarrassment
CEOs: Best holiday gifts bring cherished memories
CEOs: Holidays celebrate team achievements, cement culture
What is the future for commuter rail in South Florida?
CEOs discuss South Florida’s cost-of-living issues
CEOs in new class share their greatest professional achievements
Ride an e-scooter? Most CEOs haven’t — yet
CEOs offer diverse ways of luring and keeping good workers
CEOs: Local schools equip some students with skills they’ll need for workforce
CEOs say schools have focused on increased safety and security
What should organizations do with scandal-tainted donations?
CEOs moving forward, not scaling back
Sharing office space? It’s a good idea for some
Jobs available, but finding qualified candidates is a hurdle for some
Recession? CEOs say that so far, it’s a no-show in South Florida
Traveler’s checkup: CEOs discuss pros and cons of liberal vacation policies
Too cold? Too hot? Let’s talk workplace temperatures
CEOS: Working remotely is often a great alternative
If the economy falters, local companies are prepared
CEOs consider whether Miami is the ideal spot for a soccer team and stadium
CEOs are planning for climate change and sea-level rise
Efforts to boost low wages may ease affordability crisis
Local and state governments must do more to address affordable housing
Find your passion and own your career path, CEOS tell job seekers
Here’s how CEOs would advise a high school senior class on its last day
South Florida CEOs offer suggestion to address America’s student loan debt
Supervisors often were the greatest influence on CEOs’ careers
CEOs address Miami’s racial wealth gap
CEOs discuss transforming healthcare in America
Is the job market as good as it gets?
CEOs split on encouraging marijuana sales in Florida
Unlocking state funds for affordable housing is the right move, CEOS said
CEOs try to lasso healthcare costs, but more needs to be done
CEOs agree that tax breaks are needed to lure businesses to Florida
Technology led to significant changes in 2018 for most CEOs
What are CEOs doing to attract and retain workers?
Most CEOs say salaries will increase in 2019
Most CEOs are in ‘growth mode’ with plans to hire more
CEOs’ 2019 economic forecast offers differing views
How CEOs are trying to attract ‘Generation Z’
Most CEOs say PortMiami should expand more, without hurting the fragile eco-system
Should financial institutions reach more ‘unbanked’ people?
Tech scene throughout South Florida is building momentum
CEOs discuss their top workforce challenges for 2019
The best gift? Even for the most successful people, life is about more than business
Recession ahead? CEOs divided on whether they see signs of one
CEOs: Amazon’s strong look at Miami for HQ2 made the region look hard at itself
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▪ Jobs available? CEOs look at their companies
▪ CEOs keep an eye on Miami’s cost of living
▪ The key to retaining employees? Start with good pay and benefits
▪ Live-work-play? More employees opt to live closer to workplaces
▪ Some CEOs say they’ve raised wages this year
▪ Here are some issues CEOs hope lawmakers keep top-of-mind this election year
▪ CEOs offer varying opinions on higher education
▪ Local firms are doing their part to be more eco-friendly
▪ CEOs are all smiles thanks to local economic boom
▪ Is work-life balance a myth? CEOs share their thoughts
▪ CEOs help employees stsruggling with long commutes
▪ Despite airline woes, CEOs are not changing traveling habits
▪ CEOs have diverse opinions on Trump’s tariffs and other actions
▪ CEOs feel pressure to keep wages competitive
▪ South Florida CEOs say that Miami can sustain David Beckham’s soccer team
▪ CEOs hope common-sense control on assault rifles happens soon
▪ Will Amazon open HQ2 in Miami? Maybe, maybe not, but city’s profile rises, CEOs say
▪ We have much to learn about public transit from other cities, CEOs say
▪ CEOs: Cuban coffee, flexibility and beach picnics help employees balance job demands
▪ CEOs discuss how to deal with extreme views in the workplace
▪ Extra guards, added security measures protect staff and clients
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▪ Holiday parties celebrate employees and the year’s successes
▪ These CEOs have zero tolerance for sexual harassment
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▪ How CEOs address hostility in the workplace
▪ Good storm planning can stave off disruptions, CEOs find
▪ Storms highlighted serious local issues, CEOs say
▪ Planning, preparation are keys to disaster recovery, CEOs say
▪ CEOs say students who improve certain skills are better prepared for future jobs
▪ Uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act on the minds of CEOs
▪ In a year of challenges, CEOs took risks, learned and grew
▪ CEOs believe community should be involved in making public schools better
▪ Best bosses we ever had inspired, challenged and cared, say South Florida CEOs
▪ South Florida CEOs try to evaluate the nation’s top CEO: President Trump
▪ CEOs’ advice to college students: Network! Internships! Research!
▪ Affordable housing a cause of concern for CEOs
▪ Communication, cool heads key to avoiding public relations nightmares
▪ Meet the new Miami Herald CEO Roundtable
▪ Ahh, the first job. CEOs learned valuable lessons on the bottom rung
▪ It’s getting harder for employees and CEOs to disconnect while on vacation
▪ Florida’s legislators must act on economy and education, CEOs say
▪ Most CEOs provide paid internships, and everyone benefits
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▪ CEOs prefer balance when dealing with a defiant employee
▪ The most important issue facing South Florida this year? CEOs say it’s traffic
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▪ CEOs discuss their resolutions for the New Year
▪ CEOs: Trump, ugly politics among the biggest surprises of 2016
▪ CEOs’ top request for Trump’s first 100 days: ‘Unity’
▪ CEOs won’t tolerate ugly comments in the workplace
▪ CEOs assess South Florida’s economy for 2017
▪ Did Obamacare hurt your business? South Florida CEOs respond