Transformation Executive Officer Role: Risks & Protection

March 2026 Edition

March began with big snow falls but the weather has warmed of late.  I suspect winter is not yet ready to let us go.  For those like my wife who relishes her winter sports, I do hope there will be sufficient snow and ice this last month of winter.  For those like me who look forward to warmer weather, perhaps you will get a chance to sneak off for time in the sun in warmer places.

March has seen good times for Boston winter sports. The Celtics have had a very strong season and Jason Tatum has now returned to the team with a very promising opening night and follow-up with a big Celtics win in Cleveland Sunday.  The Bruins too have played fairly well winning at home losing on the road and in a Wild Card spot if the season ended today.  So perhaps as March and April unfold, this will mean playoff runs for both teams, and perhaps a deep run for the Celtics and a return to the NBA finals.

March Madness too will soon begin and to all with your brackets and betting favorites, and for those out there with alma maters in the NCAA Basketball Tournament – all best of luck! For my two tournament-eligible alma maters, this has not been a good year for the Northwestern Wildcats.  However, for my other alma mater Boston University offers real hope with Joe Jones’ overachieving squad.  Sunday night, BU’s Chance Gladden hit a buzzer beater. a 40-foot bomb, to overcome top ranked Navy 73-72.  Navy was a huge favorite, the Midshipmen having beaten BU twice this season and riding a 14-game winning streak into this game played in Annapolis.  Now, BU gets to play Lehigh for the Patriot League championship tomorrow night (3/11/26) in Bethlehem, PA.  If the Terriers win,  it would mark BU’s first invitation to the NCAA Tournament – March Madness - since 2020.  Here’s hoping – Go Terriers!

As for Newsletter items, last Friday, CEOWORLD magazine published an article of mine on Chief Transformation Officers – risks and protections.  Further into this March Newsletter, items #3 and #4 are two older articles of mine, both published in IVYEXEC career advancement website, #3 published in 2022 on leveraging  your strengths in negotiating for key terms in executive retention packages, #4 published in 2024 on getting executive severance even when you quit your position.  Item #5 is a special offer also on executive retention. As always, I hope some of these items might be of interest and benefit…  and my best wishes to all for the rest of March!

1.       Transformation Executive Officer Role:  Risks & Protections

If you are in the market for or are considering  a job offer to be a Chief Transformation Officer or Chief Innovation Officer, my article published last Friday (March 6), may be of benefit as I discuss key risks posed to you by those positions and also important protections and other terms to seek in your negotiations. Read the Article Here

2.       Work with CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Executives, exclusively.

Robert Adelson is an attorney specialized in the representation of CEOs, C-level and senior executives. He no longer represents companies or employers.  Learn about Robert Adelson’s work with CEOs, C-level and senior executives to advise on and improve job offers, employment contracts, stock, RSUs, options, bonuses and other executive compensation matters, plus advice and aid on issues of wrongful termination, severance, exit terms, retention, change of control, other executive issues and more … More Details Here

3.      Executive Retention Packages – Terms and Negotiations

Do you have now, or Do you soon expect an attractive job offer to leave your CEO or senior executive position?  Is your company “in play”?  Are you nearing a funding milestone?  Are there other reasons why your company has dependence on you and strong desire for you not to leave now.  My article, published in 2022 by IVY EXEC career advancement website, discusses the negotiation and terms for retention agreements in those and other circumstances for the executive seeking to realize benefit from the company’s retention need when such opportunities are presented. Read the Article Here

4.       Getting Executive Severance when you Choose to Quit

Are you thinking of quitting your current executive position, but don’t want to leave empty-handed? My article published in Jan. 2024  by IVYEXEC career advancement website, speaks to senior executives who, for reasons beyond their control, want to quit your current position and then strategies how to still seek appropriate executive severance compensation in connection with your separation. Read the Article Here

5.       3/2026 Offer:  Good until March 24th

This 2-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: an Executive Employment Retention Law Diagnostic – this offer is good through 3/24/26. More Details Here

It’s always a pleasure to get back in touch with you and other clients, friends, and colleagues.  I hope the links and information provided will be useful to you and that there will be an opportunity for me to work with you on legal matters in the near future.

Let’s keep in touch!

Best regards,
Rob
Robert Adelson

*Adelson & Associates, LLCExecutive Employment Attorney

101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, Boston, MA 02110

(617) 204-5601 Law Firm

(617) 204-5602 Direct

(617) 204-5604 Fax

Email :  rob@attorneyadelson.com

Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/

Blog:  https://robadelson.wordpress.com/

X:  @AttorneyAdelson

Note on Adelson & Associates, LLC:* Robert A. Adelson is the Principal of Adelson & Associates, LLC.  For fifteen (15) years, from October 2004 through December 2019, Robert Adelson practiced law and referred legal work to associates of his, trusted and experienced colleagues, as a partner of Engel & Schultz, LLP.  In December 2019, the lead partners of the firm announced they would go into semi-retirement, go their separate ways, and the office lease would expire in January 2020.  In response, Robert Adelson formed Adelson & Associates, LLC in December 2019 and commenced the new firm’s operations on January 1, 2020, with the new firm taking over, on that date and going forward, all current Robert Adelson clients, matters and operations, as well as all referral of legal work to associates of Robert Adelson.  Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19^th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21^st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

Protecting Your Earnings from Unfair Dealing by Your Employer

 

January 2026 Executive Employment Law Newsletter

I hope this email finds you and your family in good health.  We are now well into our first full Winter month.  We have had our cold days and some snow.  There has been more snow in northern New England ski country.  My hope is that there will be lots of snow in ski country and not so much in Boston and the urban areas.  So, if you are a winter sports enthusiast, I hope there will great winter conditions for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or ice fishing the next couple months.  And for those, like me, who prefer the warmth, I hope you will be able to take at least some vacation time to warmer places.

In sports, the Patriots continue their magical season finishing the regular season as division champs and 2^nd seed in the AFC, and then two nights ago to win their first playoff game 16-3 over San Diego.  QB Drake May, Coach Mike Vrabel, RB Rhamondre Stevenson, stellar Pats’ defense all shown so well. We can hope this roll will continue and we will see how far the Pats might advance in these 2026 NFL Playoffs  – with the Feb. 2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, CA  not beyond the realm of possibility. Fingers crossed.   And even while the Pats have played so well commanding our attention, our Boston winter teams have also been doing well of late.  The Celtics 9-3 in recent games, are 3^rd in the Eastern Conference and just behind the Knicks in the Atlantic Division standings.  The Bruins too have won 5 of the last 6 games to also climb in the standings. In college hockey, Boston University has improved of late and February’s Beanpot tournament looks to be quite competitive with all four Beanpot  schools ranked in the USA top 20 (as of 1/12/26), led by Northeastern (12), then Boston College (14), BU (18) and Harvard (20).  https://www.espn.com/mens-college-hockey/rankings

As for Newsletter items, eight days ago, IVYEXEC career advancement website published my article on using the implied covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing to protect what you have earned when you are terminated by your employer in bad faith, with an article link provided in item #1.  A link to an earlier article of mine, on negotiating a compensation package right for you, published in  CEOWORLD magazine, appears in items #3,  Additionally,  a link to another earlier article of mine published in CEOWORLD, this one on the subject of negotiating your first C-level employment agreement,  appears in item #4, plus a special offer as item #5. I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of January!

1.       Protecting Your Earnings from Unfair Dealing by Your Employer

As a C-level or senior executive, have you ever faced employment termination or other employer action to prevent you from receiving a bonus, stock vesting or other benefit you earned from your successful achievement of a target objective for the company? My article published eight days ago on Jan.5, by IVYEXEC career advancement website,  discusses an important duty or implied covenant in the law that can enable you, even if you are an employee “at will”,  to have a valid enforceable claim against your employer to be made whole for what you earned and were deprived of ..  Read the Article Here

2.       Work with CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Executives, exclusively.

Robert Adelson is an attorney specialized in the representation of CEOs, C-level and senior executives. He no longer represents companies or employers.  Learn about Robert Adelson’s work with CEOs, C-level and senior executives to advise on and improve job offers, employment contracts, stock, RSUs, options, bonuses and other executive compensation matters, plus advice and aid on issues of wrongful termination, severance, exit terms, retention, change of control, other executive issues and more … More Details Here

3.      Negotiating the Right Executive Compensation Package for You

Whether you have just received a job offer, have a chance to renegotiate your current contract, or are facing a change of control or termination situation, my article published by CEOWORLD magazine in 2018 and still relevant today, may benefit you, as I discuss key payment, equity, benefits, and other terms to negotiate in your executive compensation package and how those negotiations can actually enhance your position in the company.  Read the Article Here

4.        Negotiating your first C-Level Executive Employment Agreement

Are you a newly-minted CEO or another C-level executive?  Did you receive your first C-level job offer or employment agreement? My article published in CEOWORLD magazine, in March 2020 and still relevant today,  may benefit you, as I discuss why the agreement is important to the company and to you, and key terms – equity, bonus structure, severance among them – on which to focus in your negotiations.. Read the Article Here

5.      1/2026 Offer:  Good until Jan. 27th  

This 2-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: Consulting Between Executive Positions Law Diagnostic -- this offer is good through 1/27/26.   More Details Here

It’s always a pleasure to get back in touch with you and other clients, friends, and colleagues.  I hope the links and information provided will be useful to you and that there will be an opportunity for me to work with you on legal matters in the near future. 

Let’s keep in touch!

Best regards,

Rob

Robert Adelson

*Adelson & Associates, LLC
Executive Employment Attorney
101 Federal Street, 19th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 204-5601 Law Firm
(617) 204-5602 Direct
(617) 204-5604 Fax
Email :  rob@attorneyadelson.com
Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/
Blog:  https://robadelson.wordpress.com/
X:  @AttorneyAdelson

Note on Adelson & Associates, LLC:
* Robert A. Adelson is the Principal of Adelson & Associates, LLC.  For fifteen (15) years, from October 2004 through December 2019, Robert Adelson practiced law and referred legal work to associates of his, trusted and experienced colleagues, as a partner of Engel & Schultz, LLP.  In December 2019, the lead partners of the firm announced they would go into semi-retirement, go their separate ways, and the office lease would expire in January 2020.  In response, Robert Adelson formed Adelson & Associates, LLC in December 2019 and commenced the new firm’s operations on January 1, 2020, with the new firm taking over, on that date and going forward, all current Robert Adelson clients, matters and operations, as well as all referral of legal work to associates of Robert Adelson.  Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19^th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21^st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

Negotiating Terms of Chief Legal Officer Employment Contract

 September 2025 edition

I hope this email finds you and your family in good health. We are now in our last weeks of summer, with vacations now over or ending, Labor Day and its cook-outs and other fun associated activities, all now past us, as we look forward to Autumn and a return to our usual routines. So, for most of us, the time for the beach and ocean swimming is now past, but still September is a great time for long walks, hikes and bike rides, and later this month, apple picking and the New England fall foliage season.

These are good times for Boston Red Sox fans with long win steaks in July and August, and a winning ball club anchored by a stellar starting pithing rotation of Garret Crochet, Bryan Bello and Lucas Giolito, with Garrett Whitlock and closer Aroldis Chapman. Thus, through Labor Day, the Sox are 15 games over .500 and would make the playoffs. I have been fortunate to attend a number of thrilling Red Sox victories these last two months including two walk-offs with he Sox sporting their walk-off greens. In close games, where Alex Cora calls for his closer, it has also been fun to see the entrance of Chapman into game when the Sox do a video tribute to the late Luis Tiant who passed away last October. Here is footage, with the title “Aroldis Chapman pays tribute to Luis Tiant and Celia Cruz upon entering the ballgame (Google translate from Spanish), credit to and posted by Yuni Sport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cy7bJXjV8Q4

Meanwhile, the Patriots after going 2–1 in pre-season games, will have their first real test this Sunday when the Las Vegas Raiders travel to Foxboro. With a new season springs new hope. After a 4–13 record last year, it would be stretch for the Patriots to reach .500 or to make the playoffs. But with new coach Mike Vrabel, a graduate of the Patriots Glory years, and returning offensive play caller Josh McDaniels who will no doubt aid the development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye chances for a better season seem enhanced. Plus, the Patriots used free agency and the draft to bolster the line of scrimmage, while adding key veterans including among receivers. So, fingers crossed for the opener Sunday and better season to follow.

As for Newsletter items, item #1 provides a link to an article of mine, published six days ago in CEOWORLD magazine designed for attorneys in private practice or in the public sector or already in house for a company, on key terms to seek and for which to negotiate if you are offered the position of Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This newsletter also has links, in items #3 and #4, to two other earlier articles of mine, one published by the IVYEXEC career advancement site, on terms to seek in C-level and senior executive job offers, and the second published in CEOWORLD magazine, on using your “ace in the hole” in C-level executive contract negotiations, including job offers, severance and consulting contracts. There is also a special offer as item #5. I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of September!

1. Negotiating Terms of Chief Legal Officer Employment Contract

Are you an attorney in private practice or in the public sector? or are you already in house counsel for a company? and … are you now considering or already received an offer to be Chief Legal Officer (CLO) in your current company or a different company? The CLO role will likely be a big step-up for you to a role likely much bigger than the role you have had. The CLO plays a pivotal role in protecting the company and guiding it forward. My new article, published last Thursday in CEOWORLD magazine, discusses the elevated status of CLO over that of General Counsel or other in house roles and then goes on to discuss that and the key areas every CLO should consider including your negotiations over your executive agreement terms. Read the Article Here

2. Work with CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Executives, exclusively.

Robert Adelson is an attorney specialized in the representation of CEOs, C-level and senior executives. He no longer represents companies or employers. Learn about Robert Adelson’s work with CEOs, C-level and senior executives to advise on and improve job offers, employment contracts, stock, RSUs, options, bonuses and other executive compensation matters, plus advice and aid on issues of wrongful termination, severance, exit terms, retention, change of control, other executive issues and more … More Details Here

3. Key Terms to Negotiate in your next Executive Job Offer

Are you actively considering new CEO, C-level or senior executive position? Have you received a job offer? Are you now or will you shortly be negotiating the terms of your executive job offer or employment contract? My article published by IVYEXEC career advancement site, in October 2023. explores the key terms that are negotiable and the kinds of things to seek as you negotiate your next executive employment job offer. Read the Article Here

4. Using Your Ace in the Hole in Executive Contract Negotiations

Have you ever considered keeping and using an ace in the hole in your executive contract negotiations? My article published a year ago in late August 2024 by CEOWORLD magazine discusses just that: how keeping and using an ace in the hole can help you in negotiations over executive contacts, including job offers, employment agreements, separation agreements and contracts for consulting. Read the Article Here

5. 9/2025 Offer: Good until Sept, 30th

This 4-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: an Executive Employment Job Offer Law Diagnostic — this offer is good through 9/30/25. More Details Here

It’s always a pleasure to get back in touch with you and other clients, friends, and colleagues. I hope the links and information provided will be useful to you and that there will be an opportunity for me to work with you on legal matters in the near future.

Let’s keep in touch!

Best regards,

Rob

Robert Adelson

*Adelson & Associates, LLC
Executive Employment Attorney
101 Federal Street, 19th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 204–5601 Law Firm
(617) 204–5602 Direct
(617) 204–5604 Fax
Email: rob@attorneyadelson.com
Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/
Blog: https://robadelson.wordpress.com/
X: @AttorneyAdelson

Note on Adelson & Associates, LLC:* Robert A. Adelson is the Principal of Adelson & Associates, LLC. For fifteen (15) years, from October 2004 through December 2019, Robert Adelson practiced law and referred legal work to associates of his, trusted and experienced colleagues, as a partner of Engel & Schultz, LLP. In December 2019, the lead partners of the firm announced they would go into semi-retirement, go their separate ways, and the office lease would expire in January 2020. In response, Robert Adelson formed Adelson & Associates, LLC in December 2019 and commenced the new firm’s operations on January 1, 2020, with the new firm taking over, on that date and going forward, all current Robert Adelson clients, matters and operations, as well as all referral of legal work to associates of Robert Adelson. Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

June 2025 Executive Employment Law Newsletter

I hope this email finds you and your family in good health.  We are now beginning June, we’ve had some nice weather and hopefully this run of nice weather will continue, ideal for biking, hiking, boating, golf, picnics and enjoying the out of doors, and perhaps some swimming too in the lakes and by month end perhaps the ocean too.  As for New England spectator sports, perhaps the less said the better.  Our winter sports teams have long since finished: the Bruins did not make the playoffs;  our defending NBA Champion Celtics dashed our hopes as the team crashed and burned losing to the Knicks in 6 games in the second round.  To make things even worse, star Jason Tatum suffered serious injury and we can only wish him well and a recovery such that at some future date he might again step on the parquet and resume what has been an exceptional career.  As for our main remaining pro team still standing, the Red Sox are in a bit of a funk.  I attended one game, rescheduled the next day after a rainout, where the Sox scored 19 runs (“Mercy!” I can almost hear those immortal words in my ear from Old Sox radio announcer  Ned Martin).  Yet, so many other games when the Sox get some decent pitching from Crochet or others, they just cannot summon the timely hitting.  Hopefully, Alex Cora will get everyone on the same page and things will improve as the season continues on.

As for Newsletter items, this past week,  there has been a delay with my latest article so I am reposting an article of mine that  CEOWORLD published in 2023 for CEOs, C-level and senior executives on acceleration terms in a change of control event.  A link is offered to my article where I argue for immediate acceleration on the closing of the success event and against delay from a “Double Trigger” with my argument  drawing on 19th century US history analogies.  (Hint:  I’m on the side of Abraham Lincoln in the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates).  As a bonus, I include  a further link to the article’s sequel also published in CEOWORLD arguing for the single trigger in public companies. 

This newsletter also has links, in items #3 and #4, to two other earlier articles of mine.  The first article, published in 2023 in IVYEXEC, the career advancement website, advises on negotiation strategies and terms to seek in C-level and senior executive severance negotiations. The second article,  published in CEOWORLD magazine back in 2020 but still relevant, offers pointers to first time CEOs and those new to C-level executive employment negotiations, including key terms to seek in your negotiations. There is also a special offer as item #5, an Executive Employment Separation Law Diagnostic.  I hope some of these items might be of benefit… and my best wishes to all for the rest of June!

1.   Fighting the CofC “Double Trigger” as Free Labor vs Slavery

Are you being hired, or are you now working as a CEO or C-level executive to lead or help lead your company to a liquidity Change of Control success event?  Your job offer likely provides for acceleration or some bonus compensation if you succeed, but what about the actual triggers for your payout?  My article published  in CEOWORLD magazine in 2023 argues for a single trigger of your acceleration on closing and against the Double Trigger that sets more conditions and various risks and potential problems for you. Read the Article Here  After challenge from a company attorney, I demonstrated use of the single trigger for C-level executives in public companies (and got my public company CEO client the single trigger), as set out in my sequel to this article CEOWORLD magazine in 2024, for single trigger executive acceleration in public companies. Read the Article Here

2.       Work with CEOs, C-Suite and Senior Executives, exclusively.

Robert Adelson is an attorney specialized in the representation of CEOs, C-level and senior executives. He no longer represents companies or employers.  Learn about Robert Adelson’s work with CEOs, C-level and senior executives to advise on and improve job offers, employment contracts, stock, RSUs, options, bonuses and other executive compensation matters, plus advice and aid on issues of wrongful termination, severance, exit terms, retention, change of control, other executive issues and more … More Details Here

3.      Severance Compensation Packages for Executives

Whether you have just received a job offer, have a chance to renegotiate your current contract, or are facing a change of control or termination situation, my article published in January 2023 by the IvyExec career advancement website may benefit you, as I discuss key payment, equity, benefits, non-disparagement and other terms to negotiate in your severance package and also timing, and how to deal with what your employer may ask of you.    Read the Article Here

4.       Negotiating your first C-Level Executive Employment Agreement

Are you a newly-minted CEO or another C-level executive?  Did you receive your first C-level job offer or employment agreement? My article published in CEOWORLD Magazine back in 2020 remains relevant and may benefit you, as I discuss why the agreement is important to the company and to you, and key terms – equity, bonus structure, severance among them – on which to focus in your negotiations.  Read the Article Here

5.     6/2025 Offer:  Good until June 30th  

This 4-week value-packed offer, is as a way to get introduced to my law work: an Executive Employment Separation Law Diagnostic –– this offer is good through 6/30/25.  More Details Here

It’s always a pleasure to get back in touch with you and other clients, friends, and colleagues.  I hope the links and information provided will be useful to you and that there will be an opportunity for me to work with you on legal matters in the near future. 

Let’s keep in touch! 

Best regards,

Rob

Robert Adelson

*Adelson & Associates, LLC
Executive Employment Attorney
101 Federal Street, 19th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 204-5601 Law Firm
(617) 204-5602 Direct
(617) 204-5604 Fax
E-mail :  rob@attorneyadelson.com
Blog:  https://robadelson.wordpress.com/
Twitter:  @AttorneyAdelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-adelson-b8a1557/
Website: www.executiveemploymentattorney.com

Note on Adelson & Associates, LLC:
* Robert A. Adelson is the Principal of Adelson & Associates, LLC.  For fifteen (15) years, from October 2004 through December 2019, Robert Adelson practiced law and referred legal work to associates of his, trusted and experienced colleagues, as a partner of Engel & Schultz, LLP.  In December 2019, the lead partners of the firm announced they would go into semi-retirement, go their separate ways, and the office lease would expire in January 2020.  In response, Robert Adelson formed Adelson & Associates, LLC in December 2019 and commenced the new firm’s operations on January 1, 2020, with the new firm taking over, on that date and going forward, all current Robert Adelson clients, matters and operations, as well as all referral of legal work to associates of Robert Adelson.  Since 1/1/2020, the firm’s offices have been and remain at 101 Federal Street, 19th Floor, across the street from the pre-2020 offices at One Federal Street, 21st Floor, in Boston’s Financial District.

This post was originally published in https://robadelson.wordpress.com/2025/06/02/june-2025-executive-employment-law-newsletter/

Executive Contract Negotiations for Life Sciences Executives

On Wednesday October 9, 2024, the executive career advancement website IvyExec published an article I wrote, “Executive Contract Negotiations for Life Sciences Executives.

This article was designed for CEOs and other C-Suite, VPs or other senior executives in Medical Device, Biotechnology and other life science companies who, when negotiating a new job offer or employment contract or terms of executive compensation, need to give attention to essential employment terms in these fast growing and changing industries.

My article indicates how in these negotiations, the executive should seek key executive employment terms in the following important areas:

• Signing bonus to at least make you whole for anything you are giving up,
• Performance targets geared to your type and stage of life science company and its exit goals,
• Equity in scope and form matched to your position, stage of company and potential tax issues
• Relocation and other expenses (e.g. maintaining your M.D. license) again to keep you whole when you change companies.

The article also discusses executive severance terms and triggers for your protection in case changes necessitate you to change companies in the future.

To see my full article, go to LINK: https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2024/executive-contract-negotiations-for-life-sciences-executives

or my website, go to LINK: https://www.executiveemploymentattorney.com/executive-contract-negotiations-for-life-sciences-executives/

IvyExec hosts articles and webinars from experts in the career, leadership, and business spaces who wish to share their knowledge with our audience. In April 2021, I was invited to write for IvyExec since it seeks original content on the topics of career development, leadership, and business strategy as it applies to senior-level and C-Suite professionals. IvyExec blog posts and webinars are shared with its community of more than 2 million members on its website, in its newsletter, and on its social media channels. https://www.ivyexec.com/career-advice/write-for-us/
IvyExec claims a “Community of 2.5M+ Leaders”. See also — https://www.ivyexec.com/

It is my hope that this article will be helpful to CEOs and other senior executives in the medical device, biotechnology or other life science industries who are negotiating new executive job offers, employment contracts or executive compensation packages and should pay attention to the essential contract terms discussed in my article.

If you or any colleague of yours has a need in this area, please do reach out to me at rob@attorneyadelson.com or call 617–875–8665.

Keeping and Using Your Ace in the Hole in Negotiating Your C-level Executive Contract

 On Friday August 30, 2024, CEOWORLD magazine published an article I wrote titled, “Keeping and Using Your Ace in the Hole in Negotiating Your C-level Executive Contract.”

The new article is designed for CEOs, C-level and senior executives and those executives  who aspire to the C-suite.  This article discusses how, based on my experience representing C-suite executives, that by holding back a little – keeping an ace in the hole, as they say – you will create a sense of anticipation, increase your value in the eyes of the company, and ultimately enhance chances of achieving your desired executive contract terms.

The article goes on to discuss how we’ve applied this strategy of ascertaining and then using this “Ace in the Whole” strategy in three different types of executing contracting situations –

• Job Offer / Employment Agreement  – For example, you might outline a new approach to optimizing operational efficiency or a plan to expand into new markets. However, make it clear that these strategies are just the beginning. Let the company know that you have other strategies and ideas in your pocket, that could be deployed for the benefit of the company, if you are hired and take the position.

• Termination / Separation Agreement – in severance negotiations, part of your leverage would come from release potential claims, but other leverage may come from your knowledge, experience and contacts, and your potential use to the company in post-termination paid transition services and consulting. Here you might suggest three particular assignments for yourself that address particular gaps created by your separation…. But again not telling, even suggesting you envision several other impactful assignments, not to be discussed unless and until the company commits to reasonable severance terms.   

• Independent Consulting / Consulting between positions –  In this further application of the “Ace in the Hole” strategy, you may hold back on consulting for others and particular needs and requests, until after you’ve established yourself with the company with whom you’ve started consulting, and you could also hold off on moving to a fulltime C-level position (if offered) until the company reaches terms you seek.

I am a fan of Country Music.  So, both this executive contract strategy and the impetus to write this article drew inspiration from the great song by the Country Music singer, the legendary George Strait and  his song ,  “Ace in the Hole”.  The lyrics –

You’ve got to have an ace in the hole

A little secret that nobody knows

Life is a gamble, a game we all play

But you need to save something for a rainy day

You’ve got to learn to play your cards right

If you expect to win in life

Don’t put it all on the line for just one roll

You’ve got to have an ace in the hole

If you’re headed down a one way street

And you’re not sure it’s the way you wanna go

In money or love or all the above

Have a little more than what you show

When life deals out a surprise

Have a few surprises of your own

No matter what you do, no matter where you go

You’ve got to have an ace in the hole

Source for lyrics:  https://genius.com/George-strait-ace-in-the-hole-lyrics 

Video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK854RfHFAc

To see my full CEOWORLD magazine. article, go to LINK: https://ceoworld.biz/2024/08/30/keeping-and-using-your-ace-in-the-hole-in-negotiating-your-c-level-executive-contract/

Or on my website at  https://www.executiveemploymentattorney.com/keeping-and-using-your-ace-in-the-hole-in-negotiating-your-c-level-executive-contract/

This was my 47th  article published in CEOWORLD since 2016.  Previously, the editor advised that I can use “Featured in the CEOWORLD magazine” and the CEOWORLD “Logo” on my website and add CEOWORLD magazine in my LinkedIn profile’s “Experience Section” as an “Opinion Columnist.” and authority in the field.  

On its own initiative, CEOWORLD magazine created on their website a library of Robert Adelson published articles.   You can peruse this library and/or read as many of my 44 published articles as you wish.  See https://ceoworld.biz/author/robert-adelson/

With more than 12.4+ million-page views, CEOWORLD magazine is the world’s leading business magazine written strictly for CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, senior management executives, business leaders, and high net worth individuals worldwide. https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceomagazine/

It is my hope this new article will be beneficial to CEOs, C-level executives, VPs and other senior executives and those aspire to C-suite positions to use this “Ace-in-the-Hole” strategy in your own negotiations over important executive contracts in the course of your career.

If you or any colleague of yours has a need in this area, please do reach out to me –  rob@attorneyadelson.com or call 617-875-8665.