Member Spotlight

Robert C. Sloane

A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Community
Robert C. “Bob” Sloane retired five years ago and has since dedicated his time to meaningful community service. Bob’s career was rooted in consumer products, having held senior general management and marketing roles with Colgate-Palmolive, American Cyanamid's Shulton International division, and the National Football League. Later in his career Bob found himself in transition relying on networking groups sponsored by outplacement companies. He saw flaws in outplacement company-sponsored networking groups and understood the value of a senior executive networking group that was independent and could set the criteria for membership. With that impetus, he co-founded the Executive Forum.

  

Five years later, he co-founded OptiMarket LLC with his partner Tucker Mays. Both seasoned consumer products marketers, they applied their marketing acumen to job searches, helping executives over 50 find new opportunities. Their philosophy was simple yet effective: treat the job search as a marketing process by establishing targets and identifying unique differentiators. Bob also co-wrote Fired at 50: How to Overcome the Greatest Executive Job Search Challenge with Tucker Mays. Bob drew on his marketing expertise to enable others to overcome the job market age bias to find new positions later in their careers.

  

The Birth of The Executive Forum
Bob’s passion for fostering community and empowering others is perhaps best exemplified in his role as a co-founder and first Chairman of The Executive Forum (EF), which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Alongside David Munn and Jim Forbes, Bob founded the EF on September 15, 1995, envisioning an independent networking group for senior executives in transition.

 

Initially meeting at the Greenwich Public Library with just 25 members, the EF began as a forum for generating job leads and sharing expertise. Members adhered to strict rules: attendance required presenting job leads, and meetings emphasized skill-building through expert guest speakers.

 

A Foundation of Values: The EF Ethos
From its inception, the EF has maintained a core ethos: prospective members must care as much about helping others as helping themselves. Bob famously jotted this principle on a napkin, and it remains the guiding philosophy of EF today. Prospective members must be proposed by an existing member, in career transition, and embody the mindset of giving back. This continues to ensure the unique camaraderie we find in the EF.

 

While the EF’s foundational values remain unchanged, the organization has evolved to meet modern challenges. Membership has become more diverse, and technology now enhances member interactions. As an example, the group’s original Alumni Dinners—now called Professional Enrichment Dinners—have expanded to include both landed professionals and those currently in transition, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and mutual support.

 

For Bob, the EF exemplifies the power of community and the importance of giving back. As he reflects on the group’s journey, he highlights its continued relevance and strength, attributing its success to the generosity and engagement of all its members.

 

Empowering an Aging Community
One of Bob’s primary community endeavors at this stage of his retirement is serving on the Board and executive committee of At Home in Greenwich. This non-profit organization empowers seniors to age in place by offering critical social services and fostering a supportive community. The organization continues to enhance the lives of Greenwich’s aging residents, ensuring they remain active, supported, and connected.

 

In addition to his work with At Home in Greenwich, Bob chairs the St. Catherine’s Support Circle, a church-based community group focused on providing job search skills and training. Through monthly meetings that delve into topics such as networking and career planning, Bob has helped countless individuals navigate the challenges of job transitions, leveraging his expertise in marketing and career development.

  

A Legacy of Giving Back
Bob’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and service. From his early days as a marketing professional to his pivotal role in founding the EF, his establishing OptiMarket, and his ongoing community service work, Bob embodies the values of leadership and compassion. His journey reminds us of the impact one person can have by fostering connections and empowering others to succeed.