Thank you for considering our invitation to be a guest on KEEPING UP… with Fred Whittlesey.

What is it?

An interview-style interaction between the host and a special guest, recorded digitally for later distribution on the website and available for download to MP3 players and iPods, thus the name “podcast.”

Who is the sponsor?

Global Equity Organization (GEO), a non-profit organization absorbs all costs of the podcast and distributes it free to members.  Membership is free to corporate issuers around the world; service providers pay a small annual membership fee.  GEO is a worldwide professional association of individuals and organizations involved in the design and administration of equity-based employee compensation and benefits programs.  GEO does not engage in any lobbying activities and has no political affiliations.

GEO is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors.  Any member can be nominated, or self-nominated, and all nominated candidates are presented to the membership for voting.  GEO’s revenue comes from membership dues, meeting attendance fees, and sponsorships of certain events.  It is anticipated that no sponsors will be accepted for the podcast series KEEPING UP to ensure editorial freedom and objectivity of content.

What is the purpose?

GEO provides continuing education and information through its website, annual conference, local and regional events, webcasts, and now this podcast series.  GEO is dedicated to the professional growth and continuing education of individuals practicing in this technically complex field, bringing together perspectives from professionals in the areas of plan design, plan administration, accounting, tax, securities law, labor law, and other specialty areas.

The purpose of these podcasts is to provide a flexible vehicle for members to stay informed on the latest developments in the field without the need for travel or a set presentation time.

How are invited guests selected?

KEEPING UP is intended to bring a slightly different perspective to its members compared to the typical content of conferences and meetings.  We are selecting individuals who can provide a big-picture, global, and forward-looking perspective on the topic of delivering compensation to employees using equity vehicles and related topics.  We strive to have guests from a wide variety of organizations that may include CEOs, legislators, regulators, journalists, and representatives of various organizations that provide a strategic and direction-setting role in the field.

Who is the host?

Fred Whittlesey is Founding Principal of Compensation Venture Group, Inc., a Seattle-based consulting firm specializing in compensation strategy, executive compensation, and equity-based compensation.  He is co-founder of the Global Equity Organization (GEO), a Founding Member of the National Association of Stock Plan Professionals, past Chair of the Advisory Board for the Certified Equity Professional Institute, and a current member of the Executive Compensation Task Force of CompensationStandards.com.  Fred is a faculty member and certification course developer for WorldatWork’s “Accounting and Finance for HR Professionals” and basic and advanced “Executive Compensation” courses in both classroom and webcast formats.  He has conducted hundreds of presentations, seminars, course sessions, and webcasts on the topic of compensation.  Fred received his MBA from UCLA and graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in industrial/organizational psychology.  He earned the Certified Equity Professional (CEP) designation from Santa Clara University and the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) designation from WorldatWork.

Who benefits from this?

We feel everyone can benefit from this series. GEO’s members benefit by receiving an electronic form of information and communication that is easily accessible from anywhere in the world.  GEO benefits by providing an additional reason for members to continue their affiliation and from the potential increase in membership from those wishing to receive this added benefit.  Because GEO is a member-driven organization we believe that increases in the number and diversity of membership immediately benefit all members.

What kind of commitment is required to participate in the podcast?

Being a guest on KEEPING UP only requires a commitment of approximately 15 minutes by phone for planning purposes, then the actual interview which can be conducted at any time or place mutually convenient to the host and the guest.  The host will provide in advance a list of proposed questions (see next page) and the guest can suggest any modifications or additions to those.  The tone of the session is intended to be friendly and informative but candid.

The interview is expected to be 30 to 45 minutes but may be less or more and there is no mandated length.  This is one of the benefits of the podcast format – listeners know in advance the length of the podcast and can plan a listening time accordingly.

Contact Fred about being a speaker.

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