Developing Leaders Who Make a Difference
Bob Burlas helps CEOs, business owners, and their rising leaders sharpen decisions, strengthen organizations, and positively impact their communities — through the transformational power of Vistage peer advisory.
Guide Leadership Consulting
"To give back to the Central Indiana business community by developing leaders who thrive professionally, grow personally, and champion the communities they serve."Bob Burlas · Personal Mission Statement
Four Decades of Leadership, Now in Your Corner
Bob Burlas spent nearly 40 years at the forefront of enterprise technology sales and executive leadership — with tenures at IBM, Cisco, Brocade, and Pomeroy Technologies — before retiring in late 2024 to found Guide Leadership Consulting and launch his practice as a Vistage Chair in Central Indiana.
A Purdue University alumnus (BS Industrial Management, 1986) and Notre Dame MBA graduate (1989), Bob has served on the Purdue Daniels School of Business Alumni Board for 18 years, including a term as President. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Boiler Business Exchange of Indianapolis and is an active supporter of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation.
Bob and his wife Tara — also a Purdue alumna — live in Westfield, Indiana. When he's not facilitating peer advisory groups or developing the next generation of Central Indiana leaders, you'll find him running, biking, or cheering on the Boilermakers.
His work today is animated by a simple belief: better leaders build better organizations and stronger communities.
A Peer Advisory Board Built for Central Indiana CEOs
SB 12077 is a confidential monthly gathering of ambitious Central Indiana chief executives and business owners — committed to better decisions, stronger organizations, and more meaningful lives.
Group Vision
"We are a community of ambitious Central Indiana chief executives and business leaders committed to becoming better — for our businesses, our families, and our communities — through the transformational power of peer accountability and shared wisdom."
Confidential Peer Accountability
A safe space governed by operating principles: confidentiality, candor, assumption of good will, and constructive challenge.
World-Class Expert Speakers
Monthly full-day sessions featuring vetted Vistage speakers on topics that directly impact your business and leadership.
Issue Processing
A structured Vistage framework to gain clarity, peer perspective, and concrete next steps on your most pressing challenges.
Global Vistage Network
Access to 45,000+ trusted peer executives worldwide via the Vistage online community — 24/7.
Interested in Joining SB 12077?
Bob personally curates the group for fit, commitment, and shared purpose. Reach out to start the conversation.
Developing the Next Generation of Central Indiana Leaders
Your experienced managers, team leads, and rising executives are the operational backbone of your organization. The Vistage Advancing Leader Program raises their strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration — at every level of management.
Through expert speakers, peer learning, application-based development, and structured issue processing, participants gain the skills to execute initiatives, drive alignment, and deliver results.
Launching Fall 2026 in Central Indiana. Bob is actively building the inaugural cohort — nominations are now being accepted.
| Leadership Role | Program | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Experienced Managers, Team Leads & Rising Executives | Advancing Leader | Strategic thinking & execution skills to lead at every level |
6 full-day meetings per year · Expert speaker workshops · Peer feedback · Cross-functional collaboration · 24/7 online community
🏗 Bench Strength
Prepares high-potential employees for key leadership positions — building organizational depth and resilience.
⚡ Improved Execution
Develops leaders who drive cross-functional collaboration and deliver results on your most important initiatives.
🔗 Relationship Building
Cultivates professional relationships across departments and levels — inside and outside your organization.
🚀 Career Advancement
Enhances development and visibility for participants, with strong potential for advancement within your organization.
The Effective Leadership Methodology
Effective Thinking
Thinking strategically beyond one's own subject matter expertise — understanding relevant facts, evaluating options, and making sound decisions under uncertainty.
Effective Communication
Fostering understanding, support, and motivation with stakeholders at every level — with clarity, confidence, and intention.
Effective Collaboration
Seeking diverse perspectives, achieving genuine buy-in, and driving adoption and participation across teams and functions.
Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you're curious about the CEO peer group, want to nominate a leader for the Advancing Leader program, or simply want to connect — Bob would love to hear from you.