A new website, CorpU TV is taking advantage of the YouTube phenomenon by offering short interviews with CEOs on various strategic learning initiatives.
Most of the interview subjects are prominent executives or training leaders at Fortune 500 companies or industry notables such as JetBlue, HSBC Bank, Staples, and Caterpillar. Some 60 video clip interviews are currently available. Corporate University Xchange, a research and consulting agency based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, operates the site that went live in November.
Matt Lippincott, marketing director for the company, says organizations were selected based upon their recognized success in particular areas.
"JetBlue has the secret to success in an industry where others have failed," Lippincott says, adding that the CEO interviews will remain available to the public. He anticipates the number of interviews will reach 100 this month.
"We chose Fortune 500 companies because they have the funding for a well-run training organization," Lippincott says. "Smaller companies don't have a significant training budget, and they don't have dedicated training employees."
The clips typically run three to five minutes and cover a range of topics, including succession planning, coaching, localized learning, and sales training. JetBlue CEO Dave Barger, for one, discusses how leaders should maintain visibility among staff and customers.
Some longer interviews with executives are broken into segments based on topic. CorpU TV is free of commercialization that plagues many video sites. While shying away from advertising, Lippincott says that sponsors might be sought out, but only if they blend with the overall function of the site.