“Hire slow, fire fast.”

“Your biggest asset is your time.”

“Have a strong moral fiber.”

Four CEOs at Shoptalk’s quarterly breakfast on August 5 shared these pieces of advice among many. Moderated by N&O President and Publisher Orage Quarles, the panel discussed hiring and firing procedures, women as CEOs, disciplined practices and how to seek help from local government, among other topics.

Panelists included Ann Black, CEO of ImmunoReagants, Joel Graybeal, managing partner of Triangle Rock Club, Carrie Peele, CEO of Blue Diamond Limousines, and Susan Thornbrough, Executive Vice President of Fireside Distributors.