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The article reports that corporate executives are increasingly concerned that the ramifications of the financial crisis affecting the financial services industry will hit their own businesses. With the U.S. economy already in a weak condition, several of these executives said their own firms were cutting investment for 2008, and had seen a downturn in their revenues. Almost all said any planned corporate mergers were on hold.

The article discusses the stock market performance of wireless telecommunications companies, focusing on how company executives' statements don't line up with the numbers posted.

The article reports on the results of surveys conducted by the Conference Board on the top priorities considered by chief executives, chairmen and company presidents. According to the Conference Board, as the credit crunch deepens, executives' primary concern was the execution of business strategy and the consistency of execution. Among the 190 executives surveyed, 47% said their concern was speed flexibility and adaptability to change. Other concerns include global economic performance and financial risks including liquidity, volatility and credit risk.

Reports an increase in the number of employees who work for several years, save sufficient options earnings to not need a salary and take an open-ended sabbatical. Example of Nick MacPhee, who quit his job as vice president of operations at Microsoft Inc. and plans to take a hiatus from work; How he worked 80-hour weeks and felt guilty about not being able to spend time with his children; Comment on the difficulty of balancing family and work experienced by many executives.