The Changing Role and Influence of Modern CEOs

CEOs increasingly prioritize personal branding over traditional leadership roles, often leading to absenteeism in the workplace.

### The Changing Landscape of CEO Roles: Absenteeism and High Pay Packages
* 💼 The average public CEO now earns **nearly 400 times more** than the average American, with CEO pay increasing by an average of **1,460% since 1978**.
* 📞 Being a CEO is demanding, requiring **lifelong sacrifices** and a **24/7 commitment** to manage crises, yet many CEOs are now allowed to work **remotely** and even **part-time**.
* ✈ Newly appointed Starbucks CEO Brian Nicole was offered a sign-on bonus potentially worth **$113 million** while commuting from California instead of relocating to Seattle, highlighting the **leniency in CEO work arrangements**.
* 📉 Despite the high salaries, many CEOs, like Jack Dorsey of Twitter, have been known to **spend less time in the office**, often focusing on their **other ventures** while imposing **return-to-office mandates** on lower-level employees.
* 📊 Investors are often more interested in the **brand image and public relations skills** of CEOs rather than their day-to-day management, which has led to a culture where CEOs can be **absent as long as the company performs well**.
* 🔍 A recent survey found that **93% of CEOs do not go into the office full-time**, contrasting sharply with the **64% of lower-paid workers expected to be present**, creating a **morale issue among employees**.
* 🗂 Boards of directors often overlook the absenteeism of CEOs as long as the company is doing well, leading to a situation where CEOs can **delegate tasks while maintaining their public persona**.
* 📉 As companies evolve, the traditional role of the CEO is being questioned, with many founders remaining in leadership roles despite lacking the **necessary skills to manage large corporations effectively**.

The Rise of CEOs... That Don't Show Up To Work.

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The Discrepancy in CEO Work Commitment and Pay

CEO pay has surged by 1,460% since 1978, now making nearly 400 times more than the average American.

The rise of part-time CEOs and remote work arrangements, like Starbucks' Brian Nickel commuting from Newport Beach, raises questions about their commitment.

Elon Musk's extensive gaming schedule has also sparked debate about how he manages multiple major companies effectively.

Former Twitter CEO Dorsey spent little time at the office, while Victoria's Secret's new CEO is also allowed to work remotely.

This leniency for top executives contrasts with the strict office mandates for other employees.

The trend is driven by CEOs becoming more like cheerleaders for their companies, with their hiring and presence often focused on representing the brand and addressing key issues rather than solely driving operations.

The Evolving Role of CEOs in Modern Business

CEOs of consumer-facing companies have become influencers, using social media and marketing to drive their businesses.

Some have offloaded day-to-day tasks, allowing them to focus on their public image and branding.

This shift in the CEO's role has led to a significant change in company dynamics, with many CEOs now working part-time in the office.

A study in the UK shows a stark contrast in work-from-home policies, with higher-paid workers adopting hybrid arrangements while those earning less are required to be in the office full-time.

This has led to employee frustration and morale issues, as CEOs' public activities contradict the return-to-office mandates.

The trend of absentee CEOs is increasing, driven by their accountability to friendly boards and the rapid scaling of businesses, leading to a mismatch in skills and experience for effective leadership.

The Struggle for Founder Control in Companies

Founders often resist giving up control of their company, even when more qualified individuals could take over.

This struggle for power leads to founders appointing others for managerial roles while they remain the public face of the company.

The traditional role of a CEO is gradually becoming less relevant due to new corporate practices.