This is the worst advice we give new CEOs
“Congratulations and condolences.” This is a real message a peer sent when I became CEO of BarkleyOKRP in May 2025. And he wasn’t alone in his sentiment. It seems many regarded this career-defining achievement as the corporate equivalent of buying a boat: Enjoy that first day; the rest will be rough. My future was to be filled with bigger decisions, harder calls, and problems aplenty. And now I…
The piece titled "This is the worst advice we give new CEOs" recounts the author's reality as a newly appointed CEO of BarkleyOKRP in May 2025. The initial sentiment expressed was that the role would be lonely, a notion echoed by many peers. The author likened the role to owning a boat, implying that while the initial journey might be enjoyable, the subsequent journey would be challenging and fraught with problems. The author also admitted to initially embracing this notion, but now questions its validity.
An experiment was launched, interviewing seven prominent advertising leaders for a podcast series aimed at inspiring industry executives. Despite the varied leadership styles, a surprising commonality emerged - all had a support network in place. This network consisted of personal boards of directors, executive coaches, and organizations fostering support among women. Each leader surrounded themselves with individuals capable of providing differing perspectives, challenging assumptions, and delivering hard truths.
The author suggests that the notion of isolation at the top is a misconception. Instead, it should be framed as a choice. Instead of anticipating isolation, new leaders should seek out and nurture supportive relationships. The author's own team at BarkleyOKRP practices this principle, emphasizing collaboration, open communication, and shared celebration of victories.
The author concludes by urging new CEOs to build a circle of confidants and cultivate a culture of collaboration, challenging the conventional wisdom surrounding the lonely nature of leadership.
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