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Your writing is exceptional, and I love how you weave stories, references, and your own insights seamlessly throughout each paragraph.

I've met multiple founders who will refuse to be CEO again. This article definitely sheds light as to why.

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Thanks mark!

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Jan 31, 2023Liked by Mark Palmer

Without a doubt, the most complicated job. On the other hand, that gave you the wisdom that you emanate. It is never easy to learn how to communicate upper to the board and also orchestrate the work downwards. As always, you got all my respect and admiration for how you tell the story.

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Thanks Javier! I'm developing a full course on this and other topics on leadership... these posts are part of the structure of the course... stay tuned!

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That is awesome! Looking forward to read its outcome

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Great balancing perspective!

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I thought so, and then on the LinkedIn version of this post someone wrote this: “Dionysios was not exactly a role model for a CEO: As told by Cicero, in the Conversations at Tusculum: "And it is said that when he was disposed to play at ball—for he delighted much in it—and had pulled off his clothes, he used to give his sword into the keeping of a young man whom he was very fond of. On this, one of his intimates said pleasantly, “You certainly trust your life with him;” and as the young man happened to smile at this, he ordered them both to be slain, the one for showing how he might be taken off, the other for approving of what had been said by smiling. But he was so concerned at what he had done that nothing affected him more during his whole life; for he had slain one to whom he was extremely partial. Thus do weak men’s desires pull them different ways, and while they indulge one, they act counter to another"

I guess that might be fodder for another follow up post about how not to be CEO :)

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Hey great point about founders not being up for another tour. It reminds me of the old adage, “be careful what you wish for,” when it comes to CEO-dom. That said I hope I didn’t go too far to dissuade people, it’s also think it’s the best job there is!

And thanks for your kind words about the writing. I enjoy it!

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Ok this is too good. Shared via DM: the Three Stooges did a skit on The Sword of Damocles! https://youtu.be/BIxQTDWzZc0

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