The CEO Matters Newsletter (Edition 2)

Welcome back. We've got five pages for you in this edition:

Page 1: CEO Spotlight - A straight-forward feedback with KIND Snacks Founder, Daniel Lubetzky.

Page 2: CEO Well-Being - Cool Your Jets

Page 3: Quote - The Man in the Arena

Page 4: Reading - Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

Page 5: Leadership - Stay Curious

Page 1: CEO Spotlight

Daniel Lubetzky is the Founder of KIND Snacks. And he’s a billionaire. He started the company in 2004 and sold it to Mars for a reported $5 billion in 2020. Not a bad run.

Lubetzky attributes his success to associating himself with people who will give him straightforward advice and feedback. “Particularly successful and impressive CEOs end up developing a following of sycophants that are just too afraid to challenge them, and it can really destroy us.”

His Advice:

• Find the correct people. Look for people with high self-esteem and emotional intelligence. You want constructive feedback, not ruinous empathy.
• Create an environment that supports inquiry and challenge. “You want people who “feel like they have not just the right but the responsibility to talk it out.”
• Demand constructive suggestions behind the feedback. “Transparency, truthfulness, open communications, thinking of others and putting your shared enterprise ahead of any individual ego , all of those things are what’ going to create an environment of trust.”

I absolutely agree and would add that building a long-term relationship with a CEO Coach and becoming part of an ambitious group of like-minded CEOs will sharpen your thinking and decision-making.

Page 2: CEO-Well-Being: Cool Your Jets

Most CEOs simply don't get enough sleep. And for many, the sleep they do get isn't of sufficient quality. Sleep is your superpower. It's when your brain does an oil change, flushes out all the debris, and replenishes its brain fluid. At the same time, it files away relevant new information and builds neural connections. All good stuff.

One way to help fall asleep is simply to chill out. Few of us have an ice bath or cryogenic chamber at the ready, however, taking a cold shower, plunging your face in an ice bath or putting an ice pack on your chest can help. The point is to stimulate your vagus nerve. When activated, the parasympathetic nervous system slows your heart rate and breathing. All of this results in increased production of melatonin, more oxygen to the brain and a calming of brain activity. Hence you sleep better.

Wanna get better sleep? Chill out. seriously.

Page 3: The Man in the Arena

A number of years ago, I had the occasion and good fortune to have a conversation with Brene Brown. During our talk, she made reference to the “Man in the Arena” quote by Teddy Roosevelt. This served as her constant reminder to trust her own instincts and to forge her own path, in her own way. Ever since, it’s been helpful to me when I feel the criticism or ire of others.

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

-President Theodore Roosevelt

Page 4: What You Should Be Reading: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson's "Elon Musk" is not just a chronicle of one of the most enigmatic entrepreneurs of our time; it's a detailed guide that encapsulates the essence of visionary leadership and entrepreneurial resilience. Through the lens of Musk's tumultuous journey, Isaacson offers current and aspiring CEOs a unique blend of insightful lessons and cautionary tales, emphasizing the multifaceted role of a leader in today's dynamic business landscape.

Isaacson paints a vivid picture of Musk's relentless pursuit of monumental objectives, often in the face of skepticism and substantial obstacles. The narrative underscores the importance of a clear, unwavering vision coupled with the courage to challenge conventional wisdom. Musk’s approach to innovation—rooted in first-principle thinking and an almost reckless tolerance for risk—is a reminder for CEOs of the transformative outcomes when boundaries are challenged.

Beyond his professional triumphs, the book delves into Musk's personal world, revealing a man grappling with his complex persona. His contentious leadership style, marked by high employee turnover and impulsive decision-making, highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence, empathy, and effective communication in leadership. Isaacson doesn’t gloss over these flaws, offering them as profound learning points for readers.

Takeaways for CEOs

• Adopt a First Principles Mindset: Encourage a culture that challenges the status quo and seeks innovation beyond traditional frameworks. Questioning underlying assumptions can lead to groundbreaking solutions.
• Build Resilience and Risk Tolerance: Navigate business uncertainties with a resilient mindset. Understand the landscape of risk and reward, and be prepared to face setbacks as stepping stones towards long-term goals.
• Invest in Emotional Leadership: Recognize the importance of empathy, open communication, and ethical considerations in decision-making. A committed workforce stems from a leader who values human connections and ethical integrity.
• Promote Work-Life Harmony: Establish and model a healthy balance between professional pursuits and personal life, fostering a sustainable, productive work environment for all members of the organization.
• Embrace Transparent and Ethical Practices: Commit to transparency in business operations and maintain a steadfast adherence to ethical standards, ensuring that success is achieved, well-deserved, and sustainable.

"Elon Musk" by Walter Isaacson is a compelling narrative that deconstructs the journey of a modern visionary, presenting invaluable insights for business leaders poised to make their mark. The biography, with its rich tapestry of triumphs, failures, and personal anecdotes, prompts leaders to reflect on their leadership style, ethical considerations, and the legacy they aspire to create. It is a clarion call for visionary thinking, compassionate leadership, and the boldness to rewrite the rules for a progressive future. This book is an essential addition to any forward-thinking CEO's library, providing both inspiration and a pragmatic mirror for self-reflection.

Page 5: Stay Curious

Jason made me curious.?

Jason is a smart guy and is the architect of my LinkedIn campaigns. We recently had a conversation and he told me that he uses his neuroscience background to leave people curious. His logic is that when we are curious we pay more attention and we are drawn to the subject to find out what we might be missing. (FOMO.)?

Made me curious. Made me think. hmm, maybe he’s right.

• Movie trailers make me curious and then I want to come back and see the whole movie.

• The “Daily Special” at our favorite restaurant. We’re curious, so we inquire. Sometimes we even ask if there are any specials.

• I’m such a sucker for subscription boxes. Generally you know what’s coming but not exactly. We can’t wait to open it. Once I subscribed to a bacon box with five different kinds of bacon each month (I wonder what happened to that.)

• Think of the ending scene in a favorite series that keeps us coming back for another season.

The point is not to tell them everything. Malcolm Gladwell explained that sometimes in his writing, he leaves his reader dangling to figure out the point of the story for themselves. Leave them curious. Just enough to encourage them to say “Tell me more.”