Want to be a CEO? Become a master of paradox | Adam Bryant for Big Think+

🎙️ Adam Bryant on the Tough Truths of Being a CEO

Being a CEO may look glamorous — power, perks, prestige — but the reality is far more intense. Adam Bryant, a former *New York Times* journalist and author of *The Leap to Leader*, reveals the hidden weight behind leadership after interviewing over 1,000 CEOs.

🧠 The Harsh Reality

From the outside, CEO jobs seem desirable. But behind the scenes? It’s 24/7 stress, relentless responsibility, and decisions that will upset someone no matter what. It's a role filled with pressure and paradoxes 😵‍💫.

📉 Leadership Is Getting Harder

In the past, CEOs mainly served investors under a command-and-control style. But today’s leaders face:

🌊 Tsunamis of change

👋 The Great Resignation & quiet quitting

🏢 Rising expectations to solve social issues

Companies are now being asked to step in where governments fall short.

⚖️ A Job of Paradoxes

Modern CEOs must:

❤️ Be compassionate *and* hold people accountable

⏳ Create urgency *and* be patient

🌍 Embrace inclusion *and* stand firm on values

True leadership means balancing these tensions, not solving them outright.

🧩 Skills That Matter Most

1. **Simplify Complexity** – Break down overwhelming challenges into clear, memorable messages.

2. **Stay Aware** – Don’t shut out the world; embrace its chaos and learn from it.

3. **Own Accountability** – The buck stops with you. No excuses.

4. **Listen Deeply** – Being heard makes people feel respected. That trust drives loyalty 🙌.

🔥 Final Thought

Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder. It’s about sacrifice, resilience, and the emotional stamina to carry others forward. Not everyone is wired for it — and that’s okay.

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