Class 7: Style—Five Ways to Project Yourself as a CEO

Abstract

After six intensive classes, it should be fairly clear what makes a successful CEO. But there’s something intangible that we haven’t yet conveyed. It’s what we felt in the presence of our school of 20 global business leaders, as much as anything they actually said to us: a matter of style rather than substance. One thing that was fairly clear from the first interview onwards is that our CEOs champion their company at all times. But that certainly didn’t stop them from taking an active interest in our conversation and our own organisations. In fact this was (paradoxically, perhaps) what made them so interesting and compelling to talk to. Another factor was that they weren’t prevented by cultural differences from finding common ground with us, thanks to their global mindset. Finally, as confirmed by our questioning, they came across as fit and healthy, most of them actively practising sports or hobbies that enable them to achieve a balanced lifestyle.