The article forgot to mention the most important skill required for being a CEO - already knowing members of the elite class.
There is very little chance of the vast majority of people of going from IC or even middle management to CEO, let alone other “elite” titles like VP or Director. These are folks that live in the social sphere of power, not just being effective enough to be promoted to the top in the mythical meritocracy.
An example: Bill Gates didn’t get such a sweet deal with IBM by walking in the door and demonstrating gumption. His mother served on the United Way board with the chair of IBM. Bill Gates came from a wealthy family that already knew the right people.
The elites who could possibly give me a chance as CEO or VP don’t talk to me enough to even know whether I’m qualified and/or if I exist. It’s not like we run into each other at the country club or the marina.
There is very little chance of the vast majority of people of going from IC or even middle management to CEO, let alone other “elite” titles like VP or Director. These are folks that live in the social sphere of power, not just being effective enough to be promoted to the top in the mythical meritocracy.
An example: Bill Gates didn’t get such a sweet deal with IBM by walking in the door and demonstrating gumption. His mother served on the United Way board with the chair of IBM. Bill Gates came from a wealthy family that already knew the right people.
The elites who could possibly give me a chance as CEO or VP don’t talk to me enough to even know whether I’m qualified and/or if I exist. It’s not like we run into each other at the country club or the marina.