Where Have All the CEOs Gone?

CEO visibility, or lack of it, is an ongoing PR issue and one that has been frequently mentioned at media industry events. Examples abound of corporate leaders who are tight-lipped during tough times or deliver misleading comments. Many CEOs only make a public appearance when the news is favorable or prefer to network with each other at gatherings such as the annual summer conference in Sun Valley for media and tech leaders. Instead of covering this topic in our usual manner, we’re borrowing an alternate approach from Calvin Trillin. As an author, humorist and longtime contributor to The New Yorker, Trillin often wrote poems about politicians and current events. Inspired by his rhyming wizardry, we thought this would be an effective style for tackling the CEO dilemma. CEO (In)visibility The problem: CEOs are ultimately accountable Even when issues seem insurmountable In the business world there is constant disaster If not handled well, things get worse much faster CEOs collect exorbitant pay But when crises hit most have nothing to say Or if they do it is after delay Or they use stand-ins who get in the way Richard Edelman, a renowned PR pro Thinks CEO public face-time has hit a new low While most CEOs rather just balk Jamie Dimon is known for tough talk He fessed up when his bank’s trading loss came to light But on credit card rate rigging was not as forthright Micky Arison is Carnival Corp’s CEO Though when Costa cruise hit rocks he was a no-show He didn’t venture over to the Italian coast But when Miami Heat won, he gave the owner's toast The solution: What we need here is a reversal For some top brass, it may take rehearsal That’s what media training is for It shouldn’t be perceived as a chore It’s hard to arrive at the perfect word To deliver bad news, but it needs to be heard And for the record, the phrase that we fear Is “no comment,” let’s just make that clear The last thing to do is go into hiding Since on your shoulders the org has a lot riding And if you frequently travel Keep tabs back at home in case things unravel Then when it’s time for the earnings report Don’t make excuses, just say they fell short As leaders you should seek corporate history Not leave your reactions a complete mystery CEOs, since you’re a much maligned group Get with the program and give us the scoop

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Where Have All the CEOs Gone?

Nancy Lazarus

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Nancy Lazarus