Right now the news is dominated by headlines featuring tech titans indulging in extreme hobbies or eccentric behaviors.
Now there’s a growing call for a different breed of leader in the tech industry.
From Mark Zuckerberg’s foray into combat sports to Elon Musk’s controversial tweets and public antics, the archetype of the risk-taking, thrill-seeking CEO seems to be in vogue.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg.
However, amidst the spectacle, there’s a clamor for a return to a more grounded and mature leadership style.
The tech industry has long been associated with innovation, disruption, and the celebration of the unconventional.
Indeed, many of the most successful companies have been founded and led by individuals who embody these qualities.
However, as the industry matures and faces increasing scrutiny from regulators, investors, and the public, there’s a growing recognition of the need for a different kind of leadership.
Personal pursuits
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta Platforms Inc. (formerly Facebook), has garnered attention not just for his company’s groundbreaking technologies, but also for his personal pursuits outside the boardroom.
From participating in high-intensity combat sports to embarking on cross-country listening tours, Zuckerberg’s actions have often raised eyebrows and invited criticism.
While some argue that his willingness to embrace risk and push boundaries is emblematic of the entrepreneurial spirit, others question whether such behavior is appropriate for the leader of a multi-billion dollar corporation with significant societal impact.
Similarly, Elon Musk, the enigmatic CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, has cultivated a reputation for his eccentricities and unconventional antics.
Twitter spats
Whether it’s smoking marijuana during a podcast interview or engaging in Twitter spats with critics and regulators, Musk’s behavior has sometimes overshadowed his company’s technological achievements.
While his fans laud him as a visionary and a maverick, skeptics worry that his unpredictable behavior could undermine investor confidence and tarnish the reputation of the companies he leads.
Critics argue that the cult of personality surrounding figures like Zuckerberg and Musk has created a distorted image of what it means to be a successful tech CEO.
Instead of valuing prudence, integrity, and long-term strategic thinking, the focus has shifted to spectacle, bravado, and short-term gains.
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
Jabin Hallihan discusses share investing strategies and market insights from Family Financial Solutions ahead of 2026
In Short:
– Jabin Hallihan advises diversifying portfolios and buying shares during fluctuating markets, emphasising long-term strategies.
– He highlights AI and copper as promising sectors, predicting strong earnings for BHP in 2026.
Jabin Hallihan from Family Financial Solutions shares expert advice on investing in shares as markets fluctuate. He highlights the difficulty of timing the market and echoes Warren Buffett’s philosophy: the best time to buy shares was yesterday. For investors, understanding market timing is crucial.
The ASX 200 is currently valued at around 8,500, slightly below its October peak of 9,000. With a price-to-earnings ratio near 17, above the long-term average of 14, expected earnings for the coming year look promising at 10–11%. Hallihan emphasises the importance of a diversified portfolio and identifies AI as a continuing investment theme, while high-quality stocks like BHP and Rio Tinto offer resilience during downturns.
For funding acquisitions, consider taking profits from outperforming US tech stocks and reallocating into leading Australian resource companies. Looking into 2026, AI investment by major firms is set to accelerate, and the Australian mining sector—particularly copper—could provide significant upside. Jabin Hallihan can be contacted through Family Financial Solutions in Heatherton, Victoria.
Baruch Dach discusses SimpliiGood’s innovative plant-based smoked salmon made from solar-powered spirulina aimed at tackling climate change
In Short:
– Baruch Dach founded SimpliiGood, focusing on sustainable protein from solar-powered, desert-grown spirulina for plant-based smoked salmon.
– The company targets the restaurant industry and will launch its product in Israel, followed by Europe and the US.
SimpliiGood is redefining sustainable protein by turning solar-powered, desert-grown spirulina into whole-cut alternatives like plant-based smoked salmon.
Founder and CTO Baruch Dach explains how spirulina’s unique biology enables it to efficiently convert solar energy into complete protein while maintaining a structure similar to muscle fiber.
Baruch breaks down how the controlled desert environment, powered by renewable energy, allows for scalable, clean, and climate-resilient food production. The conversation dives into how spirulina’s natural properties make it an ideal base for delicate proteins like fish, something many plant-based brands struggle to replicate.
With spirulina at the centre of their innovation, SimpliiGood is pushing the boundaries of clean-label, nutrient-rich protein alternatives.
SimpliiGood’s smoked salmon is set to launch in January, targeting restaurants, bagels, and sushi markets. Initial sales will be in Israel, expanding to Western Europe, with plans to register with the FDA for a US launch.
The company positions itself as an ingredient supplier in the plant-based and hybrid markets, aiming to provide products that create a satisfying consumer experience, whether they are entirely plant-based or contain small amounts of fish or meat.
Israel’s dynamic startup scene thrives on necessity and resilience, says Raphael Singer, amid rising innovations from conflict challenges
In Short:
– Israel excels in innovation and startups, driven by necessity and resilience from historical challenges.
– Investment opportunities are growing, with a focus on technologies promoting peace and regional collaboration.
Israel calls itself an “innovation island,” and according to Raphael Singer — Director of Climate & Sustainability at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs — that title is well earned.
In this in-depth conversation, he explains how a lack of natural resources forced Israel to innovate early, building agriculture, water tech, and climate solutions from the ground up.
He discusses how Israel’s culture of embracing failure is central to its entrepreneurial strength, and why government investment remains critical to sustaining a nation with the world’s highest startup rate per capita. The defence sector’s R&D continues to spill into civilian life, powering everything from food security to climate resilience.
Singer also explores what other nations can learn from Israel’s approach to building a future-ready economy — one rooted in resilience, creativity, and rapid adaptation.
Israel wants the world to know its tech ecosystem remains open, active, and hungry for global partnerships. Collaboration with regional neighbours on issues like water security, climate challenges, and sustainability is seen as a pathway to long-term peace, reinforced by initiatives like the Abraham Accords.