How tech CEOs became “thrill seeking bros”

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.