• What is the CEO's responsibility?

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    A CEO's responsibilities are comprehensive and multifaceted. Here are some insights from various trusted experts:

    1. Board Alignment: A CEO plays a critical role in ensuring the board is well-informed and aligned. The CEO should work closely with the board to make sure it functions effectively and receives necessary information, without fully outsourcing this responsibility to the chairman 1.

    2. Management and Talent: A key aspect of the CEO’s role involves upscaling management and building the executive team to support business growth. This includes spending significant time identifying and recruiting talent to ensure a good cultural and skillset fit 2.

    3. Vision and Mission: Establishing and communicating a clear vision and mission is fundamental. This ensures alignment within the organization and helps secure financing and market positioning. Additionally, CEOs need to nurture leadership teams that can execute this vision and adapt as the company scales 3.

    4. Culture and Communication: The importance of fostering a strong organizational culture and effective communication is paramount, particularly during challenging times. This involves clear communication with stakeholders and maintaining a cohesive corporate culture 3.

    5. Social Responsibility: Modern CEOs have an expanded role beyond just financial success. They are expected to contribute positively to their communities and address broader societal issues such as inequality and systemic racism. This entails a commitment to improving societal conditions alongside fulfilling business objectives 4.

    6. Strategic Roles: According to Elad Gil, the CEO’s role evolves with the company’s scale. Core responsibilities include hiring executives, resource allocation, setting strategy and vision, being the external face of the company, and ensuring the company is well-capitalized 5.

    7. Leadership Attributes: Jenny Johnson highlights the importance of people, passion, purpose, and persistence in leadership. These attributes are crucial for building and inspiring the right team, navigating challenges, and instilling a sense of purpose in the organization 6.

    In summary, the CEO's role is dynamic and extends from strategic vision and board management to fostering company culture and addressing societal responsibilities.

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