Why So Many Tech Founders Who Are Jerks Become Insanely Rich And Successful
http://www.businessinsider.com/jerk-tech-founders-often-become-kajillionaires-2014-1
As I read this article I started thinking about my past. I used to be a total asshole (as opposed to the partial asshole I am now, though since my wife only sees the ‘after’ she really doesn’t appreciate the transformation). Had I achieved the success I was aiming for (millionaire by 25, billionaire by 30, my corporate offices in orbit by 40; you can see I am a wee bit behind the times) there is no question in my mind I would be exactly like the dick CEOs we read so much about (I suspect we don’t read much about the non-dick CEOs because, being collaborative, they don’t seek out the limelight). It took homeless destitution to humble me (well, as humble as I get), a fairly life altering experience that was relatively painless only because I had a couple of good friends that took care of me. Kinda like an alcoholic is always recovering, I am a recovering asshole and backslide from time to time (which causes my wife to grit her teeth quite a bit). However, if (when?) I achieve success I think I can keep a lid on my asshole-ness and not be a jerk CEO.
