“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies The Dirty Secrets of Executive Departures
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Jun 19, 2025 
CJ Gustafson, host of the Run the Numbers podcast and expert CEO/CFO, dives into the often-taboo topic of C-suite executive departures. He discusses the critical aspects of communication and support during terminations, shedding light on severance packages and the intricacies of executive compensation. Gustafson highlights job stability disparities between executives and individual contributors, and critiques equity acceleration practices. This candid conversation reveals the challenges of navigating rapid company growth and maintaining professionalism during transitions.
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Communicate Early With Executives
- Keep open communication with C-suite executives before deciding on exit.
- Early feedback conversations help avoid surprise firings and offer a chance for course correction.
Terminate With Clear Decisions
- Deliver clear feedback continuously to executives so termination decisions are understood.
- Communicate termination as a decision, not open for debate, then handle transition details.
Executives Often Quit Before Fired
- Most execs quit after repeated feedback, avoiding abrupt firings.
- The rare "two by four" firing reveals lack of executive self-awareness.