Big Think Want to be a CEO? Become a master of paradox | Adam Bryant for Big Think+
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Aug 22, 2025 Adam Bryant, former *New York Times* journalist and author of *The Leap to Leader*, dives deep into the complexities of being a CEO. He reveals the intense pressure leaders face, balancing compassion with accountability in a world of rapid change. The discussion highlights the skills necessary for modern leadership: simplifying complexity, staying aware, owning accountability, and listening deeply. Bryant emphasizes that true leadership is about mastering paradoxes, not eliminating them, a crucial insight for anyone aiming to lead.
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CEO Glamour Masks Heavy Burden
- CEO roles look glamorous but carry constant, heavy responsibility and stress.
- Adam Bryant says the job is 24/7 and you'll likely anger people with many decisions.
Thousand CEO Interviews Informs View
- Adam Bryant drew on 18 years at The New York Times and over a thousand CEO interviews.
- He used that experience to ask what playbook leaders are writing in real time.
Leadership Complexity Has Exploded
- Leadership has grown more complex as companies face tsunamis of change and social expectations.
- Bryant notes issues like the Great Resignation and demands for companies to solve societal problems.
