My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
“this is the nightmare of Corporate America”
What It Means
Corporate promotion systems can elevate people who excel at corporate politics but lack substance or real competence
Why It Matters
Highlights the mismatch between traditional corporate skills and what modern technology companies actually need
When It's True
When promotion systems reward political skills over technical competence and results
When It's Risky
May overlook valuable business development and partnership skills that aren't visible in public settings
How to Apply
Evaluate executives on substance and direct communication ability
Test for product knowledge and technical understanding
Design promotion systems that reward actual performance
Example Scenario
“When hiring a tech company CEO, prioritize someone who can directly answer product questions over someone with perfect corporate presentation skills”
Related Knowledge
If You're Explaining, You're Losing
A PR principle stating that when you spend time explaining or defending your position, you've already lost control of the narrative and message.
Execute effective CEO interviews that build confidence and communicate key messages
Confident delivery, staying on message, providing specific metrics when asked, and maintaining positive energy throughout the interview.
Energy Determines Message Reception
The energy and tone you bring to communication determines how your message is received more than the actual content of what you say.
Authenticity beats polish in modern media
Traditional media training may be counterproductive for building audience trust and engagement
if you're explaining you're losing
When you spend time defending or explaining your position, you've lost control of the conversation and appear defensive
Linda Yaccarino represents the nightmare of Corporate America - someone who rises through ranks usin
Traditional corporate promotion systems reward political skills and network relationships over technical competence and direct communication ability, leading to mismatched leadership in technology companies.