What it feels like to be the new CEO of a public company.

There's a party with two doors.

Imagine there’s a party next door and inside are all your shareholders.

There are two ways to get in: 

• Door A is for the big investors. It's the fancy door out front with a welcoming reception area inside. It's not too busy here, because big investors don't come to the party that often, but it happens from time to time - and you've got a pretty good idea of who's who as they come and go.
• Door B is for everyone else. It's the dingy door out the back. While it's not in full view - you can hear it creak on its hinges over the music and laughter inside. You don't know who, or how many people, are coming or going through it - but it's there.

As the new CEO, you should be at the party.

Hell, you should be the one hosting. Moving around the room. Shaking hands. Meeting people. These guests are your shareholders, right? They're here to meet you.

But that's not what happens. You're the CEO, but you can't even get inside.

You're the greeter out front.

You're standing dutifully outside and welcoming new investors in - but you're getting bowled over as they leave, usually faster on the way out than in. You're straining your ears to hear the music, trying to catch the conversation on the other side of Door A while the hinges of Door B creak on.

"Was that someone leaving?" you wonder. "Did they enjoy the party? Why are they heading off so soon, and are they coming back?"

But don't fear because you've got eyes on the inside - your broker.
You broker's on your team, talking you up and topping up your guests' drinks. Every now and then, they come out the front to see how you're going. They seem engaged, they're someone you can rely on. Especially when there's a big, new shareholder entering Door A.

Sure, you have to reach into your pocket each time and tip your broker - but you're happy to. They're your friend, and with firm handshakes and pats on the back - you trust it's all good.

But then two of those big new shareholders who only just arrived, leave the party at once. As they blow past you on the way out you ask yourself "why aren't they smiling? Why did they avoid eye contact? They're friends with my broker, and I thought we were friends?"

Then it hits you.

You can hear the music and the muffled conversations. You can hear dingy Door B creak open and closed. But no one's given you visibility of what's actually going on inside.  

You don’t hear the real conversations, or see how engaged your guests are. No one's given you any information or data to form a clear insight.

What if you knew what was happening inside the party?

The perspective I got from my conversation with the marketer was refreshing. Being a listed leader is an exclusive but challenging role, and a fresh pair of eyes can bring great context to the experience.

I want to convert their analogy into something aspirational for us to think about.

• What if you could host the party?
• What if you could see who comes and goes through both doors?
• What if you could be a part of every conversation and handshake?
• What if the CEO could engage with every investor?

Because it’s possible - it's no longer a matter of “what if?” It’s a question of “how to?"

Your investors are at the party to become, or stay shareholders in your company. They’re having conversations about your business, making decisions about what to do - and now you can be there to influence and engage them. 

With the right set of tools, every CEO can host the party and contribute meaningfully to each conversation. You can access insights and information that help you strategically get ahead, and build ahead.  

Want to learn more about the “how to?" Get it touch and I'll show you the specific tools to leverage your time and effort, and get that party started.

Cheers,

Ben