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A lot of folks see the CEO job as the ultimate career goal. It screams success and power, right? But there’s a catch – something I like to call the CEO Paradox. This is when you’re running a company making a ton of cash from lawful stuff that brings in the bucks but might not be doing much good for society or the customer’s health. As a CEO, you must juggle your values, keep the shareholders happy, and do the right thing for society.

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Over my 27 years as a corporate trainer, I’ve met a bunch of CEOs from all over the place. And you know what? Many of them weren’t all that happy with “how things were.” This got me thinking, and I found this excellent Japanese idea called “Ikigai.” In this article, I’ll dive into the CEO Paradox, see how it links with Ikigai, and look at the tough stuff CEOs deal with. I’ll also talk about companies that say they’re doing good but might not be walking the walk.

Unpacking the CEO Paradox

The CEO Paradox is a big part of business these days. It’s all about the clash between how a company’s work affects society and keeping the shareholders grinning. This balancing act can be challenging for CEOs, especially those in industries that make harmful stuff like tobacco, fast food, or certain meds.

So, let’s say a CEO buddy of mine confessed, “I have all I ever wanted, but something’s not right.” I asked why, and he said, “It’s the industry I’m in; we’re not doing any good, yet we’re trained to be the best at our jobs, not necessarily for society.” The choice of industry should come early, but the best job in the best company sounds tempting, doesn’t it?

Why don’t CEOs just say no to these companies? Well, it’s complicated. These industries are big, powerful, and profitable, and that’s hard to resist. Plus, if the good guys step back, that leaves room for others who might not care about the harm they cause.

Ikigai: Guiding Light in the Paradox

Now, let’s talk about Ikigai, this Japanese concept of having a ‘reason to be’ or ‘something that makes you want to jump out of bed each morning.’ It’s where what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what can make your money meet.

A company with Ikigai would make stuff or offer services that bring in cash, help society, and align with what the CEO loves and is good at. But the real question is, can a CEO find their Ikigai in an industry considered harmful?

CEO’s Role: It’s Complicated

There’s a big gap between what companies stand for and what they actually do. This just screams CEO Paradox. It’s not rare for companies to claim they’re all about helping society, but their actions tell a different story. This can damage their reputation and make the CEO Paradox worse, as leaders have to handle the gap between what their company says and what it does.

The Difference Between What Companies Say and Do

There’s this belief that a company’s primary duty is to its shareholders. This can be tough for CEOs who want to put doing good before making money. CEOs might feel they have to focus on making a quick buck instead of doing good for society in the long run, making the CEO Paradox even trickier.

Sure, CEOs can steer the company, but they can’t control everything. They’re part of a bigger system with shareholders, board members, and market trends. These things and the rush for profit can stop a CEO from making significant changes, especially in industries that sell unhealthy stuff.

The Difference Between What Companies Say and Do

There’s a big gap between what companies stand for and what they actually do. This just screams CEO Paradox. It’s not rare for companies to claim they’re all about helping society, but their actions tell a different story. This can damage their reputation and make the CEO Paradox worse, as leaders have to handle the gap between what their company says and what it does.

Conquering the Paradox

To get past the CEO Paradox, we need to really get what a CEO does and the challenges they face. As we move towards a world where business cares more about society, shareholders, regulators, and society need to change their expectations. We should focus on long-term sustainability and helping society instead of just making quick profits.

The CEO Paradox isn’t a dead-end. It’s a chance for us to rethink how we do business. If we rise to the challenge, we can make a world where making money and doing good can go hand in hand, and CEOs can find their Ikigai in leading companies. This way, we can turn the CEO Paradox into the CEO Opportunity – a chance to redefine what success in business looks like for all benefit.