CEO Number One: Sits in the corner office. Never asks about your day. Only speaks to demand results. Views you as a resource, not a person.
CEO Number Two: Knows your name. Asks if you ate lunch. Gets genuinely annoyed if you haven’t taken a break. Notices your hard work and actually says thank you.
So, which one sounds familiar?
Unfortunately, most of us have experienced CEO Number One. You know the type, the one who treats employees like replaceable cogs. The one who measures value in hours worked, not contributions made.
But here is the thing. I work for CEO Number Two.
And let me tell you, it changes everything.
The Toxic CEO: A Cautionary Tale
Let us first acknowledge the reality most people face.
Toxic CEOs exist everywhere. They thrive on fear, mistake exhaustion for dedication. They confuse long hours with loyalty.
Consequently, the culture rots from the top down.
Employees burn out. Talent walks out. Trust evaporates. Creativity dies. People show up, do the minimum, and go home defeated.
Furthermore, the toxic CEO doesn’t see any of this. He thinks everything is fine, wonders why turnover is high. He blames everyone but himself.
Because he has no idea what you actually do. And more importantly, he doesn’t care.
The Sweet CEO: A Blessing You Don’t Realize Until You Have One
Now let me tell you about the other kind.
Our CEO and founder knows we have lives outside work. For instance, he asks about our weekends. He also notices when someone looks tired.
And here is the kicker: he actually gets mad if he doesn’t see us taking breaks, sitting together as a team, or having casual meetings. Essentially, the bottom line is this: if we don’t love each other and care about one another, that is a complete no-no for him.
Yes, you read that correctly. Mad.
Take this example. If he walks by and sees you glued to your screen at 1 PM, he will ask: “Did you eat lunch?”
Furthermore, if you say no, he gives you that look. You know the look. The one that says: “I am not angry, just disappointed.”
Likewise, he expects us to take walks. He also encourages coffee breaks. Moreover, he reminds us to prioritize mental health.
And he actually means it.
The Firm and Professional Side
Now do not get it twisted. He is not a pushover.
In fact, he has high standards. He demands excellence. He holds people accountable. Furthermore, he does not accept excuses.
But here is the difference. He holds us accountable while respecting our humanity.
For instance, he will challenge a bad idea. He will push back on poor work. He will expect better.
But he does it with respect. He does it without humiliation. He does it with the understanding that we are human beings, not machines.
Consequently, we want to do better. We do not fear him; we respect him. And that respect drives us to work harder.
The Personal Experience: Living the Dream
Let me share something personal.
Before this role, I worked for toxic bosses. For instance, I got yelled at for taking a lunch break. Similarly, I was shamed for leaving at 5 PM. And worst of all, I got treated like a number on a spreadsheet.
Quite frankly, it was miserable.
Every morning, for example, felt like dread. Every email, in turn, made me anxious. And every Sunday evening, without fail, brought a wave of existential despair.
Then I found my place.
Suddenly, someone cared; my well-being mattered. Suddenly, hard work got noticed and appreciated.
And here is the wild part. Someone said thank you. And good job. And I actually believed them.
Because actions speak louder than words. And he shows up every day with the same care.
The Jealousy Factor: When People Don’t Believe You
Now let us address the elephant in the room.
When I tell people about our CEO and founder, they don’t believe me.
“That can’t be real.”
“You must be exaggerating.”
“What’s the catch?”
I get it. I would be skeptical too. Having a boss who cares seems impossible in today’s corporate world.
Nevertheless, it is real. It exists. And I am living proof.
Some people get jealous. They ask: “Must be nice.”
And you know what? It is. It is really, really nice.
But here is the thing. I am not writing this to brag. I am writing this to show that it is possible.
Other companies can do this; leaders can change. Other cultures can evolve.
It starts with choosing to see people as humans. Not resources. Not headcounts.
Humans.
Why This Culture Makes Everyone Better
Let us be honest. This culture does not make us lazy. It makes us better.
Because when someone notices your effort, you want to do more. When someone appreciates your work, you take more pride. When someone asks about your life, you bring more of yourself to work.
Consequently, we deliver better results. We stay longer, care more. We actually enjoy coming to work.
And let’s face it, that is rare.
Furthermore, this culture spreads. People talk. Other companies notice. Eventually, the toxic ones start to look outdated.
And that is the goal. Change the culture. One CEO at a time.
The “Thank You” Culture
Our CEO and founder says thank you. A lot.
After a big project, a small task. After someone just does their job.
Because he sees everything. He notices the small wins. He acknowledges the effort behind the scenes.
And honestly? It works.
A simple thank you costs nothing. Yet it changes everything.
Similarly, he says Good job. He points out great work in meetings. He celebrates wins publicly.
Consequently, people feel seen. People feel valued. People feel like they matter.
The Final Verdict
Let us face reality. Most CEOs will never be like this.
Many will stay in their corner offices, will keep treating people like cogs. Many will wonder why their best employees keep leaving.
But here is the truth. That culture is dying. People are waking up. Talent is demanding better.
And the CEOs who get it? They will win.
The ones who ask about lunch, who care about mental health, who say thank you; those are the ones people will follow anywhere.
So if you have a boss like mine? Cherish him. Appreciate him. And please, take your lunch break.
Because somewhere out there, someone is getting yelled at for eating a sandwich at their desk. And that is just sad.
Ultimately, culture starts at the top. A CEO and founder who cares changes everything.
It is not about being soft, is about being human; it is about seeing people, not numbers.
And to anyone still stuck in a toxic environment? This is your sign. There is better out there. Do not settle for less.
Because you deserve a boss who asks if you ate lunch. You deserve a boss who notices your hard work. You deserve a boss who says thank you.
And if your current boss doesn’t? Maybe it is time to find one who does.
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