In 30 seconds
Halligan argues that CEOs can succeed in different ways and recalls learning to be himself.
- 1Different stylesHalligan sees no single CEO model.
- 2PeersHe values CEO groups.
- 3AuthenticityHe learned from distinctive founders.
Takeaways
- There is no single CEO formula.
- Peer groups can provide useful perspectives.
- Halligan values being himself.
Read the edited text by chapter
No single formula
HubSpot co-founder Brian Halligan says successful CEOs differ in background and style and that he has not found a single reliable formula for identifying them.
HubSpot co-founder Brian Halligan says successful CEOs differ in background and style and that he has not found a single reliable formula for identifying them.
He recalls working for three very different leaders: a sales leader, a finance-oriented executive and a product visionary.
Halligan says he tried to learn from each of them, but their differences reinforced his skepticism about a single CEO playbook.
A peer group
He describes joining a CEO peer group in Boston when his company had about 20 employees and recommends peer groups as a source of support.
He describes joining a CEO peer group in Boston when his company had about 20 employees and recommends peer groups as a source of support.
Halligan particularly wanted to learn from leaders associated with iRobot and E Ink, alongside other executives in the group.
Being yourself
He recalls observing that two founder-led companies were successful while several others struggled, and that the founder CEOs had distinctive personalities.
He recalls observing that two founder-led companies were successful while several others struggled, and that the founder CEOs had distinctive personalities.
Halligan says their example helped him feel comfortable being himself instead of performing a stereotypical CEO role. He presents a personal anecdote, not proof that one personality causes success.
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