CEOs, while often effective in their roles, may sometimes face challenges with media handling. Here are ten American CEOs who, based on their public communications and media interactions, might benefit from additional media training:
- Jeff Weiner (LinkedIn) – Although LinkedIn is a major platform, Weiner has faced criticism for occasional unclear messaging or underwhelming responses to media queries.
- David G. Ford (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) – Ford has faced scrutiny for responses that lacked clarity, indicating a need for more polished media skills.
- Sundar Pichai (Google) – While a prominent CEO, Pichai has sometimes struggled with handling sensitive topics, such as privacy and regulatory issues.
- Marc Benioff (Salesforce) – Benioff’s outspoken nature on social issues has occasionally led to controversies, suggesting a need for refined media strategies.
- Ginni Rometty (IBM) – Rometty’s handling of IBM’s strategic shifts and declining performance has faced criticism for lacking transparency and clarity.
- Mary Barra (General Motors) – Barra has occasionally struggled with media communication, especially in handling crisis situations and regulatory scrutiny.
- Brian Chesky (Airbnb) – Chesky’s responses to controversies related to Airbnb’s impact on housing and local communities sometimes lacked nuance.
- Jim Farley (Ford Motor Company) – Farley’s media responses during major company transitions have sometimes been criticized for being vague or unconvincing.
- Jayshree Ullal (Arista Networks) – Ullal has faced challenges in communicating Arista’s strategic direction and addressing competitive pressures.
- Pat Gelsinger (Intel) – Gelsinger has sometimes struggled with effectively communicating Intel’s turnaround strategy and addressing technological challenges.
These CEOs might benefit from media training to enhance their communication skills, manage public relations more effectively, and ensure that their messages resonate well with their audience.