The 21st Century CEO

Do you know that guy you always see walking around with blue jeans, sneakers, a button-up or pull over shirt, a backpack and iPod connected headphones in his ears? Perhaps the look reminds you of the typical college student in their early twenties. Perhaps the look reminds you of your neighbor's kids? Perhaps the look reminds you of the numerous young adults working common jobs all over the United States and the world. You're probably right and yet so wrong at the same time.

I'd like to introduce you to the official uniform of the 21st century CEO. We're not talking the CEO of a traditional stuff-suit company, but rather the CEO of a new Silicon Valley startup or a web-based startup period. This is also the typical look of the CEO of a new clothing company, snowboard company, surfboard company, media company, etc. With very low barriers to entry, many twenty-somethings are now entering the online business sector en masse. Often, it only takes a computer, an internet connection and a web hosting service to get these new CEOs on their way to becoming .com millionaires. What's so special about these new entrepreneurs?

It is well known that as time goes by, the amount of information that a person has access to grows exponentially. The amount of material taught in schools increases with every passing year. These new entrepreneurs have access to far more information, and often have far more education than the last generation of entrepreneurs and business people. Furthermore, the new pool of entrepreneurs is far more diverse and skilled than the last generation. Most of them realize that it takes way too much coal to power the massive air conditioning systems needed to keep the older CEOs comfortable in their ten thousand dollar Italian suits. They realize that having a ten thousand square foot home with just two people in it is nearly a criminally negligent waste of space, energy and raw materials. They realize that true understanding comes from interacting with all kinds of people. They also realize that they are interdependent on their cohorts across the globe.

I look to the future with pride as the new leaders of America form new businesses and gradually takes over the older ones. As this happens, a shift of epic proportions within the business world will happen, and the sagging inefficient business models of old will be replaced with new ones, or collapse all together. A smarter, more skilled, more diverse, more confident and better informed CEO will take the place of the suits we are all to familiar with today. Don't be surprised when you walk into the boardroom in the future and see your new CEO wearing jeans, sneakers and a casual shirt whilst listening to an iPod. All the while, note that while you and the rest of the group may be sweating profusely in your designer suits and other boring attire, your new CEO is sitting cool and comfortable in the outfit of the 21st century CEO.

My advice to you: Understand Computers, Internet Technology, Business and Entertainment. You won't want to be around if you don't.

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