This case illustrates how a leader’s lack of self-awareness can derail his or her career and sabotage the performance of a company. It features Shai Agassi, founder and CEO of Better Place, a charismatic, visionary leader who promises a solution to the world’s reliance on oil. His charisma and convincing rhetoric are initially very effective at attracting investor and policy maker support for his idea of a network of electric cars with rechargeable, swappable batteries. The case describes Agassi’s journey from visionary founder to capital raising as one of the most successful startups in history. Agassi’s charismatic personality is observed as he pitches his vision in a TED Talk video. The case explores Agassi’s drivers and strengths by describing his background, including his family life, cultural context, and career history as an entrepreneur and senior executive at SAP. The case then outlines the unraveling of Agassi’s business and how he becomes increasingly disconnected from his stakeholders’ interests and the changing context. Agassi’s meteoric rise in popularity among media, investors and potential consumers is subsequently derailed by signs of narcissistic behaviour, poor financial management and strategy execution and unbalanced stakeholder engagement. Agassi’s bravado and defensive behaviours contribute to the loss of interest and commitment by partners, colleagues and investors and the eventual bankruptcy of the company. Agassi’s blind spots in his relationships, neglect of specific sets of stakeholders, tendency towards over-conviction in the business model, and inability to adopt an agile mind set contribute to his career downfall.
Great leaders prioritize rest and recovery by fostering strong team relationships and respecting out-of-work boundaries, ensuring employees can recharge and thrive.
Chanel Global CFO and IMD Executive in Residence Philippe Blondiaux explains how finance leaders can sustain a long-term focus on sustainability while addressing short-term challenges.
We are all impacted by negativity bias. But do you know what it is? Take this short quiz to test your knowledge and find ways to counterbalance its impact.
A five-step approach can help leaders foster sustainable legacies and social progress, while supporting financially sound futures for their organizations.
As AI continues to reshape industries, businesses must navigate the balance between automation and human contribution. How can AI can drive sustainability while empowering both employers and employees through data collaboration, energy optimizatio...
More than simply a compliance exercise, sustainability reporting regulations offer a chance to develop and strengthen your business, says IMD’s Salvatore Cantale
More than simply a compliance exercise, sustainability reporting regulations offer a chance to develop and strengthen your business, says IMD’s Salvatore Cantale
Leaders, strategists, and decision-makers can play a pivotal role in integrating sustainability into business strategies – and make money in the process. Knut Haanaes, Bryony Jansen van Tuyll, and Øystein D. Fjeldstad outline five steps to make it...
Teaching your team to manage up can give you greater insights, lead to better decision-making, and even boost retention. Here's how leaders can foster a culture that encourages upward influence.
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Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications
Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications