Money Isn’t Everything: A CEO’s Take on What Really Drives Us

By Kraig Kleeman

Let’s dive into something buzzing around the executive circles lately. It’s about this eye-opening study from Carnegie Mellon University and insights from Seoul National University. They’ve turned the tables on what we thought we knew about what gets us CEOs out of bed in the morning. Spoiler alert: it’s not just the paycheck.

Money Talks, But It Doesn’t Inspire

Okay, so this study says, “Guess what? Those fat checks and stock options? They’re not the be-all and end-all for CEOs.” At first, I was like, “Come on, everyone likes a good bonus.” But then, it hit me. They’re onto something. This isn’t just about disagreeing for the sake of it; it’s about understanding the real pulse of what drives us to do better, to push harder.

From my rollercoaster ride as a CEO, I can tell you that the moments that stick aren’t when I see a bump in my bank account. It’s when my team nailed a project against all odds or when we made a real difference in our customers’ lives. It’s about the game, not just the score.

The Real MVPs of Motivation

So, what gets us firing on all cylinders if it’s not the allure of more zeros in the salary? I’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s the stuff that money can’t buy. We take pride in our work, the thrill of innovation, and that unbeatable feeling of leading a team to victory.

I remember this one time when we were on the brink of a significant breakthrough with a project. The team was burning the midnight oil, fueled by pizza and the collective drive to crack it. And when we did, the euphoria was something no bonus could match. That sense of accomplishment, of contributing something meaningful, gets us going.

Measuring Success Beyond the Balance Sheet

The Mellon study zeroes in on things like market performance and financial reporting. Important, yes, but only part of the picture. What about our impact on our teams, the culture we build, or the sustainability practices we champion?

These metrics give a fuller picture of a CEO’s success. The hallmarks of genuinely impactful leadership are how long we’ve steered the ship, the stability and growth of our teams, and our commitment to social and environmental causes.

For instance, I’ve always believed that a great leader isn’t just someone who leads a company to profitability. It’s someone who leaves the company—and the world—a better place. Whether defending the weak, creating order,, or ensuring our employees feel valued and heard, these metrics matter to me.

Wrapping Up

This discussion, sparked by the Mellon study, is a game-changer. It challenges us to rethink our motivations and what it means to be successful. For me and many of my fellow execs, it’s a reminder that while the financial perks are nice, they do not define our legacy.

It’s about making a mark, inspiring change, and leading purposefully. So, let’s keep the conversation going. What drives you? What are the moments that define your success? Because at the end of the day, it’s about more than just the money—it’s about making a difference.

About Kraig Kleeman

Kraig Kleeman is a highly successful entrepreneur, author, and showrunner. If his accomplishments and aspirations were to draw inspiration from natural icons, he could be described as a fusion of Elon Musk’s visionary approach to business and Mick Jagger’s electrifying stage presence. He possesses keen business acumen and a flair for captivating performances that awe audiences.

Kraig’s entrepreneurial spirit is boundless, as evidenced by his track record of founding a tech company and taking it from nothing to $30 million in sales, in less than four years. His newest venture, CEO Branding Worldwide, is growing by triple digits, quarter over quarter. While some may liken his abilities to a Midas touch, others prefer to think of it as transforming companies into profitable ventures instead of turning things into gold!