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by nxzero 3718 days ago
Why is asking "who is the CEO" a bad sign?
3 comments

Hey nxzero,

I saw PG say this once in a short interview I saw on Youtube. I'm looking for it now. Will update when I can

[Edit] Found it: https://youtu.be/JK3sVFs6_rs?t=175

Wow, awesome; adds a lot of value adding it to your original comment, thanks!
Presumably it's because the leader of the group should be apparent without having to ask. If everyone's leading, no one is.
- "Be heard, not seen."

- "Be seen, not heard."

- "Be seen, be heard."

Which requires the more control, trust, etc.?

It is like asking who is the organ grinder. Implies that the rest of the team are monkeys. That aint a good sign.
Just to be clear, I'm asking why the original commenter believes that this is PG's opinion and a source backing this up.

To be honest, bit odd that YC wouldn't know this before even inviting a startup in for an interview; or if agility is the goal, nametags with first names that match a brief covering roles, responsibilities, etc. with headshot on the sheet too.

If someone is using the question to express something indirectly, I would rather someone directly express what they're thinking.

Personally, not knowing who's the CEO in my opinion isn't an issue; in my opinion, partners not understanding what's being said, being unable to answer a question, not agreeing, giving conflicting answers, etc. - are issues.