The evolution of a CEO, is also the evolution of their corporation; the corporation changes as the CEO develop themselves as individuals; from their education, social awareness, aspirations and mindset.
It is almost obligatory for both the CEO and corporation to go through the processes of evolution because they are surrounded by the phenomena occurring amongst their customers, long term clients, the public, the markets, technology, governments and indeed, the natural world of Earth from where the idea of evolution was first originally pinned to. Nothing stays the same. A corporation and thus, it's CEO, must evolve over time and persist in acting as the driving force for research, development and progress.
As a company becomes larger, more complexed, harder to manage and sometimes harder to control; the founder loses sight of the forest to focus on the trees instead. Inspiration and visions are replaced by the inertia of managing a large organisation.
Thus, it becomes vital for the founder, to remain as the ‘Vision Maker’, or after becoming the CEO; to evolve into becoming the Executive Chairman, establishing a flow of new, greater visions, objectives and goals.
As Executive Chairman, Jeff Bezos as well as Amazon, are well positioned to gain great advantage in freeing up Bezos's time but Bezos is also freed up to attend to his other ventures, that have reached sufficient maturity to offer a credible return on investment for his dedicated time and energy.
At some point for a successful CEO, evolution becomes necessary based on the following;
Upon reaching a level of incredible success.
When senior executives become qualified, experienced and competent enough to take over the position above them.
When the Founder has fulfilled their original purpose.
When new ventures that fall within the expertise of the CEO offer greater returns.
This process of evolution has been demonstrated by also a number of highly innovative companies over the last decade.
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