Leadership (but really just the CEO, who has a stranglehold on company strategy and direction) really needs to appreciate that this isn't a company that can scale (and exit) like some other tech company. GreenBiz was successful when its growth was organic, deserved, justified, well thought out, slow and intentional. The current CEO thinks that the classic hockey stick of growth applies to an event company, but it's just not the case. Greenbiz's greatest asset is it is the premier event platform for the world's top sustainability professionals, a leading editorial/website outfit addressing this industry, and a unique executive network. These platform's success is contingent upon them being intimate, small, super senior level, and not open to the masses....or some SAAS platform that can be scaled into oblivion. The CEO's growth strategy is antithetical to what makes their brand so cherished, sought after. They are simply incongruent with one another. GreenBiz isn't meant for an exit, acquisition, and payout to the owners/leadership team. I know it sucks to hear, but those who pay attention know this is the case. It's irrefutable. The CEO is a great human/individual, but he needs to learn how to listen/react to clear market signals and feedback from his team, the Greeniz community, etc. He is incapable of listening, narcissistic, poorly equipped for the job, doesn't actually engage with our community, incapable of being challenged, and incapable of leading effectively. The greatest threat to GreenBiz's success is the CEO...hard stop. He isn't a lost cause, but if he doesn't wake up and smell the coffee, i worry for us all. The GreenBiz team is one of the most capable, inspiring, hard-working, groups in the land. It pains me to say this all, but it simply needs to be said because we all love and beleive in GB. Despite not working there anymore, it was a career highlight for me!
