On CEOs using company channels for politics

Deep thoughts on Expensify’s email blast.

1. I don’t feel CEO’s should use company channels to push to vote for any specific candidate. Although, I personally, agree with a lot of his points — I look to the inverse and say “What if he was pushing all the customers and employees to re-elect?” I don’t want B so I can’t be for A.

2. CEO’s can and should broadcast their values, personally. Companies should demonstrate their values by how they treat their customers and team. Generous return policies, accessible products, mat / pat leave, equal pay, fostering diversity, and support for non-profit causes.

3. The business may find more talent and that talent will not be conservative. It’s arguable whether that harms ‘diversity of thought’ in the co.

4. I think it’ll definitely create a lot of noise which will result in some churn of some customers and probably a lot of new ones who’ve never heard of them. My gut says it’ll be a net positive on growth.

5. Managing the loss of major customers due to a CEO’s actions may materially impact some sales compensation and the company owes those individuals something for that. I’m hopeful they manage for that.