David Elliott

Too often we treat people as commodities that are interchangeable and maintain the same characteristics and aptitudes. Of course, we know that people are not interchangeable, yet we continually pretend that they are anyway — to make life simpler for our reptile brain to comprehend. Deep down we know that people have different passions, skills, and potential, but even when it comes to innovation, we expect everybody to have good ideas.

Jack Welch is the most admired CEO in the world. During his 20 years as Chairman and CEO of General Electric, he transformed the company from a bureaucratic behemoth to a dynamic and revered powerhouse. During his tenure, GE's market value grew from $13 billion to $400 billion. In the process, Welch's management innovations made him the most influential CEO of his era.