Corporate America can often appear disillusioning. We’re often fed the idea that we can achieve anything, but the reality is far more complex. While we can potentially pursue countless paths, it’s essential to acknowledge that becoming the starting shortstop for the Yankees, or landing a similarly exclusive role, is an exceedingly rare occurrence—something most of us and those within our circles will never experience in this lifetime, or even the next ten.

Furthermore, we witness a paradoxical situation in which individuals, despite boasting an assortment of degrees, sometimes lack the practical intelligence needed to excel in their roles. Complicating matters, HR departments often appear to exist primarily as resource consumers, guarding the interests of higher-ups at any cost. This creates the impression that HR is more of a facade than a genuine support system.

Corporate America has morphed into a realm dominated by political maneuvering, fueled by private equity backers, often at the expense of the very essence that once defined these companies’ greatness.

Our educational system, coupled with the trend of awarding participation medals, has inadvertently given rise to a generation of executives and middle managers who often lack the essential skills required for their positions. This skills deficit breeds a sense of insecurity, leading them to engage in organizational politics instead of confidently leading—a term now excessively tossed around in corporate circles. Consequently, they prioritize self-preservation, often at the detriment of the company’s strategic progress.

In addition, the influence of liberal culture, woke culture, and pervasive selfishness has contributed to a class of leaders who seem to lack a profound understanding of their own businesses, with little hope of ever grasping the intricacies. It’s disheartening to witness these so-called “leaders” struggle to foster growth within their businesses, nurture their teams, or even develop themselves.

Across all tiers of corporate America, a pervasive undercurrent of silent desperation prevails. Many individuals teeter on the edge of financial instability, always one unfortunate job loss away from transitioning from the role of secretary to the CEO to facing financial hardship in a short span.