Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is worried that attacks from the press and politicians will drive successful CEOs to “leave from burnout.” Given the timing, this tweet seemed to be a response to the pounding that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has taken lately, although Armstrong mentioned “Gates, Page, Bezos” as though they were examples. This has to be one of the more bizarre, and out-of-touch, commentaries on the what’s-wrong-with-Facebook debate.
“America could be losing some of its best talent from this,” Armstrong added. Really? Like who? The three entrepreneurs he cited, among the very richest people in the world, each stepped back from full-time CEO duties so they can pursue ways of spending the gobs of money they’ve made. Moreover, Gates and Bezos, in particular, have continued pursuing high-profile ventures that suggest they remain comfortable with the limelight (no one blasts themselves into space wearing a cowboy hat if they’re afraid of being criticized).
