The CEO Ego reframes ego as the internal mechanism through which a leader’s inner life becomes organizational reality. Ego monitors the gap between who leaders are (reality) and who they want to be (Identity), then directs their energy either toward their highest intentions or toward self-protection.

When a leader’s identity feels threatened, their ego directs energy into control, certainty, blame, aggression, performance, or avoidance—restricting information, activating defensiveness, and diminishing the judgment of everyone around them. When leaders develop a more secure relationship with their identity, the same energy fuels curiosity, courage, confidence, creativity, wisdom, and joy which encourages the best version of everyone they lead.

Moving beyond the myth of the heroic, all-knowing CEO, The CEO Ego presents the leader-as-midwife who creates the conditions in which people, ideas, and collective intelligence can emerge. Through practical frameworks for navigating ambiguity, making decisions, leading meetings, inspiring others, and developing future leaders, it shows executives how to turn personal ambition into collective greatness.

BRIAN TURNER is a seasoned board director, CEO, and C-level executive with over 30 years’ experience growing and transforming professionals services organizations. He currently serves as the Managing Partner and Board Director for CFO Selections, and as Vistage Chair coaching CEOs in the Seattle area.