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🎭 Why You Should Hire "Divas"

How Big Personalities Can Drive a Culture of Excellence

Read time: 4 minutes

Dear Innovators,

When we think about company culture, we often gravitate towards harmony and collaboration. But what if the key to driving excellence isn’t found in avoiding conflict, but in embracing it?

This week, let’s explore a perspective shared by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who champions hiring “divas” or big personalities. These are the people who, despite being “difficult,” push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and drive companies toward greatness.

Today’s topic:

  • Why hiring strong personalities can be a game-changer for your company.

  • How controversial leaders have shaped some of the world’s most successful businesses.

  • The rising role of women in business leadership, who embody these “diva” qualities.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt

Why You Should Hire the “Diva”

Eric Schmidt, during his time at Google, worked with some of the biggest personalities in tech—people like Steve Jobs and Bill Joy—who he describes as “divas.” Far from being a criticism, Schmidt believes these bold personalities are crucial to driving a culture of excellence.

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"The people who are the divas... will drive the culture of excellence, and they'll drive you to that excellence."

Yes, divas are demanding, controversial, and sometimes difficult to manage, but they bring passion, vision, and an unrelenting drive for greatness. Steve Jobs, for example, was known for his perfectionism and high expectations at Apple, pushing teams to deliver industry-defining products like the iPhone and MacBook.

Schmidt emphasizes that if you don’t hire these driven individuals, you're missing out on a force that can elevate your company to new heights. The lesson? Don’t shy away from the “divas” just because they’re challenging—they may be the very people who take your business from good to exceptional.

The “Diva” in Action: Women in Leadership

While this conversation often centers around male leaders like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, it’s important to recognize that many of today’s most influential businesswomen embody these same bold, driven qualities. These women are reshaping industries and challenging what it means to be a leader.

Sheryl Sandberg (Meta, Lean In)

Known for her outspoken views on leadership and women in the workplace, Sheryl Sandberg has been both praised and criticized for her bold ideas, particularly around balancing ambition and family life. She didn’t play by the rules—she rewrote them. Her "lean in" philosophy has sparked debates worldwide, but her impact on Meta (formerly Facebook) and the broader conversation about women in leadership cannot be denied.

Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo)

As the former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi is another example of a leader who pushed boundaries. Described as strong-willed and driven, Nooyi led with a vision that transformed PepsiCo into a more sustainable and socially responsible company. She wasn't afraid to ruffle feathers or demand more from her teams, and it paid off with exceptional business growth.

Melanie Perkins (Canva)

Melanie Perkins, the co-founder of Canva, faced numerous rejections before securing funding for her startup. Known for her relentless focus and high expectations, Perkins didn’t let the doubters hold her back. Today, Canva is a multi-billion-dollar company, proving that “divas” like Perkins are the innovators who can break barriers and drive business success.

Melanie Perkins

Today's Key Lessons:

  • 👑 Hire the Divas: Big personalities with big visions can push your company to excel beyond what you thought possible.

  • 🎯 Passion Drives Excellence: Strong-willed leaders are controversial, but their passion and drive are exactly what propel companies toward greatness.

  • 💃 Women CEO’s are Redefining Divas: Businesswomen like Sheryl Sandberg, Indra Nooyi, and Melanie Perkins embody the same drive and vision traditionally seen in male counterparts, proving that “divas” are essential to leadership across genders.

To build a thriving company, consider hiring the people who won’t settle for mediocrity—the ones who demand more, not just from themselves but from everyone around them.

Until next time, embrace the challenge, hire the bold, and push for excellence!