A talent agent once told me about an eye-opening encounter he had with Jack Welch when he was chairman of General Electric. The agent’s firm had just concluded a long-term contract renewal, with an eye-popping raise and stock options, for an on-air broadcaster at GE’s NBC broadcasting unit. Welch mentioned the broadcaster’s name in the meeting and the agent half-proudly, half-sheepishly said, “Yes, I’m afraid we took you guys to the cleaners with that one.” Welch’s eyes flared for a second, and the agent feared that he had needlessly insulted the legendary CEO. In solemn, serious tones, Welch
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