Did you ever wonder what happens to a rabidly self-promoting Senior Executive who never actually delivers the goods?

One local business woman, who must employ the services of an extraordinary PR person, has a resume which would humble most businessmen, and cause others to seriously question what exactly they are missing in their careers that they have not reached her level in the marketplace. Her resume shows her going from strength to strength, with the accompanying press to prove her prowess. She has created a buzz about herself internationally which is second to none. However, when one does two simple things, which is to look at the terms of engagement at every post, perform reference checks at a lower level in the organizations she has headed, two very clear images come forward. 

First, she has rarely stayed in any position for over 3 years, which means she has never truly had time to understand the corporation and put meaningful changes into place, and secondly, the staff below the level of Executive Vice President have rarely, if ever seen her actually walking around talking to anyone who works in these companies. When asked what changes she implemented or advantages to the company she brought forward, most of the individuals, all insisting on total confidentiality, stressed that the best thing she ever did was leave!!!

So, what is she really doing?

The simple answer, travelling the world in First Class at someone else’s expense, going to meetings, balls, board meetings, and building up a world class rolodex, bank account, and a press kit which is exemplary.

Further digging brought up the fact that she has been been repeatedly recruited for these corporations by the same executive recruiter. Her file is permanently open, when another prominent position appears, she wants to be apprised of it.

Now, you are seriously questioning the negative connotation of this article, she sounds like she has enjoyed an amazing career…

So, here some things to consider.

1. The Executive Recruiter she is using is in serious conflict of interest – most corporations insist upon a non-complete clause in the contract, ie, if you are doing business with them, then you cannot poach their employees. 
2. The companies for which she is employed have a responsibility towards their shareholders to provide value for money. If this individual is repeatedly travelling with an entourage First Class around the world to conferences and meetings, and is reputed to never actually speak with anyone on staff below Executive Vice President, how is it possible for her to actually  understand the issues before her? The only way one can really understand the issues within a company, are to walk the halls and to speak with everyone to understand what they feel are ways to improve. If one never speaks with any of the employees or walks around, it is virtually impossible to acquire this knowledge. 
3.  She is earning well in into the six figures, and her expenses are in the same range. Clearly there has been no estimation of value for the money spent. If a company is looking to purchase capital equipment, then extensive cost benefit analysis are performed, numbers crunched repeatedly, and several levels of approvals are necessary. How is it then, that there is no evaluation of the senior executive?

Well, after a brilliant 30 year career, this person is now the top figurehead in the Art World, once again spending money like mad, travelling extensively around the world …..invited to the best tables and events and racking up bills left and right. 

There are several of these people around, I chose one who is a woman as I have known her for many years.  

My question is, when do the investors get value for their money? When is enough enough?