Investor Rick Segal shares correspondence with a presumptuous CEO candidate, name redacted, who lists a company car, gym membership, and a personal development budget among his needs. He specifically demands a benefits package beyond what the other employees receive. "This is to acknowledge my unique contribution/role/pressure/accountability," writes the prospective boss. Unique sense of entitlement, more like. Here's a tip for wannabe chief executives: negotiate the salary, performance bonus and equity. Remember that startups at least pretend their culture is egalitarian. By demanding special privileges, you'll shatter that illusion. Even if the investors swallow their distaste, in desperation, obscene perks will give your future colleagues another reason to despise you.
