Social Media Is A Must For CEOs, And Here's Why It Matters

"The role of a CEO on social media is constantly changing, and some still argue it's too risky to have the CEO be active at all. As consumer and workforce expectations continue to evolve, leaders are challenged to build connections; share transparently and authentically; and add to the company's valuation."

"The video was good for both Kempczinski and McDonald's. The viral moment generated earned media and increased sales for the new burger, and if you've followed Kempczinski on social media for some time, the video was authentic and aligned with his presence."

"In my experience, increased sales aren't the main goal of getting executives active on social media, but the intention of authentically showing up as a human and valuable executive influencer should be, and here are the top three benefits."

CEO participation on social media has evolved from a risky proposition to a strategic necessity. While executives often fear mistakes, brand damage, or offending audiences, social media serves as a powerful tool for building genuine connections, sharing transparently, and adding company value. McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski's viral video exemplifies this—despite initial awkwardness, it generated earned media, increased sales, and demonstrated authentic leadership. The primary goal of executive social media presence extends beyond immediate sales; it focuses on humanizing leadership and establishing valuable executive influence. A strong CEO reputation significantly impacts business outcomes, with research showing that 87% of CEOs believe reputation attracts investors and 83% report it influences other critical business metrics.

Read at Forbes