Hi there, and welcome back to another Insane Founder.
This week, we unpack TikTok’s potential U.S. sale, Trump’s tech-inspired government overhaul, why trust in CEOs is crumbling, and the growing AI readiness gap between leaders and employees. Dive into actionable insights for leaders navigating these pivotal shifts in 2025.
Startup America: Trump’s tech-driven government shake-up
Picture the U.S. government as a legacy company—once dominant but now weighed down by bureaucracy and inefficiency. Enter President Trump, flanked by tech heavyweights like Elon Musk, with a bold, Silicon Valley-inspired vision to transform it.
Why it matters
Trump’s presidency, shaped by his transactional instincts and Musk’s tech-forward mindset, is betting on a startup mentality to tackle America’s mounting debt and slow growth. The playbook? Simplify operations, cut costs, and bet big on innovation like AI, energy, and space exploration.
The vision
Leaner government: Inspired by Meta’s "Year of Efficiency," the administration aims to streamline processes and cut waste. Think fewer layers, faster decisions.
Big bets: With $36 trillion in debt, growth is the only viable path. The focus is on AI, crypto, space, and domestic innovation to boost GDP growth beyond the usual 2–3%.
Breaking norms: Musk and other tech leaders argue that disruptive, sometimes painful change—like layoffs in a struggling company—is necessary for long-term success.
The risks
Not everyone buys into the "government as a startup" mindset. Critics, like former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin, warn that business tactics don’t always translate to governance. Humility, he says, is essential for avoiding costly missteps in an arena where the stakes—and complexities—are exponentially higher.
The stakes
For businesses, the message is clear: This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape policies on AI, chips, and energy. But as Trump and Musk push for a tech-driven overhaul, success depends on whether this startup philosophy can navigate the unique challenges of governing a nation.
This isn’t about politics; it’s about reimagining what’s possible when tech ambition meets government scale.
Forget the office vs. remote debate—leaders are focusing on how we work, not just where.
The Work States Futures Report reveals five emerging mindsets driving this shift, from purpose-driven leadership to adaptive learning.
Trust in CEOs erodes as skepticism of leadership grows
A new report from the Edelman Trust Barometer reveals a troubling decline in trust towards CEOs, with 7 in 10 people believing that business leaders, government officials, and journalists frequently mislead the public. The erosion of trust in those once considered pillars of integrity is reshaping how society views leadership and accountability.
Key findings
Decline in trust: Distrust in business leaders has jumped 21% since 2021, with grievances against institutions like government and media also growing significantly.
Grievance gap: Those harboring high levels of grievance are far less likely to trust CEOs (30%) compared to those with fewer grievances (64%).
Business and social issues: Despite skepticism, 80% of respondents support businesses addressing societal challenges if their efforts align with performance improvements or directly impact customers, employees, or communities.
The backlash against CEOs
Edelman CEO Richard Edelman points to businesses facing resistance over their increasing role in driving societal change. Yet, the data suggests this backlash comes with a nuanced expectation: People want businesses to act responsibly and transparently, especially when addressing issues like misinformation, climate change, and affordability.
What this means for leadership
While "my employer" remains the most trusted institution globally, even it has seen a drop in trust, falling from 79% in 2024 to 76% in 2025. For CEOs, the message is clear: Transparency and action are more critical than ever. Addressing societal issues isn’t just an opportunity—it’s a responsibility.
In a world where trust is fragile, businesses must tread carefully. The era of passive leadership is over; bold, ethical, and community-focused actions are the new baseline.
AI ambitions outpace employee readiness
As companies ramp up generative AI investments, a stark gap emerges: 90% of executives believe their workforce is ready, but only 70% of employees agree, according to Accenture's Pulse of Change report.
The disconnect: While 86% of leaders plan to boost AI investments in 2025, most spending focuses on technology rather than training. Employees feel the impact—25% cite a lack of training resources, and 22% say they don’t know how to integrate AI into their work.
What employees need
Better training: Over half want more robust programs (55%) and clear guidelines for responsible AI use (54%).
Practical tools: Employees need actionable steps to apply AI in daily tasks, not just promises of efficiency.
Why it matters: Failing to align people, processes, and technology risks undercutting AI’s potential. “Companies that adapt and train fast stay competitive,” says Angela Beatty, Accenture’s HR chief.
The takeaway: Leaders must prioritize employee readiness, ensuring AI investments are matched with meaningful support and training to unlock its full potential.
