#29: The RTO Hall of Shame: Worst C-Suite Takes on Return-to-Office Mandates

Are CEOs actually using data when making return-to-office decisions? Come on, you know the answer. (No, they aren't.) In today’s episode I'm taking on the worst corner-office offenders in the corporate world who are mandating returns to office with flawed logic, hypocrisy, and tone-deaf policies.

This episode was inspired by Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Chase, who declared at a town hall early in 2025 that remote work "simply doesn't work" for creativity and decision-making—with no data to back his claims. It got me wondering why so many CEOs who usually pride themselves on being "data-driven" and "innovative" are so determined to make backward, uninformed declarations about how work should happen.

I cover four of the worst RTO offenders, from A to Z, starting with Andy (Jassy) of Amazon. and also share common threads among the reasons behind these mandates. And for managers caught in the middle, I offer some practical advice.

I also revisit one of my common rants: that proximity doesn't automatically build culture or innovation. These are built through consistent, committed leadership choices that include listening to people and adapting to new ways of working.

Take a listen and let me know in the comments which CEO gets your vote for the worst RTO take!

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